No aliens, no big sets, no special effects, no period costumes, just another (presumably) pseudo-autobiographical movie from David Stanley about the love life of a guy who writes x-rated movies. It's the oldest, simplest premise there is: Does she like me? Is she doing that other guy? I hate that other guy. Why don't I have the balls to make a move?

But I think I've come to the conclusion that simple is good in features. I think the reason is that with the various limitations of adult filmmaking, simple keeps things on a level where real creative success is possible. The more you try, the worse you fail. Sad but true.

So even though the plot follows well-worn ground, "Just Like That" is a neatly executed little movie that hits the mark.

Pros: Kirsten Price is lovely in this, slightly more so than usual, IMO. As the woman who's sort of the Holy Grail of the movie, her character is also sufficiently charming to seem worthy of the attention. Not every porn gal has enough personality to pull that off.

*Nice scene with Randy Spears, Alexis Malone and Cherokee, including a well-executed double BJ that isn't short-shrifted. The ladies also are key characters and do a terrific job with their dialogue scenes.

*There are throwaway scenes, but there also are scenes with emotions that are easy to identify with. And in at least one case (Price's blowjob with Barrett Blade) that emotion is handled in a unique, cinematic and amusing way.

*The old Stanley goofiness is fairly abundant. Animal costumes, etc. I don't know what the inspiration for the gag with using cups on a string instead of a phone is (did they forget to bring a prop phone to the set?), but it was pretty funny. Humor might not be essential to a good porn movie, but I appreciate when it succeeds.

Cons: Dude, maybe give it a rest with the feet already. A lot more footjobbing and cumming on feet in this one. Eh, I guess there are lots of people who do like that stuff, but it ain't my thing.

Bottom line: I'm still on the Stanley bandwagon. Keeping in mind that I'm a pretty tough grader, this is how I've seen his Wicked releases to date:

Polarity B
All About Keri A
Harlequin B+
Are We In Love? D+
Creme Brulee B+
What Are Friends For? A-
Rendezvous B
Duality C
Just Like That B+

He's got the best track record with me since, I don't know, Jules Jordan in 2002.