It's no secret here that I watch a lot of Wicked movies. Traditionally it's been because I've been a fan of their contract performers, but now Wicked might have my top two active writer/directors: Stormy Daniels and David Stanley. It took me a while to decompress from Las Vegas, and "Private Eyes" and "All About Keri" are the first movies I've watched since returning.
"Private Eyes" apparently was a fill-in movie Stormy put together when another project fell through temporarily, and she indicates in an interview that she wrote it in two days. But it's pretty solid.
The gist: It's the story of Felicia Fox's rise to the top of a private detective firm. The sex scenes mostly arise out of what she sees and does in the course of her investigations. It's a simple premise that gets us where we need to go.
Pros: I feel like I should know Felicia Fox better than I do. She does a fine job carrying the movie with her dialogue and voice-over, and seems like my type as a brunette, naturally curvy, adult woman (as in, not a teen).
*Felicia and Nicole Sheridan share some humorous moments in a scene that starts with some strap-on work. I always think it's good to get some personality into the sex scenes, with dialogue beyond "Oh yeah". And playfulness is better than dead-seriousness. There are other good jokes as well, typical of a Stormy script (the "Asian bitch" gag is very adroitly executed).
*I was surprised to see Katie Morgan in a scene, because I do remember some amusing remarks on the "Space Nuts" commentary track. [;))] She looks as cute as ever, but doesn't get to act much. Her scene is with Mr. Pete, who would ordinarily land in my "Cons" section, but his annoying tendencies are pretty well masked here. It's a solid, energetic scene.
*It's good to see Julia Ann, even in a non-naked cameo. I miss her lately.
Cons: Nothing serious. The Charmane Star/Manuel Ferrara scene is supposed to be set in a Japanese restaurant, to work in a fairly amusing sushi joke (not what you think), but of course the set and Charmane's outfit are Chinese. What are you going to do, I'm sure that's just what was available.
*What in the name of creamsicle bars happened to Eric Masterson's hair? Yikes.
Bottom line: See it for sure if you like Felicia. Sure, I liked "Second Thoughts" better, but this definitely keeps me on the Stormy bandwagon.
When the remaining Keri Sable movies roll out, it's going to be pretty bittersweet. She might not show a wide dynamic range as an actress yet, but she does have an unforced, natural air that really works. Also, she's fucking hot. Boy howdy.
The gist: It looks like another semi-autobiographical piece by David Stanley, not unlike "Pretty Girl", which I liked quite a bit. Even if all the details are made up, it certainly comes off that way. It's the tale of a struggling writer/director and what he will or won't give up to make a movie: His girlfriend? His integrity? Even ... love?
Pros: I like it right from the credits, which humorously set up the push/pull between a love story and a porno that is the theme of the flick, and of the flick within the flick.
*The sex scenes are better this time out than in past movies I've seen from Stanley. Kimberly Kane has a sort of unglamorized role, but she looks great and just radiates sex. I love her in this movie. Faith gets a chance to show how lovely she can be with Wicked-level attention to makeup, wardrobe and light. When Keri gives a smoldering look, man, it smolders. She's hot-hot-hot in her 2.5 scenes. The Justine Joli/Sarah Blake scene didn't do much for me, but that might be just me. I'm rarely in the mood for g/g.
*I don't always find Evan Stone as funny as Evan Stone finds Evan Stone, and his acting has a very hammy, self-consciously ironic feel to me. But he's quite good in this, with a role that's perfect for his over-the-top inclinations. The writing helps him out a lot.
*I really like the jazz soundtrack used for half the scenes. It actually made a contribution to the scenes, the way a movie soundtrack is supposed to, rather than just occupying aural space.
Cons: Also not a lot. There were some odd looks to the camera that didn't seem to belong. One of Keri's scenes (with Evan) is a little truncated ... I know why, the cut makes dramatic sense, but it still makes the scene a little choppy.
*The BTS is credited to Nikki Fritz, a name I vaguely remember from a Howard Stern appearance. It's mostly scenes from the movie from the perspective of a BTS camera, with little in the way of interviews or genuine BTS moments. Bring back Mark Stone.
Just weird: There's an outtake in the credits. I don't know if it belongs there, because while it's kind of funny in a way, it's mostly terribly uncomfortable. I don't know where it would be appropriate to show it, but that didn't seem to be the time or place. You kind of have to see it, but basically: Keri's in doggy, and Manuel's pop travels about four feet and apparently splashes Jay Huntington, who's at Keri's face. The guy gets pissed and spits -- presumably at Manuel (in frame, all you really see is Keri and the dicks). And you hear Manuel telling him, "I didn't do that on purpose, man, don't take it like that. You know I didn't do it on purpose, why do something like that?"
Very uncomfortable.
Bottom line: A very well-written, well-performed movie. If you want to see what Keri's work was like with Wicked, you won't go wrong here.
Next up: My rental service says Stanley's "Harlequin" is in the mail.
Wicked Pictures,Vouyer Media, Axel Braun Productions, Marc Dorcel, JoyBear Pictures, abbywinters.com 1390 Posts 7/05
Posted - Jan 19 2006 : 2:33PM
Hi ObiBong,
Thanks so much for the thoughtful reviews. As usual, your observations are witty and accomplished. I loved "Second Thoughts," but upon repeated viewings, I've come to like "Private Eyes" almost as much. It has a charm that sort of sneaks up on you. Stormy's direction is smooth and subliminal in this one. The shoot she's currently working on, "Gossip," has a powerhouse of a screenplay, every bit the equal of "Second Thoughts."
And speaking of Mr. Stanley, since you already like his work I think you'll be thoroughly pleased with "Harlequin." It has an innovative screenplay, some great sexual encounters, and his best work with actors to date.
Perhaps I'm biased, but Wicked's output - by the entire directorial staff - just keeps getting better.
I'm looking forward to checking out Private Eyes tonight or this weekend. All I really needed to see to know that I had to check it out was Stormy being listed as the director.
"Vegetarianism for me is about saying ‘yes’ to things - even meat." - Coupling
Okay, just watched Private Eyes today. Review is going to go in tomorrow, but for now I enjoyed this one every bit as much as everything else I've seen from Stormy behind the camera. I only have three complaints, two of which are common for Wicked: 1) Not a lot of position changes, although here there's at least a little improvement because there are some. 2) Non-anamorphic widescreen. I'm not quite sure why Wicked wants to be outdone by Digital Playground and Adam & Eve here, but I'm continually disappointed by the effort Wicked's put into their widescreen video. 3) What the heck happened to Nicole and Voodoo's scene? It shows up in the behind the scenes and it seems like there should have been room on the DVD. If it had to be cut from the movie for some reason, why not include it as a deleted scene on the DVD????
As for the plus side of things, this one's worth renting just for Nicole and Felicia's scene. Sexually it's above average, but more importantly it's sexy and funny as hell! Felicia does a great job leading this one, Stormy continues to show that she's probably the best new feature director to come out of 2005.
"Vegetarianism for me is about saying ‘yes’ to things - even meat." - Coupling
I was going to note that, but I thought I was getting too long-winded. What I would have said is that I didn't miss it that much. First of all, it's not important to moving the plot along, it's background. More important -- it's a pool boy scene. The only thing more overdone than pool boy scenes is "ironic" pool boy scenes where we're supposed to share the joke. It's a good cut.
I think it's smart that Wicked uses bonus scenes that feature the cover performer, but it wouldn't have hurt to throw this one in, too.
The Nicole and Voodoo scene is there...it's an Easter egg :) Happy Hunting!!! It wasn't cut; it was never intended to be part of the actual movie so I purposely made it over-the top funny to poke fun at the over-done pool boy premise. Maybe I'll make fun of the pizza boy next...just kidding!!!
Obi, I mostly agree with you on the overdone poolboy. There's just two things that make me wish it was there. First, Nicole and Voodoo can often turn out a darn good scene. Second, and this is the bigger one, is how well the cliched maid scene was done between Nicole and Felicia. That scene was both hot and funny as heck, and I expected Nicole and Voodoo's pool boy scene to be just as good.
Regardless, it's a great movie and I can't wait to see the next movie with Stormy behind the camera!
"Vegetarianism for me is about saying ‘yes’ to things - even meat." - Coupling
I was lucky enough to be on set to watch Stanley direct and, wow...that man brings some energy with him. it was f'n kool!
I got to talk to him and will post that interview shortly but yeah my 2 favorite directors right now are Stormy & Stanley. Pretty nice on Wicked's part!
Another excellent effort by Stormy. I'm pretty well in perfect agreement with both Obibong and Astro's evaluations. As far as Voodoo and Nicole, I didn't miss it much, but now that I know it's there, I'll make sure to hunt for the easter egg.
Great job, Stormy. You're directing the best sex scenes for Wicked right now, I really believe that.
Thanks so much!!! I'm glad that you enjoyed my effort...I've been trying to heat things up :) It can be very difficult to work within the confines of a story line, especially without ruining the plot. And even though my heart is in writing features, I look forward to showing you guys what I can really do when turned loose!!! "Forbidden Fucks" (from Stormy Ent.) should be a pleasant surprise for fans of stuff that's a little harder :) It goes into editing next week so I'll keep you posted on the release date.
Katie Morgan is really going up the porn food chain. Expect to see her in alot more features. She's in two of the Club Jenna releases planned for this year. Good for her, she seems like a sweet girl.
