No stranger to T&A flicks, I never got deep in the 'women in prison' subgenre and after 'Caged Hearts' it clicked why. All the usual plot formulas - romance, murder or comedy - share one thing in common. Women want to have sex or get naked. However in this world it's always them being abused or forced into it and there's no avoiding the slimy feeling that comes from it.
Best friends Kate (Carrie Genzel) and Sharon (Tane McClure) on their way to a party are ambushed by Sharon's ex who won't take no for an answer. Coming to her friend's rescue, Kate shoots and kills the man as both are brought up on charges of murder. In court justice is corrupt as they're found guilty & sent to prison. It's here a powerful cabal known as "The Shield" made up of judges, lawyers and cops single out female inmates to be used for sexual pleasure.
They don't waste any time as only six minutes in finds the pair already in prison being tormented and yelled at in the nude or taking part in group showers. Feeding your exploitative needs a lady warden, guards and even some fellow female inmates serve up attitude, suspect acting and many cringe lines of dialog. Wouldn't call waiting for the conspiracy to be brought down fun, but it was serviceable up to a point. A scene of rough sex / rape for Tane's character ... was I supposed to be aroused by that?
'Caged Hearts' was only my second voyage into this prison trope, but was much too dark and b-movie cheap to be recommendable. Definitely not titillating. The best part ended up being a stuntman being lit on fire in an act of revenge. Having run out of money or time the ending is rushed and not all that satisfying. Unlike what another reviewer stated there is no attempt at social commentary here.
