Undulations, directed by Carlos Tobalina and released in 1981, is a curious entry in the canon of adult cinema. It is a film that, despite its shortcomings, has managed to develop a certain cult following, primarily due to its star-studded cast and its place within the Golden Age of Adult Movies.
The premise of Undulations is best described as a wannabe spoof of scandal-mongering TV shows. The film centers on a late-night talk show, also titled 'Undulations', hosted by Mai Lin and Georgia Drugg, played by Suzannah French. The guests on this fictitious show include John Holmes, Jamie Gillis, and Maggie Miller, played by Kitty Shane.
However, the film falls short of being a coherent or clever satire. Instead, it relies heavily on a collection of energetic sex scenes, likely to please fans of the genre, but doing little to advance the narrative or provide genuine laughs. This is a common critique of director Tobalina's work, who is often regarded as a 'prutser' or, in the words of one reviewer, 'assembly line porn'.
That being said, Undulations does have its charms. The use of the kaleidoscope effect throughout adds an unintentional layer of interest, and the film has a certain replay value, especially for fans of vintage adult movies or those intrigued by the star power on offer.
In terms of technical aspects, Undulations benefits from stand-up picture and sound quality, thanks to the work of Vinegar Syndrome, who have given new life to this and other Tobalina films.
Overall, Undulations is a mixed bag. While it has a certain appeal for fans of vintage adult cinema or those intrigued by its star-studded cast, it is ultimately a weak entry in the genre, earning it a rating of 5 out of 10.
For those seeking a journey into the world of classic adult cinema, Undulations may be worth a watch, but don't expect a smooth ride.
