Movies such as this seem to focus on either audience members who are familiar with the topic or those who are curious. Much like the characters, viewers may be excited to see what really goes on or try to get a peak into a world that's becoming less and less taboo. This film provides both types a good ride for the first half, but then it takes a hard turn. If you're looking for an entertaining, late night Skinamax movie to fall asleep to (in 45 minutes or less), then it's perfect, because the second half sucks the air out of the room. Still, I've watched it twice and here's my breakdown:
The female characters in this movie are sexy, smart, playful and honest. With the exception of the male lead, the male characters are something from the 1970s and painted as playful as a lion stalking its prey. There are some good laughs and the production quality is good, but the sets are something I'd expect in an Austin Powers movie where it's supposed to be funny!
The lead actors do a nice, believable job and they come off as a real couple that you just adore. The primary supporting female actor (D Farr) is the most mature (in a good way) and well balanced of the group. She really keeps the subject matter grounded, despite being surround by guys in shirts unbuttoned to their stomachs. She is sexy, smart and acts exactly like a seasoned lifestyler, complete with all the correct terminology.
Quick lifestyle commentary: The real lifestyle is made up of characters like those in the movie: couples next door, executives, artists, cops, young, old and everything that reflects mainstream society. Palm Springs is a vibrant, open community and absolutely provides a place for people to be themselves. As for the lifestyle, just like the characters in the film, people are artists, teachers, cops, executives, couples next door and everything in between. They just take "sharing is caring" to a new level. You can't possibly describe all the discussions and dilemmas in a single movie, so that's not something I'd expect in this film, but the way this one ends up, it seems like the writer had a bad experience and it's portrayed through more extreme, yet certainly possible, circumstances.
I very seldom take the time to review movies but this one captured my attention. So for that, I appreciate it and appreciate the work done by the actors. They score high, but the "play with fire and get burned" message was not what I expected. I think it's great how they end up, but it could be delivered in a more "let the viewer decide" manner. This allowed the viewer to make up their own mind as subtly as an Oliver Stone conspiracy movie.
