Edge Play

Big budgets and Porno Chic were alive and well at the turn of this century during the VHS era, exemplified by this Marilyn Chambers vehicle from major label VCA Pictures, directed by Veronica Hart during her tenure there. I enjoyed watching it for the first time, noting it as a forerunner of fellow actress-turned director Kayden Kross's current success with glamorized gonzo.

Title refers to BDSM practice that approaches (but not crosses over into) dangerous activity, hence the thrill. Consent and safe words are employed for protection. Tyce Bune and Brooke Hunter operate Edge Play Productions, which provide scenarios for willing customers, here depicted as women only, that fulfill their sexual fantasies in real life generally as sex in public, with a surprise element, i.e., "springing" the scenes on them without advance warning. The consent element consists of someone asking "Are the babies sleeping?" as a scenario unfolds, with Yes indicating a go-ahead by the client.

Director Hart uses this story premise to depict a series of sex scenarios that involve kink and BDSM content, but portrayed in the glamorous, big-budget approach of a VCA production, thereby mainstreaming outre porn. Lots of double penetration is included but the ugliness of amateurish porn is avoided (and safe-sex condoms are utilized). This lavish approach is now seen in Kayden Kross's work but with far less interest in traditional story material -mirroring the industry's general swerve away from storytelling to present gonzo content instead.

Two successful real estate executives played by Marilyn Chambers and Keisha are the clients of this service, with the movie covering Marilyn's gradual acquiescence after initial apprehension (almost comically she expresses her fear of penetration, yet ends up in her big scenario receiving double penetration in a "check-up" at a gas staton).

Sexual content is strong, beginning with an award-winning solo by Kim Chambers that features over the top exaggerated squirting in a parking garage. Centerpiece combines disco dancing elements with a suspended from the ceiling in a swing superstar Chloe (playing a client named Carrie) getting gang-banged by men and women including Tyce and Marilyn. Guest star Jamie Gillis is well-cast as a perverted doctor (role-play of course) examining Marilyn in a limo as she is under bondage from Kyle and Brooke.

I was a big fan of so-called Porno Chic in its heyday, as well as its rather gonzo-fied current representation from KK as well as other art-porn practitioners like Roma Amor and the folks at SexArt. And I miss the story/character-driven approach that once made Adult Cinema an extension of the mainstream, so this VCA combination of ingredients is satisfying as an artifact of that nearly extinct approach.

I'm a huge fan of Veronica hart, who along with Georgina Spelvin, is the best actress porn ever produced. In a perfect world, she'd having a thriving mainstream career as well, but that's the breaks.

As a porn director, her videos are often several levels above the norm. While filled with the requisite sex in all its variations, the storylines are better than run-of-the mill porn and she has a knack for casting. Ginger Lynn can thank her smutty lucky stars that Hart was behind the camera on her comeback.

Marilyn Chambers isn't so lucky and the three films they made together represent the least of Hart's work. The first, "Still Insatiable," is the best of a bad lot, but mostly because of the supporting cast, not Chambers. "Dark Chambers," with cheap sets and a twist at the end that brings some needed sense to the disjointed mess that precedes it, is the worst.

"Edge Play" falls in the middle. And once again, while Chambers is the star, she's outacted by co-star Keisha and outsexed by Kim Chambers, whose solo sex scene is a messy highlight. Wearing a corset during all sex scenes in all three films to hide some added weight, she comes off as very hard, rather than the sophisticated businesswoman indulging sexual fantasies she's supposed to be playing. It's not fun to watch.

I prefer to think of Edge Play and the other Chambers movies as blips in Hart's filmography. They represent rare missteps in a solid career.

"In the world of adult entertainment, 'Edge Play' stands as a testament to the exploration of sexual fantasies and the lengths some will go to fulfill their deepest desires. Directed by the renowned Veronica Hart, this film takes us on a journey into the lives of the wealthy and their unique brand of pleasure.

The movie follows a businesswoman, played by the talented Marilyn Chambers, who finds herself drawn to a couple with a peculiar profession. This couple, portrayed by Chloe and Tyce Bune, specializes in making women's fantasies come true. Intrigued by their offer, the businesswoman embarks on a path of self-discovery, playing out her own fantasies.

One of the film's standout scenes, and a personal favorite, involves the captivating Kim Chambers. In this scene, Kim, a stripper with a flair for the exotic, performs a show in a multi-level parking garage for a group of wealthy onlookers. The tension builds as she teases and pleases, ultimately culminating in a breathtaking squirting on top of a car. It's a true showcase of her talent and a treat for viewers.

The cast of 'Edge Play' is impressive, featuring well-known names in the adult industry. In addition to those mentioned, the likes of Kyle Stone, Randy Spears, Brooke Hunter, and Eric Masterson bring their own brand of heat to the screen. Their performances add depth and a certain level of sophistication to the film.

In terms of cinematography, the film captures the essence of its subject matter. The use of public spaces for private shows adds an element of danger and excitement. The production value, while not groundbreaking, suits the purpose, and the focus remains firmly on the performances and the story they tell.

However, 'Edge Play' is not without its drawbacks. The plot, though intriguing, could have benefited from more depth. At times, it feels like the film relies too heavily on its premise without fully exploring the potential of its characters. Additionally, with a run time of 144 minutes, it does feel slightly protracted in certain parts.

Despite these minor shortcomings, 'Edge Play' is a solid entry in the world of adult entertainment. It offers a unique twist on the typical porn formula, blending fantasy fulfillment with a glimpse into the lives of the rich and risqué. It will undoubtedly satisfy viewers seeking something a little different, a little more indulgent, and a lot hotter."