Nitro Video Rating:
PURCHASE THE DVD: Carnal Sins (2001)

Near the end of her softcore career, ultra-vixen Brand Davis drastically altered her look, going from a spunky, energetic blonde to a more bookish and sultry brunette. It works quite well for this plot-driven erotic film about a sexually repressed bride-to-be that moves into a studio apartment to pursue her photographic interests and instead learns about the limits of her voyeuristic leanings. Falling under the tutelage of a dark and mysterious photographer with a thick accent and apparently unlimited access to women who will not only pose nude for him, but also sleep with him before a camera, Brandy fogets all about her ho-hum fiancée until things get a little too kinky. Along the way, she meet an ultra-exhibitionist couple from across the way lead by the statuesque porn starlet McKayla (aka McKayla Matthews).

While the plot doesn't color Brandy's character in a particularly kind light, it works well in fleshing-out the various characters beyond the usual cardboard roles seen regularly in this kind of fare. The casting too is also spot on. Anthony Skordi plays the creepy/seductive photographer with a nice balance of reptilian allure and humanity, while Danny Pape brings more charm than usual to the tough role of the ditched boyfriend.

Of course, the real attraction for a movie like this are the sex scenes and there are plenty that are, for the most part, well acted and directed. Not overly explicit, you do get a sense of real passion even from supporting players Griffin Drew and Athena Baikos. If you're looking for something to watch with a timid partner to get yourselves "in the mood," this might be a good title to add to your rental list. For fans of the genre, I'd say it's a must have.