Access Denied
(1996)
Access Denied (1996) is a computer crime thriller staring Colleen
McDermott, who owns a software firm working on transaction automation
software. Her boyfriend disappears moments before the FBI shows up looking for
both of them. Seems he is a long-term crook and has embezzled a lot of money
from their bank. She is tried and convicted.
She gets a chance at an early parole and a software job, but her cell mate
tries to convince her to take a job with a bank, insert a "mole" into there
software, siphon off $8M, and transfer it to Hong Kong. She manages to get the
job, inserts the mole, but has trouble routing the money. Then she discovers
that the company owner is boffing the woman in charge of overseas transfer
software (Jane Higginson) behind his wife's back. She confides in Jane that
the boss hit on her, and Jane is pissed off enough to join in the scheme. Then
the ex-boyfriend surfaces and (it turns out) has been behind the scheme from
the beginning. Not only that, But Colleen's supervisor is suspicious of her.
There are plenty more twists and turns before this one concludes.
IMDb awards 4.4, and calls this an adult film. It is distributed by the same
folks who specialize in soft core. I have trouble thinking of this as soft
core, however. Not only do neither of the women who show body parts have
enhanced breasts, but there is very little nudity, and very abbreviated sex
scenes, with most of the running time devoted to plot. It is certainly a safe
bet for a date, and not bad for essentially brainless entertainment.
It is available from RLDVDs.com on an English
language Region 1 DVD. Click on the large pic below for info.
Colleen McDermott
Jane Higgenson
Firelight stars Sophie Marceau as a woman who agrees to have a child for an
unknown man for the sum of 500 pounds. The impregnation process is far more
enjoyable than either expects.
She regrets her decision the moment the baby is taken from her arms. Seven
years later, she tracks the man down, and gets herself hired as governess.
That is where she learns that the man's wife is a vegetable, the result of an
equestrian accident, and that her daughter is a spoiled little terror. She, of
course, determines to save the daughter, and along the way, finds love with
the master of the house as well.
IMDb readers say 7.0, and it received some festival awards. I am all for any
film that gets Sophie Marceau out of her clothes, but felt a good premise and
talented cast were somewhat wasted on this unimaginative narrative with
minimal character development.
Sophie Marceau
Dangerous Game
1993
Dangerous Game has Harvey Keitel as a New York film director who leaves
his wife (Nancy Ferrara) and son to make a film in Hollywood.
The film within a film is about the break-up of a marriage, and stars
Madonna and James Russo. The couple had formed their relationship around a
lifestyle of open marriage, and drug and alcohol use, but Madonna eventually
found religion, and no longer is willing to participate. Russo argues that
the promiscuity and abuse is his way of pursuing salvation, and is just as
valid as hers.
Keitel pushes them both for ever increasing intensity in their
performances, leading to real conflict on the set, and has an affair with
Madonna. We soon learn that the film has parallels to his own marriage.
I found this talky, tedious, dark and depressing, and would have welcomed
some cataclysmic ending to wipe out all of the principal characters.
IMDb readers say 5.1.
Nancy Ferrara shows breasts.
Madonna's character shows breasts in a VERY
dark scene with her head cut off.
Make of that what you will.
Forbidden Zone
1980
Forbidden Zone is a bit of ensemble cast wackiness about the Hercules family,
and their descent through the basement of their home into the sixth dimension,
there to do battle with King Fausto (Herve Villichaize), Queen Doris (Susan
Tyrell), The Princess (Gisele Lindley), a giant frog and more, not to mention
an encounter with Oingo Boingo's Danny Elfmann as the devil. This
comedy/musical/farce uses nothing but roughly hand-sketched backdrops for
sets. It is full of lots of fake butt-humping and completely improbable
characters who break into Oingo Boingo music for no reason.
This film has a huge following (IMDb readers say 6.8.), and is considered by
many to be a camp masterpiece. If John Waters is too normal for you, Ed Wood
too competent, and Oingo Boingo is your idea of transcendent music, this is
your film.
Gisele Lindley is wearing only a pair of granny panties every time she is on
screen.
Susan Tyrell shows a breast near the end.
