Hard Evidence

Well-written scripts and original stories are still rare and, when they appear, very distinguishable elements in today's adult film industry. Once in a while, though, a good effort is put forth to combine humor, reality, fantasy and sex into an entertaining, arousing visual product. At first, Hard Evidence may sound like another "pun intended" title, but this time the title is appropriate to the overall theme. To carry out the contrived formula for a memorable couples film, a cast of attractive and/or skilled talent was chosen, which includes the cocoa-skinned beauty Chelsea Sinclair, wild and rambunctious Shelbee Myne, plus the convincing acting abilities of Pat Myne and Steven St. Croix, to name a few.

The story uses great wit and charm to poke fun at political policy, hypocritical ethics, injustice, the porn industry, and even the Vivid stereotype of being "tame" porn. It's refreshing to see a production that can deal an amusing blow to the twisted ideals of our society, with evenhandedness across the board, and still maintain sexually uncomplicated attention to the flesh factor. Hard Evidence isn't the "end all" to couples material, but it sure does deserve notice.

So how do all these characteristics fit? Well, the synopsis breaks down like this: a young and aspiring film crew puts out some brand new filth. Smut shop patrons begin gobbling up the "new" product, but a determined judge also gets wind of it, which is not a good thing during a considerably conservative political atmosphere. Following a survey of the evidence, the ultra-right adjudicator lays down the law (of course this means in more ways than one -- it is a porno!). Wendy Divine slams her gavel while stating the new rules: no production of pornography and no distribution thereof. Demonstrating "do as I say, not as I do," Wendy visually sifts the evidence while bent over the bench -- groaning in a doggy style position as bailiff Steven St. Croix bangs her from behind.

Distraught, but not ones to waiver, the young entrepreneurs discuss their future under this new tyrannical set of legal codes. Eric Masterson gives a good performance as the ingenius director with seamless dialogue delivery. He convinces his edgy crewmembers, Pat Myne and Steve Hatcher, to follow his advice; do it like they did in the 70s when things were really tough. Turning the film's tempo to a state of groovy, Masterson's voice details how porn purveyors had to go guerrilla, plucking talent from obscurity and shooting wherever no prying eyes could imagine. He takes his troupe back in time.

Next, we see three dudes on a sidewalk with big afros and clothes that unmistakably fit the era. Portraying the talent for their endeavor, Dale DaBone, sporting the white leisure suit, and Chelsea Sinclaire, in sequins and an afro as well, greet the anxious trio before heading into an apartment for the shoot. This segment of Hard Evidence exhibits one of the finer moments in porn flick attention to detail. Not only is the costuming appropriate, but the throwback footage itself is done in black-and-white, with an aged look to boot (lines, hairs, grainy). Adding to the allure, of course, is the hot coupling of dark diva Chelsea and the handsome DaBone. The "Love Boat" style musical score and steamy sexuality make this chapter rock.

Back to modern day, the crew heads out to find themselves some amateur talent, just as they would have done in the golden age. A quick note here -- Chelsea actually takes on three roles in Hard Evidence. This time she is just a hot chick the guys recruit from a seedy bar. Along with the gorgeous girl, Erik Everhard joins the entourage. In the usual manner and place, the team films the talent fucking and sucking their way to a heavy blast of orgasmic juices.

Okay, now they have a movie made, edited and ready for release, but how to get it out there? Alas, the director has just the plan to avert legal repurcussions in calling on an ex- pusher turned porn shop clerk. In yet another series of comedic dialogue, and even some slapstick, Tony Tedeschi fills the shoes of the clerk character with ease. Even though his store's shelves are virtually bare thanks to a raid, he still maintains some customers. Two of just such patrons, Shelbee Myne and Chelsea again, solicit his attention, seeking some "hard" stuff he may yet have hidden. What follows is a hot two on one scenario complete with oral, dual-blowing, and a nicely captured doggy bang to the curvy and delicious Chelsea.

Making time for business once more, Tony takes a call from his old pals, the filmmakers. He agrees to push their product in a clandestine, yet profitable manner. With little hesitation the boys meet up with Tony and his new found friends, Shelbee and Chelsea. While the men talk business, the girls frolic in a pool of balloons until the deal is made. Without warning, two naked women emerge from the pool with badges and guns. It's a bust. The final scene shows the three filmmakers dressed in orange jumpsuits, being slightly fondled by very large fellow inmates. Incidentally, there is a sequel.

Hard Evidence is a superb example of refined porn with a plot, suiting couples or as an icebreaker movie. Furthermore, the disc is filled with extra material; bloopers, position choices, outtakes, and five bonus scenes, to name a few. The only elements missing that would grasp a broader audience were that of variation and edge. Hard Evidence contains no anal scenes and very little toy use. Also, the where and how of each sexual tryst follows standard and similar suit, offering limited originality. It's hot, but just could've been hotter.