12 Strokes To Midnight

As a big fan of Laure Sainclair, I have to admit to being initially disappointed when I noticed her absence in the latest Marc Dorcel video, 12 STROKES TO MIDNIGHT. Could this be the first Wicked import that didn't deserve a "5" rating in the Film category simply because she wasn't in it? Well, stupid me of such little faith...this title proves once again why Marc Dorcel titles are in such high demand and get such high ratings. While it is not my favorite movie in this line of imports, 12 STROKES TO MIGNIGHT (or LES COUPS DE MINUIT for those who enjoy talking in a snooty French accent), is excellent porn, and far surpasses most of the lower quality American titles which can be found in the overcrowded adult marketplace.

Never mind the gorgeous European settings which include shots of Les Invalides, La Tour Eiffel, and other spectacular Parisian sights, the sex here is first rate and the women are beautiful. You can't go wrong with a Marc Dorcel release. But if one must nitpick, then I guess an argument could be made that the hardcore isn't as nasty as one might expect: orals and facials are not as consistent as previous titles, and one gets the distinct, but completely unconfirmed feeling that there were some edits made to this film by the time it was released in the States, especially with some jumpy sex scenes and awkward editing. Of course, whatever problems I have with this title does not affect my overall enjoyment, and by any standard, it deserves a top rating across the board.

The title refers to New Year's party which serves as the focal point of a number of se scenes, including an all-out orgy among most of the guests. There is also a subplot involving the wooing of Meridian by one of the main characters (incidentally, trying to identify the guys - and many of the girls - in this movie was. for me, an exercise in futility, and the viewer is not at all helped by the limited biographies section on the disc and lack of a descriptive credit roll at the end of the flick. Sorry, but I tried --- I really did! --- and quickly decided to hell with it...).

Of the seven full-length sex scenes, my favorites include Daniella Rush's opening anal scene, which is performed with as much intensity and energy as one might expect from this very sexy brunette (who now appears in many American productions). Covergirl Meridian excels in her lesbian threesome (where the girls are a little overdressed in fancy, but obtrusive costumes) and in her concluding straight sex scene (complete with anal, of course) with some lucky Euro-stud. While I still remain loyal to Laure Sainclair as far as fan-worshipping goes, I have no doubt that Meridian matches up to her sexual performance level in this movie. Incidentally, the popular Dolly Golden is given second billing in this movie, and indeed, she does superb work in a lesbian scene which very quickly turns into a threesome, followed by another ménage a trois involving two guys who thoroughly DP her before cumming on her tits.

Sound and picture are top-notch. The original French soundtrack is less obviously overdubbed than in other Marc Dorcel movies, and the stereo separations and overall audio clarity is superb. We get an "extra scene" on this disc, which is actually only a few dull minutes of behind the scenes footage all spoken in French with no subtitles. Like Private videos, this DVD also offers a "report" on what is apparently an awards show, titled Pragues 2001. Despite the alluring strippers on stage, and a production which puts the AVN Awards show to shame, there really isn't that much in this featurette which is of any significant interest. Marc Dorcel accepts a few honors at the very end of the segment (again, this is all heard in French, with the exception of Misty Rain making some acceptance speech), but I wasn't at all sure whether it had to do with 12 STROKES TO MIDNIGHT.

12 STROKES TO MIDNIGHT will definitely have you stroking yourself well into the hours of the night.