Assignment, The

THE ASSIGNMENT, a DVD release of a 2003 Wicked production written and directed by Jonathan Morgan and starring the lovely Julia Ann, is a sharp, stylish feature that will most likely appeal to the ladies and open-minded couples with its themes on love and dating. With some judicious editing, one can imagine seeing THE ASSIGNMENT on Showtime or Cinemax as a late night sexual offering. However, despite the grade-A female talent on display, fans of wall-to-wall, hardcore, explicit action should probably look elsewhere.



Julia Ann plays an intrepid magazine reporter just back from a grueling assignment, recently divorced and moving into her new apartment. Although all she wants to do is relax, her editor, Mike Horner, tells her that he needs yet another story from her but it can be a fluff piece on dating. The cynical Julia reluctantly agrees and throws herself into the world of post-modern dating (e.g. personal ads, the internet, speeddating, etc.) for her story. Although Julia has limited success in the dating world, she ultimately finds love right under her nose (and, eventually right under her skirt) in the guise of her new neighbor, Randy Spears. Such is the premise of THE ASSIGNMENT.



Female viewers will likely find themselves nodding in knowing agreement as Julia dictates her cynical thoughts on love and dating into her tape recorder and meets a string of various losers during her dating misadventures. While there was a bit too much dialogue for me in this film, admittedly, some of it is fairly snappy and insightful on the subject at hand. For the men, Julia looks absolutely terrific (and actually turns in a pretty good acting performance too). She exudes a "real world" sexiness which is quite alluring. Rather than looking like a "porn star," Julia is not overly made up and her stunning figure is not on constant display. Instead, she comes across as a sexy co-worker or an alluring, young MILF (mom-I'd-like-to-fuck (for you "American Pie" fans)) you might find pushing a baby stroller around the local mall. The fact that THE ASSIGNMENT also appears to be shot on film (or very high-end video) also makes everyone involved look that much better and really instills the film with a real cinematic quality (rather than just another cranked out piece of disposable porn).



Julia first explores the personal ads and has a number of dismal dates (including one with director Morgan playing a demanding jerk). Eventually she meets Steve Hatcher, an admitted personals ads player, who knows just how to write an ad to attract the sexually adventurous. Steve recounts one of his more successful personal ad encounters with Keylani Lei, a bookish intellectual who becomes a whore in the bedroom. In flashback, we are treated to a nice suck-and-fuck session between Steve and Keylani (as always, looking like a wet dream wearing nothing but high heels and a little necklace). The two exchange the obligatory oral favors and Keylani gets a good, long pounding in the reverse cowgirl and doggy positions before getting a mouthful of Steve's creamy seal of approval. The soft lighting and directorial decision to film the action largely in medium frame (rather than focusing on extreme close-ups of penetration and gynecological examinations), ties in well with the overall style of the film and will likely make it more palatable to female viewers. In fact, most scenes are shot with a minimum of extreme close-ups.



Julia's research continues with internet dating. Of course, Julia has even less luck with this venue as she ends up at the home of a video-game playing, unemployed, porn-obsessed loser who (surprise) lied about himself in his personal profile. When Julia makes a quick exit, geek-boy pops in a porn video featuring leggy Nicole Sheridan and Voodoo in a leather-clad master and servant-themed scene. Nicole and Voodoo use their tongues on each others' nether regions and Nicole accepts her partner's considerable tube steak both in her pussy and up her narrow ass before accepting a mouthful of Voodoo's nut juice. This scene is certainly the dirtiest and most out-of-place in the overall style of the film. Nevertheless, watching some good, hard anal action is always a treat and the action is again filmed with a minimum of extreme close-ups, which will likely keep your girlfriend or wife from running from the room in disgust.



In another scene, Julia is turned off during a phone call with yet another hopeful date, Alex Sanders. Luckily, Alex has another female caller, busty, brunette, Rebecca Love. Rebecca is into Alex's dirty talk and the two share a fantasy, western-themed session. Rebecca has a lusciously full figure and looks great as she goes through the standard motions with Alex before, again, opening her mouth wide for a steamy helping of Alex's bodily fluids. Never one to give up on a story, Julia turns to the speeddating scene. Once again, the guys are all creeps and losers but Julia gets a tempting proposition from Charlie, a female attendee, who recommends her chances for love might improve if she opens her mind beyond heterosexuality. Julia, fantasizes about the possibilities of a steamy encounter with the busty Charlie in a nearby bathroom. In a very nice lesbian sequence, Julia, her stunning figure finally on full display, and Charlie tenderly kiss and explore each others' glistening intimate areas with tongues and fingers.



Discouraged by her experiences, Julia returns home to find "nice guy" neighbor, Randy Spears, has prepared a romantic, candle-lit, roof top picnic. Giving in to true romance, Julia willingly spreads her legs for her burly suitor, who eagerly licks and fingers her luscious hole. The two engage in some nice reverse cowgirl and prolonged doggy action before Randy expresses his liquid love on Julia heaving chest. True love at last.



All in all, THE ASSIGNMENT is an engaging, classy feature (as porn goes), with snappy writing, fun performances (both dialogue and sex), and top flight production values. The lighting, direction, sound and picture quality are all well above par and Jonathan Morgan instills the film with a glossy look and a nice tongue-in-cheek attitude. Female viewers will enjoy the premise, acting and subject matter, men will love the Grade-A female talent and both will be able to appreciate the solid sexual action which delivers the goods without being overly graphic. Extras include a bonus scene featuring leggy, blonde Jessica Drake banging a police officer in an alley (a reference to her appearance in the main feature), cast photos and bios, interviews, behind the scenes footage, chapter stops, trailers and various promotional materials and company info. Bottom line, THE ASSIGNMENT is a well-produced feature that is a refreshing break from the tidal wave of slap-dash porn dreck or serious, plot-heavy offerings. As the saying goes "strong enough for a man, but made for a woman." Definitely a keeper.