Rush

These days, porn fans have gotten so used to the barrage of gonzo flicks and pro-amateur videos dominating the overcrowded porn market, that no one truly expects anything resembling ambition or originality. Unlike the golden age of adult during the seventies, feature films have almost become non-existent, with only a handful of directors (most notably, Veronica Hart, Paul Thomas, John Stagliano, and Brad Armstrong, and to a certain extent, Andrew Blake) even bothering to give viewers something more than a disjointed collection of sex scenes.

However, director Nic Andrews, and his producers Samantha Lewis and Joone, apparently think differently and want to give fans some actual cinematic quality for their money. They succeed wildly with the critically acclaimed and best selling title RUSH, a movie which somehow managed to escape my attention when it was released late last year. Now that I have had the chance to review it, I can only say that I wish I discovered it earlier, if only to break the monotony of watching the onslaught of gonzo material (some good, some bad, but most woefully average) which I was "" to review during the better part of 2002.

To put it simply, RUSH is excellent, and succeeds in entertaining on the same level as it arouses. As with his last opus, DEVON STRIPPED, director Andrews delivers more than just a hot suck-and-fuck flick. The characters and their sex scenes serve to tell this crime story, and the viewer becomes more involved with what's going on in the movie, besides all the naked bodies bumping and grinding for our carnal pleasure (although there's nothing at all wrong with becoming too captivated by that sort of thing).

Overall, the hardcore scenes are sensual and involving, with a nice steady build-up leading to the inevitable genitalia manipulation. Fans of double anal-penetration and multi-partnered cum-swapping may want more crudeness and lewdness than what's offered here, but getting off is still easy with RUSH. For instance, greasy mechanic Mike Horner seduction of the simply stunning Alexa Rae will have raincoaters whacking away and finished long before their scene ends. The mutual oral work and hard fucking is as sexy as it is graphic, and kicks off the movie to a rousing start.

Featured star Devon (playing an escort) also does excellent work in her scene with lead actor Barrett Blade, and her sexual services are worth every penny to the viewer as it is to him. A later scene with Cheyne Collins doesn't quite generate the same level of heat as her coupling with Mr. Blade, but that's following in line with the story. Devon, incidentally, is all made up to look like your stereotypical over-the-top hooker (complete with bright blue eye makeup and gaudily skimpy outfits), and the effect is very arousing indeed. I first saw this golden girl at work in Vivid's EVE'S GIFT, and there's no doubt in my mind that her work for Digital Playground is far more erotic.

A poolside lesbian scene between Avy Scott and Jezebelle Bond allows us to take a break from the plot (though how I wished we could see more of Avy in at least one additional scene!) before Devon and Barrett reunite for a nighttime romp outdoors. Interspersed within these five sex scenes is strong acting on the part of all players, and a genuine sense of tension and drama as our protagonists run from the law. Again, why would a director and studio bother with these elements when the sex can stand by itself? Because discriminating viewers demand this kind of quality.

Even the opening credits are inventive and well-done, with an original heavy metal score composed by Derik Andrews, and enough flashy graphics to get the viewer all pumped up for some heavy physical and sexual action. Surprisingly, the gunplay and car chases are executed exceptionally well for an adult feature, with none of the cheapness or cheesiness exhibited in so many pornos which also try to incorporate action and adventure. That's not to say that the stunt work here is on the level of a LETHAL WEAPON film, but director Andrews does wonders on what is necessarily a less than Hollywood-size budget.

As for the DVD itself, I'm pleased to announce that the bonus materials in this Digital Playground release are also excellent and include a running commentary by Devon, Barrett and the director, an isolated soundtrack option, a behind the scenes documentary on the making of the film (with real multiple angles options), a bloopers reel, the complete second draft of the original screenplay (with the ability to jump to specific scene on any given page), and a gallery of high quality photos and candid stills from the production. All the extras are fun and should provide hours of entertainment long after you're done watching the main feature. Quite frankly, other than Wicked, I can't think of another high-end studio which offers so much on one package. On the basis of its extras alone, RUSH is the standard by which all other high quality DVDs should aspire.

What else can I say about a DVD which is given as much time, attention and care as one like RUSH? Anyone who enjoys high quality adult features should put this title at the top of their list.

A drifter arrives at an auto shop to pick up his car. The only thing is that the car has been waiting for him for five years, and we soon find out that the man isn't a drifter after all - he's escaped convict Carter Hayes, who is running from the law, running from his former associates and looking for life to give him a second chance in Nic Andrews' Rush, an explosive, well-filmed and (perhaps surprisingly) well-acted adult feature from our friends at Digital Playground.

The film opens with Carter (Barrett Blade) picking up his 70's Trans Am from auto mechanic Mike Horner, who has actually kept the car in storage for Carter all this time. The problem, however, is that Mike can't find the keys, so he calls for his sexy assistant Cindy (played seductively by a lollipop-sucking Alexa Rae) for some assistance. Alexa winds up giving Mike exactly the kind of "assistance" we would expect - pulling out his cock for a wet and sloppy blowjob and then taking it from him in both the missionary and doggy positions.

Once Alexa is finished with Mike, she takes Barrett out to his car and helps him get it started. The two then spend several seductive minutes of screen time washing the car in a scene that almost serves as a courtship between the two characters. But just when we think Barrett is going to allow Alexa to "jump start" his own engine, he leaves her behind at the shop - the only reason assumingly being that he doesn't want to be with anyone that would fool around with an auto mechanic as slimy as the one Mike Horner is playing in this film!

So Carter hits the open road in his car, stopping for the evening at a motel where he notices an ad for an escort agency next to the phone in his room. Calling them up, he is soon greeted at the door by Devon, playing a hooker named Sera, who isn't shy about what she does for a living. Devon lets Barrett know that she charges $200 for a blowjob, $400 for sex, and $600 for anything he wants (including anal and cumming in her face) - but I guess Barrett went for the $400 deal, since there is no anal in their scene, and he cums on her tits! Nevertheless, some real heat is generated between the two, and you can tell they are really into each other.

But trouble comes later that evening in the form of a couple of -toting goons, sent by Barrett's former associates to kill him. Barrett and Devon are able to escape, but the shootout draws the attention of the local police, who realize they may have a fugitive on their hands.

For her protection, Barrett takes Devon with him, but the two soon quarrel at a local restaurant - and in an attempt to get a ride back to her home, Devon winds up having sex with a local mechanic (played by Cheyne Collins). However, a confrontation (which I won't reveal the details of) Barrett and Devon to hit the road together again, and the two wind up with both the cops and bad guys hot on their tail as they attempt to track down some hidden money (which Barrett and a partner hid before they both went to jail) and make it to Mexico before one (or all!) of their pursuers catch up with them.

Those wondering what kind of sexual action fills out the rest of the movie should know that there is a girl/girl sequence with Avy Scott and Jezebelle Bond at a motel pool (which has little to do with the plot of the movie), as well as an additional sex scene between Devon and Barrett that takes place out in the desert at nighttime (at the location where Barrett has hidden his secret fortune).

As for the conclusion of the film, you didn't think I was going to give it away did you? I will let you know that there are a number of stunts and explosions (many of you may have already seen a bit of this in the online trailer) that rival most primetime television shows or low-budget movies in execution and entertainment value. Also be on the lookout for a cameo from director Andrews himself - one that plays a pivotal role in the destiny of our two anti-heroes.

One thing that does stand out in this movie (even more so than it did in Devon Stripped) is how good of an actor Barrett Blade is. He has a real natural style to his acting that doesn't seem like he is quoting dialogue from a script, and he has a real "likeability" factor that should draw both men and women into the character he plays in Rush. I also enjoyed the three actors who play the detectives in this movie (all in non-sex roles, by the way) and found the interplay between them to be quite interesting. They only have a few minutes of screen time, but every second their characters are on-screen is intriguing.

As for the DVD itself, Digital Playground has really outdone themselves with this title, providing what I believe may be the best all-around disc the company has released to date. Bonus features include a highly entertaining feature length commentary track from Nic, Devon and Barrett, plus the option to watch the movie with just the soundtrack playing. There's a nice behind the scenes featurette that details some of the happenings on every day of the shoot, a look at the car crash sequence which employs use of the multiple angle capabilities of your DVD player, and a bloopers reel. One of the most entertaining features is entitled "The Rush Idea", where one of Nic's friends (who also plays "Spider" in the movie) takes us out to the location where Nic was hurt in a ATV accident and where he got the idea for the story while waiting for help to arrive! Additional features include the complete shooting script for the film, biographies for Nic, Devon and Barrett, and trailers both for this movie and Andrews' other Digital Playground film, Devon Stripped.

Once again, Nic Andrews has proven that he is the master of adult feature storytelling, making yet another film that should appeal to both die-hard adult fans and newcomers looking to view their first adult movie. What else can I say - "Rush" out and buy your copy today!

I actually wanted this movie just for the skin parts, but the plot is very good. This is a must-have for everyone's library. Pe