Under the Covers - dvd by Adam & Eve - review by sysatnafnede

The website for Under the Covers describes it as an adult movie for people who don't normally like adult movies. Unfortunately, I do normally like adult movies, and Candida Royalle's couples-oriented, "sensually explicit" approach leaves me dry. "It's kind of like watching a romance novel," said Mr. Mummenschantz.

We both found it slow paced, with lackluster acting, frustrating camera angles, and performers who weren't convincing me that they were enjoying themselves. (The only exception was Sativa Vertes, who plays a nervous but sensual woman performing in a home video with her partner in the first scene.) In one scene with Charly Carlyle and an extremely large dildo, the camera watches from across the room and over her shoulder, leaving more to the imagination than we'd have liked. The BDSM scene lacked tension, even as voyeur Mariah Ritani forcibly tops dominatrix Syren. I'm all for having more options in the world of female-friendly, sex-positive porn made by women, but I prefer my sex-on-screen to have more power play.

So, the movie isn't for me, but the things that prevented my juices from flowing are the things that could make it a good choice for women who are skittish but curious about adult movies. It's fairly tame, as porn goes, and therefore unlikely to embarrass anyone who has the courage to buy it in the first place, making it a good choice to watch with a partner if you're still testing out each other's comfort level. The realistically attractive performers don't come across as acrobatic sex experts doing things most people would never try. The focus is on foreplay involving couples' full bodies, and not just close up penetration shots. Couples whose sex lives lack variety may find some inspiration, and it can certainly help break the ice in suggesting a new prop or position you want to try but feel shy about bringing up out of the blue. Women just getting into sex toys might pick up some ideas from the scene where uptight Erika Kole samples the merchandise (including Natural Contour's Jolie vibe) in the stock room.

If you want an emphasis on sensuality, a little bit of plot to connect scenes, a variety of not-too-out-there sexual situations, and plenty of humor (or at least attempted humor, your mileage may vary), Under the Covers is a great place to start exploring what's available in educational and erotic films.