Pirates - Digital Playground DVD

First and foremost, is this a film you can watch without using the fast forward button? Most definitely and this is down to likeable performances, a proper sense of story and a whole lot of good humour. Evan Stone absolutely revels in the role of the heroic, clueless Captain Edward who knows little about boats but wants to be known as the conqueror of pirates; his escapades with the prostitutes of Scabbard Island are a laugh riot and an erotic one at that. Jesse Jane as his first mate is the brains and knowledge aboard ship and she also knows how to keep the crew happy. She gives a surprisingly strong sexual performance and doesn't shirk her acting duties - is she the one to take the mantle of top porn star from that other JJ? Tommy Gunn as Captain Signetti is appropriately bitter and twisted as he searches for immortal power, doing such graceful things as tossing Carmen Luvana overboard and running through a priest with the business end of his scimitar. Janine is perfectly cast as his lustful killing machine sidekick who starts developing compassion which leads to an awesome and hilarious scene with Tommy as each of them try to prove how bad they are.

The right atmosphere is generated by having good, authentic looking costumes, natural lighting wherever possible and some great sets that help keep the suspension of disbelief intact. The plotting, while predictably convoluted, is still worthy and each character gets to have their moment of glory and lust. Talking of lust, the sex in this is about medium heat, but given the pirate context and strong story, this adds masses to the eroticism factor (after all, how many X rated pirate films have you seen?!). In all, there are about 6 sex scenes and 3 all girl scenes to be had. Look out for the loving tribute to Raiders of the Lost Ark as Captain Edward and his crew escape from the island near the end of the film!

So having been not too sure what to expect I find myself pleasantly surprised by how good and entertaining this is. It looks fantastic, but more importantly it has some soul and that's down to the skill and love of the makers and some downright funny and likeable performances by all involved. Highly recommended.

Bobby Peru from UK

Its homage to pirate potboilers is heavily laced with ironic humor (think Pirates of the Caribbean). The hero, Capt. Edward Reynolds (Evan Stone), is a spectacularly inept pirate hunter, who, with his smart and sexy sidekick Jules (Jesse Jane), takes on the dreaded scourge of the seas, Capt. Victor Stagnetti (Tommy Gunn) and his supremely evil consort Serena (Janine).

Director Joone, known mostly for plotless erotic-eyeful fluff like the Island Fever series, shows a sure hand with story material, pacing the action well and handling a large cast with many small non-sex roles. Credited with photography and art direction as well as original story, he is definitely this picture's auteur.

High Definition videography, even on a non-HD player, looks postcard-perfect, and a soaring John Williams-esque score adds to the epic sweep. The climactic battle with the skeletons of the undead adds chills and thrills.

Acting honors go mostly to the men. Stone manages to swashbuckle while getting laughs - a real star turn. Gunn, with his glass eye and raspy growl, is a downright scary villain.

But the really stunning performance comes from Janine, who dominates the screen from her first spectral appearance to her ultimate redemption. Completely inhabiting her juicy role, she has the larger than life presence of a Hollywood icon. It's the capstone of her career.

Most memorable of the 12 sex scenes is Janine's with Jesse Jane, coming late in the picture but well worth the wait. Jane also sparkles in scenes with Carmen Luvana and Steven St. Croix.

As good as the sex is, it's only one element in this total entertainment package.

Pre-noms: Best Video. Best DVD. Best Director, Video: Joone. Best Screenplay, Video: Max Massimo. Best Actor, Video: Evan Stone. Best Actress, Video: Janine. Best Supporting Actor, Video: Tommy Gunn, Steven St. Croix. Best Girl-Girl Sex Scene, Video: Jesse Jane, Janine; Jesse Jane, Carmen Luvana. Best Videography: Joone. Best Art Direction: Joone. Best Special Effects: Digital Playground FX. Best Music: Skin Muzik. Best Editing: Joey Pulgadas. Best DVD Menus. Best DVD Packaging.