User Reviews

Charli has but one complaint: husband (Eric Edwards) comes too soon. Such is the weak premise for this sexual dysfunction opry that will have the male viewers impotent in 30 minutes of running time. I must also object to Arcadia Lake being billed in a movie where she has no part except maybe a porn film playing a few minutes on a TV. Female viewers might like Charli's wish to fulfill that hubby Edwards "make love to me once more just the way I want it," a slow scene filled with mushy music. Charli also likes to talk to her pet dog in the car. Oh, isn't she cute? Events never escape the doldrums here. Randy West had the only scene that came close to some escape away from ho-hum.

Following INSATIABLE, Daniels took a daring gamble with this attempt to appeal to a wider audience than traditional raincoaters. It is a film that breaks new ground, and as such, may not succeed. But it is the absolute perfect film for most American women. Regard it as a landmark in adult cinema that paved the way for other crossover films. In the sense that Bette Davis and Joan Crawford made so-called "Women's Pictures" in Hollywood in the forties, CHARLI can be considered the first true woman's picture in the adult genre.

The plot deals with the six year marriage of Jack and Charli (Eric Edwards and Jesie St. James) that is starting to sour, even though they are both still in love. Unlike other films, it is not just run to the sack with the nearest partner. All that happens extramaritally is thinking and fantasizing. In another major move, it is the husband who realizes he is more in the wrong and makes the major concessions. Some people may not be able to take a man apologizing for his insensitivity and admitting that he is wrong.

The sex is erotic, tender and caring. The plot allows enough time for character development to show what actually motivates their actions, something lacking in most films. The subtle touches that Daniels is so good at are all intact, like Jack's Jeep and Charli's VW parked side by side in the driveway. The music is well above average but not quite up to the level of excellence usually found in a Godfrey Daniels film. The video store sequence is cute, and remember who made the film that Jesie purchases. The climaxing scene has no ejaculation shot and is shot very romantically with emphasis on the upper body.

CHARLI makes very positive statements about relationships, and despite a few minor flaws, must be credited with opening new doors in erotic films. All but the most super-tragically-macho men should enjoy it immensely. But those kind of dudes are the most insecure anyway and wouldn't or couldn't openly relate to sexuality without revealing deep secrets imprisoned in their souls.

Because of one completely horrible scene, I am unable to give this film a 10. It is the Annette Haven/ Randy West scene and I wish it hadn't been put in the film. The rest of the film is the most romantic, and second best acted I have ever seen in porn. Jesse St James is just beautiful in her struggle to bring back the magic of her marriage (to Eric Edwards). Edwards is superb in his role, and the scenes between the two are so real you almost feel guilty for watching them! Billie Dee, the late Arcadia Lake and Lee Carroll are simply extras to make the story work. Every couple with problems should watch this one. It is not a dirty movie, but a lifetime type movie with explicit scenes. Even the closing song is beautiful!