The Chameleon

When I rented this DVD, I didn't realize that it was part of VCA's "Classic" collection. It wasn't until I got the movie home that I realized the film was a little older than most that I view from this genre. The "Classic" label refers only to the movie's age, not necessarily the content of the movie. From the films that I have seen from this period, it appears that there weren't too many incredibly beautiful women who were willing to have sex on film for money.

Here's the basic premise of the movie - Diana (Tori Welles) has the ability to become (or at least change her appearance to look like) other women. She uses this ability to hook up with several different men (Diana is played by a different woman in each of these scenes). Her husband isn't really happy about her going out and being with many different men, and eventually she decides to give up her "other woman" lifestyle. The ending has an interesting little twist, so that's kind of fun.

Acting-wise, you get about what you expect from an adult feature. If these people could actually act worth a d*mn, they would be in mainstream cinema rather than the adult industry. Looks-wise, many of the women are from the days before eveybody had silicone enhancement, so if you like natural women, this film may be for you. A couple of the girls have "grooming issues," and a few look like they haven't been outdoors or seen a tanning booth in months. Like I said before, this is before the days when all of the adult performers were good-looking. As for the men, a younger Joey Silvera and Peter North are notable, if only because their hair is dark with no gray yet (contrast with their more recent films).

As far as the action goes, everything is pretty standard. All of the major positions are covered (except wrong way entry, but I'm not sure that was a normal position on "standard" adult films of that time period). There is one interracial scene (2 white girls + 1 brother), and one other 2 girl plus one guy scene. Overall, there are about 6 scenes, each lasting about 10-15 minutes. There are no all-girl scenes in this movie. I think my favorite is the first scene, as Diana comes out of the shower as another woman to seduce her husband Marc.

The DVD contained no special features - the movie started immediately on insertion into the player. There was a cast bio for most of the major performers, but no bonus scenes or video previews.

All in all, I guess the movie was adequate for its purpose, but I wouldn't recommend it - there are plenty other movies to choose from with better plot and better looking performers to waste money on this one.

It is good that these old films are getting a re-release so that a new audience - and the old - can see them again. With big hair and big shoulder pads, this one can certainly be dated; think Dynasty and Dallas. Tom Byron must have spent as much time and money as the women on his big hair. This was a time when porn filmmakers almost made it mainstream. To my mind though, there was a problem - the sex. At least these films had a plot of sorts.

Marc (Tom Byron) and Diana (Tori Welles) are a couple with a problem. Diana can morph into any woman she wants to be in order to have sex with any man she fancies, but Marc is tiring of this lifestyle and he wants Diana to give it up. The film opens with Diana seeing a psychiatrist. In the meantime, she is still carrying on with her multiple affairs. There is a neat twist right at the end.

It is the sex in these films which for me, is the main stumbling block - it is still too much like porn. There is no subtlety and not much foreplay before the blow-jobs and the doggy-style sex. The first sex scene is April West getting it from the rear, so that sets the tone. In a restroom, Tori Welles, Victoria Paris and Peter North do an awesome threesome scene when he gives Tori a shower. Hopefully there was a proper shower nearby to wash it all off. Buck Adams and Victoria Paris start off missionary but then go doggy. Even when Marc and Diana get together it ends up doggy. Porn fans should not be disappointed with this film but it probably illustrates why porn failed to go mainstream - the porn industry was its own worst enemy.

This is a great couple movies. The actresses are beautiful and lean and coupled with decent co-stars. Victoria Paris and Tori Wells steal the show, Tori Wells takes a facial from P. North that seems never-ending, leaving her pretty face totally soaked...this happens in a restroom and it's amazing she finds enough napkins or paper towels to dry herself. Victoria Paris is also amazing as well as Selena Steele. Ray Victory does his usual interracial scene, although none of the women he consumates with are well known. All in all, a very good film.

As far as adult films go, this one at least had the semblance of a plot and some decent acting. You almost feel sorry for the main characters. The sex is spaced out evenly and appropriately, and takes place in unique situations. Captures the feel of the late 1980's porn era. Tori Welles was at her best here.

John Leslie's "The Chameleon", along with "The Catwoman" ranks as one of the best of the late 80's, shot on video porn flicks. Shot by longtime cameraman Jack Remy, "Chameleon" looks, sounds, and feels like a low-budget indie film with Tori Welles as Diana, a woman who can turn into anybody she chooses when sexually aroused, much to the chagrin of her lover, Marc (Tom Byron), who views sex as a more "meaningful" experience. When she gets herself involved in a bind, however, Diana realizes the danger that comes with her powers. All in all, a classy, well done adult film that definitely deserves to be part of your collection. 10/10.