Animal Crimes

Gernert/Garroni/Hippolye Productions/Axis Films made a name for themselves and an overnight star of actress and then newcomer Shannon Whirry with this steamy tale based loosely on a well known true story.

Whirry portrays the character Joanne Cole, a woman on the verge...of wild sex, of 'generous' lovers, and of wanton violence that could end it all. Her husband (Maxwell Caulfield) is an overworked cop close to the edge. When he continues to ignore his wife's intimate needs, Joanne turns to others to fulfill her desires. When she is caught by David in a compromising situation, she realizes the way to get his attention is to let him watch. What he sees awakens his 'Animal Instincts'.

This film features a collage of familiar actors: David Carradine, very effective in his role as the sinister under-world type William Lamberti; Jan-Michael Vincent, as the corrupt city councilman Fletcher Ross; and ex-gymnast Mitch Gaylord in a small but effective role as David's cop partner, just to name a few.

A sensual brew of violence and passion is mixed with some of the boldest couplings ever to be granted an R Rating (also available in an UNRATED version, the one that is the subject of my review).

This film also features a very effective original music score by studio artists LIXX Array, whose synthesizer renditions are some of the best compliments to the already excellent direction (Gregory Hippolyte) and provocative cinematography in recent memory.

If a 'racy' movie occasionally is your 'oyster', treat yourself to this gem that redefined the term 'Erotic Thriller' in 1992, and set the standard by which all others of that genre are now judged.

Excellent!

Let's call a spade a spade here. This is porn. Now, I'm not prudish or interested in deeming films porn just because they have sex in them. But this is porn. As a film it is insanely inept, a porn film that masquerades as a thriller. There is no art or subtlety to it, simply a display of crude acting and titillating sensationalism. As someone who is very much into sleazy trash and dedicates a good amount of hard drive space to it, this fails even in that regard. It's dull and devoid of anything of substance.

However, it hits the right points in certain instances. The opening theme is eerie and wonderful even if it is just stock music (the other music in the film is the type of Kenny G smooth jazz you see in parodies of porn). The lighting of certain scenes is wonderful, bright and seemingly natural and the general look of the film is delightful in that grainy video shot way. These are positive aspects that could apply to any generic porn VHS of the time though.

I'm giving this a 3 because I DID get kinda horny at the beautiful women, thus in a way it fulfils its purpose. But if you want to actually watch a film then this is the worst way to go.

i never get tired of seen of this movie, tat is by far the best erotic movie ever ,every performance is quit exciting since the beginning when she is sitting in the chair making up with that hot black outfit, who wears beautifully.. i like the way she talks and smile very sexy woman,i like how she tells the story and recalls almost moaning..oh delicious

my favorite scene is when she encounters with her husbands friend ,and offers have a threesome later after they first meet and she wears elegant clothes and a sexy rope...wow what a piece of woman!

i recommend it a lot if you don't see it yet, is very good b-movie

No pun intended - I mean you know what I mean, right? There is a lot of music, especially saxophone during scenes of explicit material. Though not in a hardcore way - but more a softcore way. And with a star of the 90s that was quite natural - my puns, I hope you like them (as much as you might like the lead actress here).

Talking to someone (the camera) our main character reminisces what happened ... and how her (sex) life got spiced up. This may sound unbelievable to you .. considering how hot she is and why there would be an issue ... but suspend your disbelief and know that some people may have kinks (or maybe you have too and understand anyway).

That all being said, the story is quite solid - for an erotic movie (is it more drama or thriller? I'd go with the latter, but you decide for yourself). There is a satisfying conclusion ... and the ending is nice too (come on - I had to, yes?)

I usually have no interest in this kind of film, and if I compared it to mainstream cinema I'd give it about 2 stars. But this film is all about presenting what is truly one of the Wonders of the Modern World, Shannon Whirry.

We all have our preferences, of course, and I wouldn't expect mine to match anyone else's (although the film sold well enough to justify sequels), but for those of you with tastes like mine this is a Don't Miss It Under Any Circumstances opportunity.

I understand Ms. Whirry is doing "legit" theater now. I hope she's finding success and earning appreciation for her other talents as well. Thank you, Ms. Whirry, for being unforgettable.