Beauty and the Beast: Part II

If you didn't know that Beauty and the beast had a sequel, well, now you do - at least now that Paul Thomas has written it. A worthy successor to the first part, Paul Thomas again, plays fast and loose with characters from literature and history. Where else are you going to find Beauty and the Beast mixing it with Heathcliff and (Little Lord) Fauntleroy; or with Leonardo Da Vinci and Gutenberg (of printing press fame presumably as here, he is a recorder of sorts).

There is not much of the Beast in this film, after all it was Beauty's love that transformed him but now that love is under threat from Randy West's evil Lord Jarvis. Will love conquer all again? You will have to watch to find out, but in the meantime there is plenty of lust and laughs to keep viewers entertained. The best performance has got to be from Victoria Paris who has a scene with Randy West and another scene with Randy Spears. Ariel Knights gets comedic as the continuity girl but thankfully is not averse to getting it on with other cast members.

To sum up then, sex scenes are great, the humour in this one is perhaps more subtle than in the first film but it is to the credit of all concerned, especially Paul Thomas for the writing and direction, that this has, for me anyway, turned out to be a real classic.

I haven't seen the first part of Paul Thomas's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (which features a different cast), but part two is a funny and sexy send-up of the oft-filmed tale. PT is no Cocteau, but his exuberance and genuine humor buoys what could have been mere silliness (as so many of the soft and hard porn fairy tales of past decades proved to be).

There are many in-jokes, such as Black super-stud Ray Victory cast as the pope and perennial crew member Ron Vogel out in front of the camera as Leonardo da Vinci, plus a nice cameo for fellow filmmaker and pal Ron Sullivan/Henri Pachard.

Sequel is set 20 years later, with Ariel Knights (who previously starred for PT as Juliet opposite his portrayal of Romeo in a similar 2-part exercise) scoring highly as storyteller Mother Goose. She explains and comments on the action, and occasionally gets down and dirty with the rest of the cast.

John Leslie is in top comic form as a lord who has become king of the realm and bountiful Tracey Adams is perfect as Beauty. There are many scene stealers, notably Chaz Vincent as sister Patience, her puffy nipples most alluring. OK special makeup effects are utilized for Leslie's hair growth as the Beast, and his script is loaded with amusing anachronisms.

Randy West is another lord with his own agenda, and he's hired Da Vinci to work part-time as a detective for him in a matter involving blackmail. (This is years before the "Da Vinci's Inquest" TV series.)

Definitely recommended for anyone who needs relief from the basically all-sex fare that passes for entertainment in this field nowadays.

"Beauty and the Beast II" (1990), directed by Paul Thomas, is an adult-themed retelling of the classic fairy tale, which might pique the curiosity of viewers who appreciate a more provocative approach to storytelling. However, it's essential to note that this film is not for everyone, and it should be approached with an understanding of its explicit content.

The film's most notable aspect is its cast of adult film stars, who bring a certain level of charisma and allure to their roles. The "beauties" in this tale are indeed stunning, with a captivating presence that is hard to ignore. The film does a decent job of showcasing their talents, both in terms of their physical performances and their ability to convey emotion and desire.

However, while the film's cast is undoubtedly one of its strengths, the overall narrative and execution leave something to be desired. The storyline is somewhat convoluted and lacks the depth and complexity that one might hope for in a retelling of a classic tale. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging on for too long, while others feel rushed and underdeveloped.

Moreover, the film's focus on explicit content sometimes overshadows the other elements of the story, which can make it difficult to fully engage with the characters and their journeys. The balance between the erotic and the narrative could have been more evenly distributed, which would have resulted in a more compelling and satisfying viewing experience.

In terms of production, the film is decent but not exceptional. The cinematography is adequate, with some visually striking moments, but it doesn't necessarily push the boundaries of what's possible in the medium. The same can be said for the set design and costumes, which are serviceable but not particularly memorable.

While the film's cast is undeniably captivating, and there are moments of genuine passion and intrigue, the overall narrative and execution are somewhat lacking. If you're a fan of adult-themed retellings of classic tales, or if you're simply curious about the film and its stars, it might be worth a watch. However, if you're looking for a more nuanced and complex exploration of desire and humanity, you might want to look elsewhere.