Exit to Eden

Exit to Eden (1994)

1/2 (out of 4)

Based on the Ann Rice novel, this film tells the story of an island ran by the beautiful Lisa (Dana Delaney) where all of your sexual desires can come true. Due to some thieves, police officers played by Rosie O'Donnell and Dan Aykroyd show up and get caught up in the sexy games.

EXIT TO EDEN would turn out to be one of the most controvercial movies from the 1990s not because of its subject matter but because of some really awful casting and apparently it's awful handling of the novel. I haven't read the novel but those who have hold it up in high regard as some sort of classic and it seems whatever was in the book didn't make it to the screen.

Director Garry Marshall made some very good films in his career but he also made some pretty lousy ones and that's certainly where this film falls. It's really hard to believe that the movie could turn out this bad because you'd think, with its subject matter, that you could at least get a few mild laughs from the plot yet that never happens. As far as comedies go, this here is one of the worst to ever be made.

So, what's the biggest problem with the movie? I'd say the casting, which is also a big mystery. Who on Earth wants to see O'Donnell and Aykroyd in these S&M leather outfits? I don't think there's a single person who would enjoy that and yet here they are running around in these outfits. It's also very clear that neither of them wanted to be in them as they both look and feel very uneasy throughout the picture. It's strange that you can watch a movie and see actors look uncomfortable in what they're doing. Which makes one wonder why they signed onto the picture.

Delany easily steals the picture and at least manages to bring some of the sexy nature of the story out. Sadly, she's just a supporting role and she can't save the film because it is really bad. I don't think any words could really prepare someone for how bad this film actually is. Thankfully there's some nudity and mild sleaze because the comedy bits just don't work.

I have looked at this movie at least forty times. It is sheer pleasure. Lots of laughs. I enjoyed seeing Dana Delaaney in a very different role than I have usually seen her. Paul Mercurio too I had only seen before in his profession as a dancer. He is a superb dancer.

At first I was surprised at the extent of nudity, but then realized, how else could they depict the island. Both Dana and Paul have great looking bodies and get to show them off throughout the movie. Paul's outstanding butt is highlighted in a scene between the two of them.

Clever was the scene involving the buttered croissants. Really good flick!!! JFC

Exit to Eden was a fine erotic book by Ann Rice, full of texture, sensuality and drama, all of the things the movie is not. Why Gary Marshall chose to turn a great novel into a non-funny comedy with the miscasting of Rosie O'Donnell and Dan Aykroyd is beyond me. The subject of this movie has never been dealt with in a non-X movie and it should have been done with tact instead of a loose comedy hand. The cast is good except the above duo. Dana Delany is great as the Mistress of a pleasure island; she takes a chance and shows her sexy side of herself as well as full body nudity. You watch this movie and shake your head about how good it could have been. read the book, forget the movie. 4 out of 10

Elliot Slater grew up with submissive urges during his Australian childhood with the hot maid. His adult relationships have not worked. He's a professional photographer. At the airport, he takes pictures of diamond smuggler Nina Blackstone (Iman) dressed as an airline stewardess and her cohort Omar. LAPD undercover officers Sheila Kingston (Rosie O'Donnell) and Fred Lavery (Dan Aykroyd) are hunting the diamond smuggling ring. Nina and Omar tries to track down Elliot to get back the photos. There are no known photos of Omar and the cops are after Elliot as well. Elliot signs up for a week on the island of Eden as a submissive. He is followed by the smugglers and the cops. The island is owned by Dr. Martin Helifax (Hector Elizondo) and run by dominatrix Mistress Lisa Emerson (Dana Delany).

O'Donnell is annoying in this one. She needs somebody to rein her in and Aykroyd is the last person to do that. They are the unfunny comedic relief. The premise is horribly manufactured. The island is cheesy. Paul Mercurio is a weak lead and Dana Delany doesn't fit as a dominatrix. It is awkward and silly. There are a lot of naked people and non of it is erotic or funny. Sexy has never been more boring. I don't know how crappy is the Anne Rice novel and Garry Marshall is a complete fail here.

This is a movie that is okay and has a decent performance by Delaney and Ackroyd and the best role O'Donnell has had yet. There are those who hate this film and some who love it. Since it contains neither Pauly Shore nor Adam Sandler and not a trace of Bo Derek or Pia Zadora, it can't be as bad as so many think. It may not be Olivier doing Hamlet, but it beats Shatner playing Othello. Recommended for Dana Delaney and Rosie fans with the obligatory Hector Elizando appearance though he's done much better elsewhere.