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.
