The First 9 1/2 Weeks

Oh, the wonders of what Cinemax brings to its viewers.

First off, if you are a die-hard fan of the film "9 1/2 Weeks," please do not see this movie. Or see this movie, but forget that it's being billed as a prequel. This movie has nothing to do with Adrian Lyne's titillating masterpiece, save for the time period mentioned in the title (although the "plot" in this one lasts a mere week) and another blindfolded food scene. But that's about it.

Unfortunately for writer/director Alex Wright, the 9 1/2 Weeks tie-in does more bad than good. The blatantly ripped-off food/sex scene forces anyone who has seen the "original" movie to draw comparisons between the two. In any other Cinemax late-night B movie, the scene really does do it's job--we get to see Clara Bellar naked (again) in the throes of simulated passion. If you're watching television at a time and channel when this movie is being shown... well... this is what you were waiting for, isn't it? If, instead, you were looking for sensuality and eroticism, sorry.

If you've seen the scene in 9 1/2 Weeks, then you know what I'm talking about. Watching Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger in front of the refrigerator is--absolutely wonderful. The scene probably caused countless couples to run for their fridges and realize that foreplay could be fun after all. Strawberries just never tasted the same again.

Specifically, in "First 9 1/2," the scene forces you to shake your head in disbelief. Paul Mercurio gets fed a couple morsels of food, mentions "Yummy," and before you know it Clara Bellar is on her back yet again for another 90 seconds of bouncing breast exposure.

Alex Wright's "surprise" ending tries to make some deep points about human nature and visceral needs. Somehow, having a copious amount of adulterous sex builds character. It's entertainment. Maybe. I'll stick to late-night C-Span.

Mr. Wright: REPENT NOW. You may still salvage your career. And if you must make another prequel, pick another B-movie to rip off. Another ninety minutes of silicone, in this case, really would lend itself to plot continuity.

Despite the other comments, It was rather interesting these movies ( which I rented not seen on cable) about mind games that bored rich people play to amuse themselves like the one which had michael douglas as a rich guy that went thru crap to discover that his son was doing it for laughs or as a birthday gift ?? any way you think it is going one way and then find out that it is something completely totally different .. it was kind of poetic justice as far as the movie goes that Matt is now a partner and the boss is going down to New Orleans because the Dubois want to evaluate him while Matt gleefully sends him off while setting up at date for dinner with his wife....Not a real keeper but good for a evening entertainment I would say...Matt was definitely changed by this game for the better is left to be seen...

i can simply say that i always liked this movie, and I was about twelve when i first saw it...but it was pretty good. i thought that the plot was rather suspenseful, and the twists and turns that eventually lead up to the end of the movie were quite fun and amusing. it was also pretty sexy.

I notice alot,older movies are low rated,but this is a high rating for me.

My cable provider is offering free HBO for a couple of weeks, so I watched when this came on. Its title was only picked to try and get you to see his movie. The dialog and acting are second-rate, but the surprise ending is a bit cute, I thought, and at least gave the movie some redeeming quality. Although, few 'normal' people can identify with the outcome.

Some scenes were shot in New Orleans, where I used to live, and that kept some interest for me. Maybe that's why I gave it such a high rating! :-)

Summary - probably not worth your time unless you're really, really bored!