Rodney Moore's Creme De La Face 3: Caught in the Middle lands squarely in the center of 1990s gonzo-style adult filmmaking-raw, unfiltered, and shamelessly indulgent. It's a film that doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is: a raucous, messy showcase of Moore's signature handheld aesthetic and tongue-in-cheek bravado. But while its playful energy and nostalgic grit might draw a few smirks from veteran viewers, the execution leaves much to be desired.
What stands out most is the film's self-awareness. Moore knows his audience and leans hard into the over-the-top premise, embracing ridiculous innuendo and absurd scenarios with gusto. There's something oddly charming about how unpolished the production is-grainy visuals, erratic lighting, and all. But charm only goes so far. Much of the film feels rushed, with scenes that often blur into one another without clear transitions or build-up. The pacing is uneven, leaving moments that should sizzle feeling stale.
Despite the rough edges, there's a standout in the mix. One of the actresses-credited only as Lacey-brings a surprising level of charisma to her scenes. She plays to the camera with confidence and wit, managing to inject a spark of personality that elevates her performance above the rest. Lacey's screen presence offers a glimpse of what the film could have been with a bit more structure and direction. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the rest of the cast, many of whom seem to be going through the motions, trapped in Moore's overlong and repetitive takes.
Technically, the film struggles to rise above its limitations. Audio fluctuates wildly between muffled and jarringly loud, and camera work is inconsistent-even by gonzo standards. There's a voyeuristic appeal to the amateur quality, but it's not enough to mask the lack of variation or narrative cohesion. Humor is present but often feels forced, relying heavily on dated tropes that haven't aged particularly well.