Movie Review: Defined

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Directors: Chi Chi LaRue, Kris Weston, John Rutherford.
Cast: Matthew Rush, Joe Foster, Eric Leneau, Addison Scott, Arpad Miklos, Robert Balint, Jeremy Jordan, Jason Law, Austin Larsen, Jeremy Penn, Roland Dane.

Talk about high concept! In Defined, three of Falcon’s top directors give visual definitions of words from everyday life. For example, Chi Chi LaRue tackles “Thrust,” “Friction” and “Seduce.” Kris Weston takes on “Power,” and John Rutherford goes deep with “Penetrate.” Don’t worry, the video is better than the concept.

In LaRue’s first sequence, “Thrust,” Matthew Rush and Joe Foster perform in a definitive Falcon scene. It’s all there—the vibrant colors, gorgeous videography, fabulous lighting, smooth models bordering on perfection and that old beat-up pickup in the background. This scene is a stunner, and so is Rush, more beautiful than ever and displaying an energy and commitment that was lacking in some of his earlier work. LaRue also does nicely with Robert Balint and Jeremy Jordan in the “Friction” sequence, though these two are more the definition of opposites. The beefy Balint nearly overwhelms the tiny Jordan, but somehow their pairing works. Jason Law and Austin Larsen aren’t a great match either (the younger man/older man thing), but they do flip-flop nicely.

Weston’s “Power” scene features a great threeway as Addison Scott and Arpad Miklos take on Eric Leneau in a boxing ring at the gym. There is some sweaty, manly action here, and once again, the visuals are eye-popping. John Rutherford’s “Penetrate” scene is more ordinary, with Jeremy Penn and Roland Dane making it in a tasteful bedroom. Penn, looking more mature and surprisingly soft, starts off the scene stating that “nobody fucks me,” but that doesn’t last long as great Dane tops him for much of the scene. There are some intense penetration shots here, and Dane delivers a terrific pop shot, but those anticipating Penn as a bottom might be disappointed as he spends too much time telling Dane to take it “slow.”

Defined doesn’t bring any new meaning to these words, but the accomplished directors provide typically fine Falcon fare, and the first-rate models are certainly fun to watch. (Falcon Studios)

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

Movie Review: Stiff Security

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Director: Max Julien.
Cast: Edmundo Castro, Julio Vidal, Roberto Aguilar, Ivan de Morais, Hugo Toledo, Emerson Prata, Alfonso Ribeiro, Sidney Sampaio, Jorge Rios, Renato de Giorgio, Chang Ling.

Who said making porn is easy? As if undependable talent, big egos and a small budget aren’t bad enough, the fictional director in Stiff Security, the latest from Max Julien and Marcostudios, also has to deal with muggy weather, bugs and security problems. Shot entirely on location in Brazil, Stiff Security has the director (played with comedic skill by Chang Ling in a nonsexual role) solve one of these problems by hiring straight guards to patrol his locations. (Turns out that the gay ones caused too much trouble on his last film.) Little does he know that these guys are about as straight as Ricky Martin.

Anyway, throughout the video, the director offers his narrative in voice-over (there are also subtitles), telling exactly what he had to overcome to get the scene done. First, three hotties battle mosquitoes on the set, but luckily “an aggressive top and a hungry bottom” save the day. This scorching threeway sets the standard for the rest of the video. Julien has once again found the hottest men Brazil has to offer, and their sex together is gritty and realistic. There’s even a juicy cum facial.

In the second scene, the director confides that he decided to pair a newcomer with a veteran star, but unfortunately, the vet turned up in not the best shape. The guy looks fine to us—he’s a big, hairy bear type—and the scene winds up being fun and diverse as the models flip-flop and shoot nice loads. By scene three, the guards are getting turned on by all the sexcapades surrounding them. One guard slips off for a liaison with a couple of the models. Next, two depressed guards (one lost his job, the other his woman) need some release, so they decide to jack off together, but they are accosted by two men with a gun who force them to suck and fuck each other. The guards manage to turn the tables and force the interlopers to do the same. This is an entertaining scene with many big cocks and copious cum shots.

Finally, when the beleaguered director decides to throw in the towel on his film, the guards come to the rescue and star in the movie themselves—after hearing how much more money they will be making, of course. Stiff Security is a witty sex comedy that will appeal to those in search of hot ethnic men and a few laughs. The scenes move along at a brisk pace, and creative editing keeps things interesting. It offers a look behind behind-the-scenes hype. But more important, the sex and men are hot! (Marcostudio/IMD)

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

Porn Star Interview: Doug Jeffries

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Doug Jeffries is making his mark on the porn industry—both in front of and behind the camera. Since his debut in 1996 in All Worlds Videos’ Why Marines Don’t Kiss, the 37-year-old screen stud has appeared in more than 350 films. In 2000, All Worlds gave Jeffries the opportunity to direct his own script, Untamed. Then last year, Studio 2000 signed Jeffries to direct movies for them. Now prepping Working Stiff 2 as a director and appearing in John Travis’ Stiff as a Board as a model, Jeffries recently took some time out to speak with us from the Studio 2000 offices in Los Angeles.

How did you make the transition from model to director?
[All Worlds Video owner] Rick Ford and I go way back. He even named me! Rick asked me to direct. I had been writing scripts for some of Chi Chi LaRue’s movies for Vivid. I wrote a gay script called Untamed. Rick really liked the script, and he said, “Direct it.” I said, “Let me think about it.” He said, “No, direct it!”
What made you hesitate?
I didn’t think I had the skill to direct. I had assisted Chi Chi on set, and being in so many movies, I learned a lot from seeing others direct. But it wasn’t until I worked with Scott Masters and John Travis at Studio 2000 that I felt I really started learning the technical side. I knew I could do the personality part, dealing with the boys, but the other part made me hesitate.
How did you get into the business originally?
I had been working as a teacher in Boston. Then I moved to Las Vegas. I came to L.A. and [porn star] Logan Reed saw me. He introduced me to an agent.
Had you considered porn before?
I was toying with the idea of doing porn. Then this opportunity came up. It was thrown in my face, so I sent pictures to the agent.
And the rest is history!
It was sort of a roller-coaster ride. I almost didn’t do it. I was sitting in the airport, waiting to go do my first movie, and I thought, “I’m not gonna get on that plane.” I never thought it would blossom into what it did and extend even further.
How did the Studio 2000 deal come about?
Scott Masters saw Untamed and called me at the All Worlds Resort in Palm Springs, where I was working, and offered me a job. I said that I was loyal to All Worlds, and he understood. Then I left there and moved back to L.A. and was free to accept his offer. I have directed four movies for Studio 2000. I just did one in Spain called Deep Plunge for our international line. And now I am also publicity/promotions manager.
Was that a tough job to tackle?
Not really. I already knew everyone I needed to from when I was roommates with Chi Chi.
Tell us about your relationship with Miss LaRue.
I met Chi Chi through working with All Worlds. She cast me in a movie for Mustang. I stayed at her house. It was a crazy time. Sometimes I was doing two movies a day! I was in all her movies, then she asked me to be her assistant. I made all those connections through her.
Were you influenced by her directing style?
Totally. A lot of my style is similar to Chi Chi’s.
What do you like about being a director?
As a model, I loved seeing my image on the screen. Now, as a director, I love seeing my vision transformed from the page. I also appreciate the entirety of the project—the editing, the music. Seeing the finished product is such a thrill! I get an inner excitement and energy when I am directing. I can’t contain myself.
Do you still want to keep performing as well?
There are projects I still want to do. I mean if a fisting movie comes up for Hot House, then I am there. I still like the hard-edge stuff. And I love doing personal appearances. I was an actor/singer/dancer before porn, so I love stripping, signing autographs, meeting the fans.
After 350 movies, how do you keep it fresh?
I just did a 3-D specialty video with Michael Zen, and I’ve done fisting movies with Steven Scarborough. Those are experiences that are exciting to me and where I can learn a lot from other directors, and I am so thankful to Studio 2000 for this chance. Learning still turns me on. That is how I keep it fresh!

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

On the Set Report: Vengeance 2

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Audiences love mobsters. Just look at the mega-success of The Sopranos on TV and The Godfather trilogy at the movies. And porn viewers are no different. Director Michael Lucas discovered that a couple of years ago when his film Vengeance, a tale of Russian gangsters gone gay, turned out to be one of his company’s most popular productions. Now, Lucas and his New York–based crew are back on familiar turf with the filming of the much anticipated sequel, Vengeance 2.

For several days last February, Lucas Entertainment shot its latest video primarily in a loft space in Manhattan. On day one, there is much activity as everyone preps for the first scene. A renowned set designer, who has worked on major mainstream films, and his assistant are setting up the sleek Art Deco set that will serve as crime boss Lucas’s office. Photographer Mick Hicks arrives with pal Jack Ryan, who has replaced another model at the last minute.

Much of this first day is spent on dialogue. There is much attention to the lighting, the set and Lucas’s elegant designer suit. He is supposed to be smoking a cigar in the scene but doesn’t seem to appreciate the taste and asks an assistant to light it for him. When it comes time to film the scene, Lucas puffs away and promptly flubs the names of the models. He quickly asks for a retake. After several more takes, he gets the names right, and the scene is done.

For day two of shooting, the cast and crew have moved to a duplex apartment in Chelsea. For today’s scene, Latin stud Alec Martinez is paired with the lanky Ryan. After posing for stills with Hicks in the living room upstairs, the models retire to the bedroom below for the scene. They strip and get into position on the bed. Lucas looks at the monitor intently and gives them directions. Soon, the guys are moving from oral to anal, with Martinez moaning on the bottom as Ryan pounds him. During a break, Ryan lightens the mood, catching a glimpse of himself in the monitor and coyly asking, “Do my eyes look pretty?” Videographer Andre Adair soon reminds Lucas, “We’re losing the light.” Lucas responds, “Okay, guys, let’s go.” There are more condoms, lube, and finally cum shots.

Everyone is back on the office set for day three. Newcomer Richard Black (who will later sign on as the second Lucas exclusive) is pacing in a black Armani suit. He chats in a British accent with Andrew Addams, who is cast in a part that is sure to create more controversy for Lucas. Last May, the director caused a stir at the Grabby Awards in Chicago by making some off-the-cuff comments about a certain Hollywood agent. Addams happens to be playing a Hollywood agent, this one of the sleazy variety who wears loud Hawaiian shirts. In the scene, Black drags Addams through a door and deposits him before Lucas, who proceeds to verbally abuse then physically degrade the agent. The entrance is filmed numerous times before Lucas is pleased with the take and ready to move on.

On day four, eight models gather in the loft to shoot the main orgy sequence. By 11am, they have all been prepped and outfitted in tight underwear. Lucas calls them together to film a round-table discussion that will be a DVD extra, along with some watersports scenes. The topic is escorting, and Lucas takes on the role of a porn Oprah with ease. We learn that sometimes clients become friends, porn stars can maintain long-term relationships and that married men are a turn-off! Who knew?

Finally, it’s time to film the orgy. In the script, the first Lucas exclusive Marco Rochelle is playing host. He welcomes in five of the models—including Chad Hunt, Tag Adams and Jay Black—and they begin making out. They are soon joined by the others. The oral part of the scene moves along briskly. As Lucas watches the monitor, he tells the models to make more noise. “Let me hear it, guys,” he commands. “And play with that foreskin!” The action stops briefly so Hicks can do some photos, both hard- and soft-core. One model notices that three construction workers on a neighboring rooftop have a direct view into the loft. Lucas realizes that they are getting an eyeful, but he has a scene to shoot. Always a stickler for details, he wipes the bottoms of the models’ feet before they begin again. Then it’s on to the ass-eating and fucking. The models go at it for almost three hours until the last drop of cum has flown.

“This was definitely our most stylish production,” says Lucas several months later, speaking from the set of the next two videos in his best-selling Fire Island Cruising series. “The guys were all dressed in Armani and Valentino suits. Our budget was four times the amount of the first Vengeance movie, and it will show on the screen. The viewers will see it, along with the usual hot, masculine guys. This is my best work in Manhattan, and we had a lot of fun making it.” As for the brouhaha last spring with that agent, Lucas is unfazed. “We did a shot of the agent in a heap of garbage for the video, and that is where he belongs!”

Spoken like a true mob boss.

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2003)

Porn Star Interview: Sam Tyson

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

It’s hard to believe, but supercute newcomer Sam Tyson left behind the glamorous world of magazine publishing to become a porn star. It wasn’t too long ago that the 28-year-old blond was toiling as the publisher of a gay magazine in Los Angeles. But when that ended about a year ago, the timing seemed right for the Salt Lake City native to leap onto the pages of a magazine. Following numerous photo shoots and three videos, this former Mormon and altar boy is now preparing for his first-ever live appearance at Stonewall on February 14, 2003. “I’m having a blast,” said Tyson in a recent interview from his home in West Hollywood. “New York is going to be my Valentine this year.” Any takers?

Sam, I know the magazine business is tough, but this is ridiculous!
Yeah, before all this happened, I was working as the publisher of Hero magazine. When we couldn’t get investors, I figured it was time to do what I really wanted.
First, some background. You were born and raised as a Mormon?
Yes, I was born in Utah and blessed into the church when born, then my family converted to Catholicism. I had a strict upbringing, but my parents were Jack Mormons, which means they were a bit more relaxed.
What were their attitudes toward sex?
Very conservative. It was all very Beaver Clever. Sex was hush-hush. It was all behind closed doors.
Were you always attracted to men?
Yeah, I found a copy of Playgirl when I was five, and I was thinking, damn, those guys are hot! Not in those terms, but that’s what was in my mind.
You have described yourself as an exhibitionist. Were you always?
No, I was overweight and unpopular as a kid, but I had the desire to change and reinvent myself. It became a project to work out, eat right and get healthy. I started becoming more comfortable with my sexuality. I never got to show off when I was younger, so I wanted to do that stuff.
So you moved to West Hollywood!
Right. At first I was intimidated by L.A. because it was all about looks and image, but then I started working on myself, and it’s been good for me. I started finding the best of myself.
So what was that first step toward porn?
After the magazine folded, I was online one day and started chatting with a photographer. I decided to take some pictures and play with that energy I had resisted. Then I met [director] Chi Chi LaRue and [agent] David Forest in the same week. That was a turning point. Chi Chi basically said, “You’ve got what it takes.”
And that helped you decide?
No, I had decided to do it before I met them. I had watched a lot of porn and done my homework. When Chi Chi offered me a scene, I jumped at the chance.
And what scene was that?
That was for the video 2. Adam Wolfe played a cop, and I bottomed for him.
Were you nervous?
I was really nervous, but we shot it right in Chi Chi’s living room, and she helped me to relax.
What came next?
I did Goldenrod for Studio 2000, which was a flip-flop scene with Johnny Brosnan. He’s fantastic. Then I did The Hole for Jet Set. In that one I was fucked by Jason Adonis and directed by Wash West. It was amazing.
And now you are taking on live performing.
Yes, my appearance at Stonewall is a new thing. I have danced on boxes in clubs but never something like this. I can’t wait.
What can our readers expect to see?
I’ve only been to Stonewall once, so I’m not even sure what to expect! But I know it will be fun to take it off for New York City on Valentine’s Day.
While we are on the subject, what makes a romantic evening for you?
Well, it’s been a while since I had one. It would start with another masculine guy in the hot tub, maybe in Aspen, it’s snowing out, real cozy, just getting into each other.
So, you are single?
Yes, I am single. I guess doing porn might limit the pool, but in another way, I wouldn’t want a boyfriend who doesn’t want to see this side of me. When you get me, you get the whole package!
So, where do you want to take all this?
I want to spend a few years doing this, have a good time, then leave at the top of my game. I’d like to use porn to take me somewhere else. I’d like to open a private gym here or in Florida.
You actually seem kinda shy.
I kinda am when I go out as myself, but when I am appearing as Sam Tyson, I am more playful and an exhibitionist. The personalities merge.
Tell us about your dog.
I have a Golden Retriever. He’s two years old, and his name is Romeo.
Would you want another porn star as a boyfriend?
It would depend on who it was. I haven’t met a whole lot of them yet. Having a relationship is difficult.
Describe your perfect Valentine.
Masculine, fun-loving, about my height, takes care of himself, nonjudgmental, secure, confident, adventurous. And, of course, there has to be an attraction.
I know you are a Brad Pitt fan. How about him?
I like Brad Pitt, but I’d rather be him. Maybe I can be the Brad Pitt of gay porn! Hey, are you going to ask me if I were a Candy Conversation Heart, what would I say?
Sure, why not?
I would say, “Fuck me!” (laughs)

Reprinted from HX magazine (2003)

Event: Gay Erotic Expo 2002

STORY AND PHOTOS BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Adult businesses, stars and fans all got a taste of the Big Apple at the first national Gay Erotic Expo. Held November 10 and 11, 2002, in New York City, the expo offered a combination of information and entertainment for an eager audience. Nearly 100 exhibitors—including publications such as Adult Video News, Specialty Publications’ Men, Unzipped Monthly and Freshmen, and New York’s HX magazine; video companies such as Lucas Entertainment, MSR Videos and JetSet 2000; and Web sites such as badpuppy.com, bedfellow.com and showguys.com, among many others—filled four separate halls covering 30,000 square feet of the Webster Hall dance club in the East Village.

But booths weren’t the only place to see and be seen at the trade show. Other exhibitors, such as Chi Chi LaRue’s LiveAndRaw.com and tlavideo.com, rented out entire lounges and converted them into “rest areas” or full-blown stores. Although LaRue was a no-show (the director was rumored to be in Australia shooting for Falcon), her lounge proved to be a popular hangout, and TLA moved much product from its makeshift home.

Besides snatching up free samples of lube, condoms, magazines and DVDs, the 7,500 attendees over both days also got into the spirit of the holiday season by shopping for bargains. “We saw this as a place where gay men could find specialty adult items,” says Steven Levenberg, chief operating officer of the expo, “things like fetishwear, dildos, penis enlargers, erotic art and adult magazines and videos.”

But this sexy expo wasn’t just business as usual. It offered more of a party atmosphere than most conventional trade shows, perhaps due to the club setting, late hours (7pm to 1am the first night), numerous bars and live entertainment. Local drag star Hedda Lettuce hosted a raunchy show, which featured performances by New York–based director Michael Lucas and his stars Chad Hunt, Rick Gonzales and Danny Hunter (pictured, top). Veteran star Will Clark also did a strip act, and the cast of the off-Broadway hit Naked Boys Singing did a number, though they did not live up to their name. Also seen: cable hostess Robin Byrd, director Joe Gage and porn star/director Ray Dragon.

Consolidated Management Associates, the company behind the expo, hopes to make it a regular event in New York and is looking to expand into other U.S. cities in the coming months. According to chief executive officer Matthew Bank, the event was a natural outgrowth of their Gay Life Expo, which is a more mainstream, business-oriented affair. “We had to keep turning away exhibitors from the porn industry,” Bank says. “We knew there was a place for the adult stuff, and the Gay Erotic Expo is it.”

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2002)

On the Set Report: Peep Show

BY VINCENT LAMBERT

Porn stars and their lusty admirers hit the high seas once again for the third-annual Pillage & Plunder Cruise this past fall. About 800 gay passengers from 39 states and 11 nations made their way from Port Manatee, Florida, to Cozumel, Mexico, aboard the Regal Empress cruise ship. The five-day journey benefited the local Pride Tampa Bay organization, but it also gave porn directrix Chi Chi LaRue a chance to shoot a scene for her upcoming Peep Show. This new sex-only movie—starring Rascal exclusives Matt Summers (pictured, above) and Julian Pierce, Aaron Tanner, Bailey Parks, Andy Hunter, Sebastian Cole, John Ashe and Travis Reed—will be released through LaRue’s own Rascal Video production company in association with Channel 1 Releasing.

The ship has already been at sea for a couple of days when LaRue (out of drag) and her crew gather to film a sequence with supercouple Lance Gear and Peter Raeg and newcomer Evan Taylor. It’s a hot Saturday afternoon, and while most of the passengers are luxuriating in the sun, the crew begins setting up their equipment in the ship’s theater. Videographer Steven Walker prepares the first shot in front of a big screen onto which a porn video will be projected. “This movie is like an attack on the senses,” LaRue says. “It is very visual and has great art direction.”

The doors leading into the theater have been blocked so the passengers cannot observe the filming. This is a marked change from previous cruises when Josh Eliot helmed Catalina’s Voyager and LaRue filmed Pillage and Plunder: The Movie before an appreciative audience of horny seafarers. “Doing a one-woman show is fun once,” LaRue says. “We were like trained seals out there last year, performing for the crowd. I did it once, and that’s enough.”

LaRue confers with Walker as the three models arrive on the set looking fit and tan (that’s what a few days at sea with a boatload of gay men will do). After a brief fluffing (hair and makeup, that is), the guys are led to a space in front of the screen and the oral sequence begins. Makeup artist Mistress Mona helps with a handheld light, and Walker circles the models with his camera. LaRue sits in the darkness of the theater, watching the proceedings on a video monitor. She decides that the lighting “looks weird” and requests that the red gels be removed from the lights. In typical fashion, the princess of porn directs the models with loud enthusiastic commands. “Suck it!” “Snap his dick!” and “Oh, my God! That’s hot!” are all heard regularly on a LaRue set.

During a break, porn journalist Mickey Skee chats with Mona and the crew. The models drink water, and Gear admits that he doesn’t feel completely comfortable seeing his own likeness onscreen (his debut film, In Gear, has been playing in the background throughout the shoot). “I hate watching myself,” he says. But lover Raeg doesn’t share the sentiment. “I like the scene he did with Logan Reed,” he says. “It’s hot.” Meanwhile, Minnesotan LaRue is debating the accuracy of the film Fargo with several crew members.

Almost an hour has gone by, and the shoot seems to be proceeding on schedule. But outside the barricaded doors, the Joan Rivers impersonator who is scheduled to host Bingo in the theater following the shoot is chomping at the bit. When LaRue is told that the Rivers impersonator wants in, she barks, “Who the fuck is that?” and continues staring at the monitor. When informed that several passengers would also like to come in and witness the porn stars at work, she counters, “Tell them if they pay an extra $500, they can watch!”

And then it’s back to the action. Bar stools are moved in, and the trio set their minds to buttmunching. Gear spits with gusto as LaRue looks on approvingly. When the stools are repositioned for the fucking sequence, LaRue steps onto the set and demonstrates exactly what she wants. Gear gets topped—first by Taylor and then by Raeg—as Mona stands by with condoms and lube. Between setups, LaRue offers encouragement and accolades to the guys. Next, Gear drops to his knees and prepares to receive a facial. As Taylor and Raeg cream on Gear’s face, LaRue screams with joy, “That is hot!” When the spent models adjust their positions, she yells, “Don’t move!” as Walker moves in for a closeup. Then it’s time for cleanup and strike. A mere two hours have gone by, and the scene is done. LaRue comments on how smoothly everything went and how great the cast and crew did. Then in her trademark growl she calls out, “Okay, you can let Joan Rivers in!”

Reprinted from Adult Video News magazine (2002)