Miles' Rating:

Starring: Expanding on a concept he toyed with in his earlier underrated gem "Cheating," Paul Thomas gathers another group of friends for an evening of angry sex games. While "Cheating" was crafted by a talented journeyman, "Facade" is the work of a master. Sydnee Steele plays the queen bitch of the piece, pissed off that hubby Randy Spears has lost interest in her. The film opens with Spears catching her humping Bobby Vitale who swears he thought the two were separated. With that, Spears decides to throw a party for that evening and invites Vitale's Wife, Inari Vachs, and their pals Vince Voyeur, hiw wife Kira Kener and Vachs's gal-pal April. Before the night is done, the group tears into each other's pain and hypocrisy, and they'll pair off in an attempt to last out.

By shooting in one house, Thomas heightens the tension and clastrophobia. You're never sure who is playing who and how far each character will go.

High. This is a showcase for Steele and Vachs. We all knew Sydnee could play hard-as-nails, but here she uses her sexuality like a razor to slice both her husband and lover. Vachs, too, brings an intensity to her role, but surrounds it with a vulnerability I've not see in her before. Of the guys, only Vitale shows any regret for what's unfolding; Voyeur is an ice man. But Spears is the lynchpin, seemingly in control, but itching to explode in sexual rage. Vachs becomes his release.

Though the revenge fuck between Vachs and Spears is the rock-solid centerpiece, all the scenes have an edgy sexual energy that keeps this tight plot cranking.

Eric Everhard is miscast as a pizza delivery man who becomes part of the gang's game. Thomas needed a younger looking actor for role. Another quibble: April and Kira, though hot in their sex scenes, are limited as background players.

A 9. Another superb job by the best storyteller in porn.

Posted By Miles, www.excaliburfilms.com | 10/12/06 1:58 PM