Good but not perfect. 4.25 out of 5.00 - Film: 4 Extras: 4 Video: 5 Audio: 4 - 11/26/2001
Occasionally a movie comes along which is so heavily marketed and critically acclaimed that I feel compelled to take a look at it. After all, if it's worth all those marketing dollars, it can't be too bad. Immortal is the biggest production staged thus far by the rather young Jill Kelly Productions. Sparing no expense, Michael Raven was brought on board to direct while the cast list was filled out with some of the biggest names in porn. The movie also sports some very tasteful and appropriate special effects; usually a feast/famine dichotomy in porn features. So in the interest of providing a balanced perspective, let's take a look at what worked and what didn't.

Porno scripts aren't exactly known for their originality, so why break new ground here? If the paint by numbers story seems familiar, it's probably because it is. In the second behind the scenes featurette, Jill Kelly readily admits the movie is a composite of Xanadu (the 1980 Olivia Newton-John cult musical) and the more recent City of Angels (which was actually a remake of Wim Wenders' superior Wings of Desire). Even if you're not too familiar with these mainstream films, chances are you'll be mimicking the contrived dialogue long before it's even spoken.

As covered in the other reviews, the story is about a goddess (Jill Kelly) who falls in love with a mortal (Julian). If you don't want to expose yourself to the ending, then skip down a paragraph. In the tradition of a Greek tragedy there's a death at the end, but why does the protagonist have to meet his fate by the predictable speeding automobile? I guess terminal illness would have dragged on too long and the effects budget was a little low for a falling safe or a piano.

Even though it's a feature, it wouldn't be fair to judge this movie on it's narrative deficiencies alone. While the sex scenes are all well shot and performed, there are a few issues you might want to make note of. The first scene begins as Jill completely disrobes and coaxes Julian into the bedroom. But in the next shot, Jill is wearing clothes. It may seem nitpicky, but it seems that such a simple continuity error would have been caught in JKP's first flagship production. More noticeable (and annoying) is the total elimination of the diegetic (natural) soundtrack. Instead, we're treated to sounds of waves lapping an unseen shoreline while a light breeze blows in the distance. The quality of the sound is great, but it's still no substitute for the slapping sound of Julian's scrotum slamming up against Jill's ass. Fortunately, this artsy audio technique is limited to the first scene.

The second scene is probably the best, featuring Inari Vachs and the ubiquitous Randy Spears. Apparently Inari switched her saliva glands to "couples friendly" because her nasty blowjob exploits are missing here. Still, she handles Randy's rod quite well, even without her gobs of homegrown lube. After seeing Inari in numerous gonzo encounters it's somewhat perplexing to see why she makes Randy wear a rubber. Also, if anyone in this movie was going to take it up the ass it would be Inari, but Randy only hangs around the front porch before popping on her stomach. Still a strong scene, and Inari looks really hot in those glasses.

Although there's five scenes altogether, the majority of the cast are disproportionately shoved into the third scene for a problematic orgy. I say problematic because this orgy is a few sausages short of a grand slam. Set in a bar, the guys are simply out numbered which inevitably leads to some girl-girl play led by Tabitha. In addition to the penis shortfall, headliners like Haven, Devon, Shayla LaVeaux, and Tabitha Stevens are all forced to share the limited screen time; just as one coupling gets interesting, the action cuts to a different part of the room. I'm not a huge fan of multiple angles, but this would have been the perfect opportunity to implement such a feature. That way the viewer could focus on any particular girl throughout the entire scene. I know I would have liked to see a whole lot more of Devon.

The remaining two scene's aren't bad, but they're not very noteworthy either. In the fourth scene, April plays a ditzy blonde who gets seduced by Asia and Dee. I haven't seen a bad scene with April yet, and I was really impressed (but not surprised) to see her keep pace with the veterans. Jill Kelly and Julian close out the feature with a pretty bland out door romp with some nice camera angles and colored lightning configurations. It was also interesting to see Jill perform a post-ejaculatory reinsertion. I guess this explains her pregnancy in the movie's closing sequence. If that's the case, it's a nice touch.

I don't frequent JKP movies that often, but I'm always impressed by the quality of their DVD transfers. I'm not sure why the feature is matted in a widescreen format. Like its script, maybe it's trying to live up to its mainstream progenitors? Whatever the reason, it certainly makes the feature stand out. At the same time, it's sort of pretentious since this movie was shot on digital video and was never released theatrically. I don't even think it's enhanced for widescreen TVs. Anyway, the video quality is extremely sharp and looks about as good as any mainstream release. Even though I had some problems with the use of sound, the audio is presented in a crisp Dolby 2.0 format and the mixing is great. In addition to the normal photo gallery extras, the disc includes two behind the scenes featurettes. There's lots of good stuff here including short impromptu interviews with a number of the movie's stars as well as some of the usual goofing around.

Immortal is far from a bad movie; it's just not as good as it thinks it is. The sappy story line and dialogue can prove a little too much to stomach. And when it comes to the sex scenes, there's nothing extraordinary here. Perhaps the ultimate couples movie, Immortal provides little of interest for the blue collar porn fan.

      By: Dr. Mabuse

IMMORTAL Beloved 4.5 out of 5.00 - Film: 5 Extras: 4 Video: 5 Audio: 4 - 10/28/2001
The eye-catching, wraparound cover of nine heavenly bodies posing demurely naked against a white background give some promise that IMMORTAL will be more than just another suck and fuck flick. And as it turns out, this movie just happens to be one of the best pictures I have ever seen from Jill Kelly Productions, and probably one of the best movies of the year. Actually, I first saw a superficial, Behind The Scenes preview of this movie after reviewing SYLVIA EXPOSED, and the sight of super-cute Devon already had me enticed. Then again with a cast that includes Asia Carrera, Dee, Haven, Shayla LaVeaux and of course Jill Kelly (it's her production company after all), how can one go wrong?

Director Michael Raven has already delivered a handful of notable features: some good like ANDRENALINE, and some not so good at all like PRETTY GIRLS. Employing some impressive special effects, and primarily shot on film, this letterboxed movie derives its story from Greek mythology, with the finest women in porn naturally adopting the roles of the heavenly bodies and goddesses who guide us sexually as well as spiritually (I always questioned whether I was worshipping the wrong religion, and the feminine spirits in this flick have shown me the light to a new faith).

Jill Kelly takes on tattooed muscle guy Julian after literally running into him while skating into him on the beach. A struggling musician in Southern California (a truly rare breed of professions, apparently) is given inspiration by Jill's sexual healing. Like all rock and rollers, Julian's access to prime pussy is probably unlimited, but to getting Ms. Kelly (not once in this movie, but twice!) is a true accomplishment. The sex is slow and sensuous, and underscore by a piano and the sounds of waves washing across the shore. Although I prefer to hear the natural sounds of Jill's orgasmic squeals and groans, the overdubbing here is not too bad at all, and certainly more inspired than the generic rock and roll bass and wailing guitar crap we get on most porn videos.

The plot barrels on with recording agent Randy Spears giving the kid a break (as if he hadn't already had his share of good fortune by scoring with Jill Kelly). Like the Man of Steel in SUPERMAN II, Jill Kelly finds herself at risk of forfeiting all her powers and remaining on earth as a mortal if she continues her love for "the human." I guess it wouldn't be too much of a plot revelation to indicate that Jill makes certain decisions which affect the course of their lives. The movie overall borrows from every other "guardian angel sent from heaven" movie you've ever seen, including the cult classic XANADU (as pointed out by the director in the Behind The Scenes segments), but the sex makes the mainstream clichés worthwhile.

Next, the unbelievably alluring Inari Vachs (decked out in her trademark glasses and short skirt which all add to her sexiness). Randy protests that he doesn't like to mix business with pleasure, but that doesn't stop him from accepting a wet, bubbly, deep throating blowjob from her. Reverse-cowgirl, doggy and missionary are all part of the sex action right before Randy unloads all over her stomach.

The movie barrels on with Devon, Tabitha Stevens, Haven, Monique DeMoan, Shayla LaVeaux descending upon earth and exploring how the mortals live in an orgy which reach boiling point levels of heat. With some intense fucking, lusty deep throating intercut with hardcore lesbian action (primarily between Tabitha Stevens and Charlie), this is yet another amazing moment in this consistently exciting flick. My only complaint is with a running time of under fifteen minutes, the sequence could have been a bit longer, perhaps with extended footage reserved for the Extras section of the DVD. Most videos pad out the sex scenes interminably, but I would not minded seeing the orgy go on for the better part of the movie. Still, compare how superbly directed and filmed this orgy is compared to the failed climactic scene in the mediocre FIESTA, and you'll get an appreciation of how formidable Michael Raven's direction is.

Asia Carrera, Dee and April Flowers (who looks so good and performs so well in UP AND CUMMERS #64 and #71) perform in a simply terrific threesome, where the multi-ethnic makeup and gorgeous bodies are all over each other. Director Raven gives us plenty of medium shots so we're able to savor April going down on Asia while their bodies are in full view. Even better, the action is all tongues, fingers and lips without a single toy in sight, giving the scene a more intimate feeling.

Jill goes for another round with Julian in an outdoor scene which is even more exciting than the film's opener. And though it takes place at night, the darkness and shadows never obscure the action. After that hot scene, it seems that the movie would be leading into a happy ending, but surprisingly, the story takes a twist for tragedy and a bittersweet ending with an epitaph from the fallen goddess (who also apparently carries the "legacy" of her mortal beloved), "I would rather die having known love, than to live forever without it." Only in Paul Thomas movies from Vivid do porn movies end with such sentiments. Luckily, Director Raven manages to pull of these pathos without making the movie look too mawkish or superficial.

The extras on this disc include your run-of-the-mill Photo Gallery of this flick, and one for ADULT MOVIE and NATURAL TEASE. There are two Behind The Scene featurettes, the first of which is more graphic and interesting that the other. As I mentioned before, Devon looks radiantly gorgeous, but it is also clear that she is just one of many highlights in this excellent flick.

IMMORTAL lives up to whatever hype or great word of mouth you might have heard about this movie. Very highly recommended.


      By: Diesel

A Great Porn To Watch With the One(s) You Love 5 out of 5.00 - Film: 5 Extras: 5 Video: 5 Audio: 5 - 10/4/2001
I am not an extremely seasoned porn connoisseur, but I do know that Immortal, directed by the insightful Michael Raven and produced by Jill Kelly Productions, is one of the best porn films out there today. Finally, a porn that has the best of both worlds...literally and intellectually. Starring Jill Kelly and Julian among other sizzling hot pornstars, Immortal (subtitled "Love Is Forever") asks the intriguing question: is immortality worth giving up for the price of love? And the answer becomes beautifully apparent by the end of this extremely well-done epic love story.

Based on the ancient Greek legends of the Muses, Gods, and Goddesses, Immortal delves into the wonderful, interesting world of Greek Mythology. All of our gorgeous porn goddess like Asia Carerra, Tabitha Stevens, Haven, Devon, and Dee, portray muses sleeping in the heavens above us, ruled by their father Zeus and awaiting opportunities to help us mere mortals down below. A struggling musician, Aaron, portrayed by Julian (who is a God in his own right) sits in front of his score sheets uninspired and frustrated. He begs the God Zeus to send him a muse to inspire him to create. "Are we not born to aid the mortals and inspire them to greatness" Tabitha encourages...

Cleo (well played by Jill Kelly) senses his pleas and tells the other muses that she will go down to earth to help him. I was not really a fan of Jill Kelly in Sex Games (the first Jill Kelly Production I reviewed) but, in Immortal, she looks, acts, and sounds fantastic! Donning skintight clothing and long golden hair, Jill Kelly has made it into my "favorite pornstar" book. Cleo makes her amusing entrance into Aaron's life by bumping into him on the beach as she is roller-skating by. Overtaken by her intense beauty and charm, Aaron invites Cleo to lunch. We then see him being inspired musically and sexually by Cleo.

Unlike other shoddily spit out porn, Immortal actually paid attention to the music accompanying the action. In the first intense sex scene with Cleo and Aaron, who lives by the beach, the intense passion (which involves missionary, cowgirl and side saddle positions), is accompanied by the tranquil sounds of the ocean and soothing piano music. Honestly, when reviewing a porn, I have to skip through parts of the action due to the horrible casio keyboard music circa 1985. I didn't have to from the beginning scenes of Immortal because the music set a romantic and relaxing mood which made me sit tight and enjoy the movie.

The muses watch from above in the universe through an interesting looking glass type of table in which they observe Cleo and her new assignment. Unfortunately, Zeus has decreed that it is forbidden to fall in love with a mortal. Cleo has seven days to decide whether or not to go back to Mount Olympus, or stay with her new found love and lose her immortality, her powers forever.

However, the other muses, persuaded by Era the Goddess of Erotica (played by Devon) decide that they would like to experience the joys and pleasures of indulging in mortal decadence. This transpires into an orgy in a beach bar involving Goddesses and mortals in a feeding frenzy of the pleasures of the flesh.

Meanwhile, Cleo has inspired Aaron so much in his musical endeavors, that he is offered a contract with one of the biggest record producers in town. Randy Spears plays the record agent who discovers Aaron's newly found talent. Randy tries to convince the mortal Inari Vachs to support Aaron's new career. Inari needs some persuasion though and gets what she wants from the "old boys club" by taking Randy Spears by storm and his love instrument into her mouth among other sensual orifices in her body...

After that, a sordid threesome involving Asia Carrera, Dee, and April Flowers occurs in the upstairs bedroom of Aaron's coming out party. April Flowers' clit and tongue piercings are absolutely scintallating in this scene. Afterwards, the muses try to convince Cleo to return to Mount Olympus and resume her status as a muse lest she loose her immortality forever and break the heart of a mortal. Kali warns Cleo once again that Zeus has forbidden the love between mortals and Goddesses.

Cleo needs time to decide and later is convinced that since Zeus loved Herra and Cupid fell in love with a mortal, (to much despair) she has the same right. Cleo returns to Aaron and they both romantically confess their deep love to one another and make love in front of Doric columns. Aaron cums all over Cleo's clit...

I can't give away the ending to this saga because the story is so touching and romantic and there is a surprise ending. Let me just say that love rules in the end, and nothing turns out the way you want it to in our mere mortal lives.

A very strong point in Immortal is the great special effects, which add to the other-worldly feel to the entire movie. This is shown in the orgy scene in which Shayla LeVeaux sprinkles sparkling magic dust to induce the intense lovemaking. Also, the appearance of Kali in Cleo's bedroom as a Goddess bathed in ethereal light is a beautiful effect as well.

Jill Kelly Productions doesn't skimp in their behind the scenes extras either. Unedited candid shots of the pornstars show their true personalities shining through. We learn funny things such as "Tabitha Stevens likes chin nuts" and April Flowers has no idea what a pagan is. The other extras include a photo gallery and a "Natural Tease" section, which shows our beloved pornstars doing what they do best.

Immortal is a wholehearted recommendation from this Empire reviewer. The story is wonderful, the sex, the stars, the music and the settings are gorgeous, and Michael Raven is a god.

      By: Special K

Good Story/Good Sex 4.5 out of 5.00 - Film: 4 Extras: 4 Video: 5 Audio: 5 - 10/26/2004
Jill Kelly is very hot in two big scenes. The plot is one your significant other will enjoy better than most. Well-filmed with a noticeably good soundtrack.

      - Camel Luvr

The best adult movie I've ever seen! 4.25 out of 5.00 - Film: 5 Extras: 2 Video: 5 Audio: 5 - 11/5/2001
I haven't seen about 30 or so porns in my day, but none of them have compared to this one. It actually has a plot, but not a very strong one and some of the acting is a little fake. But you get the impression that they are really trying. The best scene comes at the end when Jill Kelly really works her magic with a little post-orgasm action! (You have to watch to find out!) I was also very impressed with the musical background, which was appropriate for each scene. If there is a better all-around movie than this one, I'd like to see it becuase I was totally impressed with this film from Jill Kelly Productions!

      - Will Callihan

Finally! A movie couples can really enjoy together! 4.75 out of 5.00 - Film: 5 Extras: 4 Video: 5 Audio: 5 - 11/3/2001
It's been a long time since I've seen a porn movie that really is a good film and not just sex scene after sex scene. Jill Kelly has never been better, and that says it all. The sex throughout is very intense and highly sensual. Hey guys, if you want something your woman wouldn't mind watching with you, then this is definitely it!

      - bigsexy316