The Passion boldly attempts to go where few adult films have ventured, with astounding success.  Loaded with lush production values and intricately plotted and paced, the film delivers with nine stunning sex scenes of varying intensity and style.  Retailers should note that the film is beautiful and worth recommending to (dare we say it) couples, but since it's laced with raw sensuality, the sex gets nasty enough to satisfy the jaded adult viewer looking for something fresh.

Basically a take on the well-worn theme of selling your soul to the devil, The Passion works as a sexual meditation on fidelity and marriage.  Blonde Best New Starlet winner Kylie Ireland, looking healthy and horny, and husband Mark Davis make a one-year agreement to be free of their fidelity, courtesy of Sean Michaels, who obviously serves as a "central scrutinizer: to such couples.  Before you can say, "where are the Ray Bans," sexy, busty Tera Heart and blonde babe Barbara Doll are pouring hot butter on Davis's cock, sucking him off, fucking him in a restaurant and letting him fuck Doll's ass.

Meanwhile, Kylie feasts on Steve Drake in a beautifully shot hardcore saga shot against thunder and lightening in a mansion.  Apparently, Drake steals a valuable bracelet from Ireland, who in turn, steals his Lamborghini.  This silly plot device allows for a tremendous car chase right out of Hollywood films and for Ireland and Tyffany Million to have lesbian sex on the car.

Cut to Sean Michaels wooing Mark Davis to join his club... hence lots of hot girls in bikinis and a five-girl poolside lesbian opus with Felecia, Tera Heart, Barbara Doll, Debi Diamond, Dominique and some double dildos.  Kylie needs a lawyer to go after Drake and the counselors (Peter North and Mickey Ray) will take it in trade.  Hence a fine three-way with Ireland and the two attorneys and a double shot of cum on her mouth.

After Debi Diamond ravages Mark Davis, another pointless plot device allows Michaels to get head from Dominique in a flying helicopter.  Again, great production values and something you haven't seen before.  He lands at a party with his disciples which leads to a near-finale: a six-way Devil's orgy, replete with fucking, sucking, anal and orgasms galore.  and as Davis and Ireland declare their love for each other (the devil gets his due), the film closes with a fine, candle-lit, passionate sex scene that comes full circle to the opening.

The Passion proves to be one of the best examples of the new wave of adult filmmaking - tremendous production values that don't obscure great sex, with just enough plot to make it fly on the cable market.  Fine cinematography, with a few neat tricks and sharp editing help keep the film visually interesting.  Money has obviously been spent, but nobody involved in the production forgot to make it a sex film.  And it's a terrific sex film.

On the negative side, much of the music during the sex scenes is repetitive, intrusive and works against the mood of the picture.  But overall, The Passion delivers just what the video market needs... a great adult movie that spans many genres, is very well-marketed and will deliver the retailer some real value for his/her money.