Whether it's adult films or standard Hollywood fare, whenever a new actor steps into the shoes of an established character in a movie series, there's a certain amount of trepidation.  Well, the latest Brat, from the James, makes a good showing of herself in several ways in Paul Thomas' The Perfect Brat, although the feature is a small step down from the previous entries.

In this go-round, James and hubby Tom Byron come face to face with a drinking problem and decide to seek a cure at the Schlock Center Civic, where head honcho Jessica Wilde tells them that sex is a recommended substitute for alcohol (hey, it's got to beat sitting around some hospital with Kitty Dukakis).  Well, Byron is at first reluctant to take the cure, although some urging from neighbor April West and Wilde helps to convince him.  Meanwhile, James has her own private "therapy session" with Wilde.

Scripter/director Thomas continues with his light-hearted approach to erotica in the series, but doesn't really give James enough of the "Brat" character here to allow her to carry the story the way her predecessors did.  The supporting cast is in top shape, particularly Wilde as the carnal counselor.  The sex is hot, with an interesting scene of a "sex session" that partly takes place behind a curtain (talk about your shadowplays!).  The Perfect Brat is a bit of a misnomer, but it definitely rates a view, and makes this reviewer ready for the next installment.  Lovely packaging.