The Hold Up – Digital Playground – Director – Ricky Greenwood – Cast – Christy Canyon, Anna Claire Clouds, Katrina Colt, Mikey Star, Scott Nails, Charles Dera, Van Wylde,

**** 4 Stars

Directing guru, Ricky Greenwood, is at it again with another finely tuned feature. It is already getting some award buzz and nominations with it’s mix of comedy, drama and sizzling sex. Not to mention it is also a Christmas holiday theme to the story which makes the timing perfect. While it is a great cast who can deliver dialogue and believable performances, seeing a legend like Christy Canyon in the female lead role takes this latest offering from Greenwood and DP over the top.

The story revolves around Dennis, extremely well played by Scott Nails, is a mall Santa, but not one of the smartest ones you’ll ever meet. He drinks, he cusses, he loves sex, as witness his four way with Anna Claire Clouds, Mikey Day, Van Wylde and himself. It takes place after the store has closed nand is caught onn security cameras. So he goes to find the tape and erase it, gets caught and then fired. Now out of a job and money he really has a bigger problem.

He’s behind in his rent, still owes  back alimony money and his landlord, Christy Canyon, wants him to pay up or he’s out on the street. Dennis has no clue what to do and how he’s going to make ends meet and get through this. That’s when his ex wife, Katrina Colt comes calling. She knows he’s down on his luck………again and owes alimony, but still has a soft spot for him and makes him and offer. She will pay him $500 cash if he will play Santa, and behave, at her and her husband’s big fancy Christmas party. His landlord overhears their talk, can see the ex is now very wealthy and she comes up with an idea. The landlord is a honry one, so she gives in to a romp with dennis. See Ms. Canyon getting it on is one very sweet treat. The lady still has it and then some in a hot scene.

Now we come to the Christmas party and while things are getting set up by Katrina and hubby Charles Dera. When he finds out that her ex will be playing Santa, he gets very mad and wants no part of it. However, Katrina has the perfect solution to calm her husband down. That leads to one very steamy anal encounter. While they were busy in the bedroom their house is being cased. Canyon hired two guys, Tommy Pistol and Nathan Bronson, to burglarize the place and make off with all the cash, jewels, etc. While everyone is busy and Dennis getting ready to play Santa, Canyon and her two guys sneak into the house. It doesn’t take long before the bumbling burglars along with Christy creating havoc and now Dennis has a choice to make, so what will it be?

We’ll leave that for you to discover, but be ready for a surprise or two. Some humor, some drama, some Christmas spirit, it’s all wrapped up in this well done package. A great cast sets the pace with this story, the settings, cinematography all presenting a solid piece of adult entertainment. We’re sure the award noms this film’s received will turn into wins. Be sure you check this one out, it is a fun couples kind of film.

Art Koch, National Features and DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN