Once again we have gone back into the vault to pull out another blast from the past. Hard to believe this film came out almost 23 years ago. It took on a very touchy subject, but in a very classy and adult way and garnered much critical acclaim, award nominations and wins. Here is our original NightMoves review from 2002.
Falling from Grace – Wicked Pictures – Director – Brad Armstrong – Cast – Sydnee Steele, Nicole Sheridan, jessica drake, Stephanie Swift, Stormy Daniels, Felecia, Kitten, Olivia O’ Grady, Brad Armstrong, Dillon Day, Mike Horner, Randy Spears, Joey Ray, Voodoo, Todd Hunter
When it comes to religion and porn there is always controversy. In some films the subject has been mishandled in a very sordid, trashy way. With this release the subject is handled masterfully without denouncing religion or sex, but rather questioning the conflicts that arise and how to conquer them. The theme, story and plot of this film are portrayed in a very honest, realistic way that even a person with strong religious leanings would not be offended.
When I first reviewed this film for NightMoves in 2002 I said it would break new ground, would be an award winner and would also show the reality of life and the conflicts it poses. The film did all three.
The story centers on Grace (Sydnee Steele) and Jared (Brad Armstrong), a couple who seemingly have a good relationship and future together. That is until Jared comes home one day and finds Grace and Tanner (Dillon Day) naked after just finishing up a passionate encounter. This throws Jared’s world into a tizzy and the breakup comes, leaving him distraught and her confused. The film moves ahead to five years later when Grace finally decides to find Jared and ask for his forgiveness and to start over again. She shows up at his apartment as he is ready to go to work and she lets out with an impassioned plea to let her back in his life. All this time he has her back to her and when he finally turns around to face her Grace’s jaw drops. He is wearing a collar and is now a priest. This is when and where the inner and emotional turmoil begins for the both of them.
Jared still has feelings for Grace, but he has a more important calling now. He seeks out the help from Father James (Mike Horner) who tells him what he should do in this situation, but it’s not what Jared wants to hear. So he enlists the help of his jogging buddy Vance (Randy Spears) who has a hot girlfriend Christy (Stormy Daniels). Vance tries to help him but only Jared can come up with the real answers. Will it be the church or Grace? Can he overcome this emotional situation they are faced with? Will Grace finally walk away from him knowing there is no chance for reconciliation? These are the feelings and scenes that are played out in the movie until the very end when we get the answers, or do we?
The film is very well done, filmed on actual locations around L.A. and visually very impressive with the church scenes extremely well done. The dialogue gets a little heavy at times, but it is carried off with a solid mainstream feel as Armstrong, Steele and the rest display some excellent acting chops. The sex scenes are, for the most part, somewhat vanilla, but carry a lot of passion and intensity. Armstrong again, as he has over the years, shows a distinct directing style where the story and plot are in the foreground and allow his performers to develop the characters they portray. It’s a film that does not denigrate religion, but rather shows the emotions that can happen when one chooses this life.
It is excellently presented in every way and was worthy of all the nominations and awards it received. “Falling from Grace” is one I definitely rank a classic and will be an excellent view for couples. Be sure to check this one out it will be worth it..
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
