This week we go back just thirteen years ago to 2003. Even in that short time span things have changed quite a bit, so what do you remember from 2003?
As usual let’s start with the cost of living back then. The average price for a 3 bedroom home was $245,000, the average yearly income was at $45,000 and you could by a new car for the average price of $26,000. The cost for a gallon of gas was getting closer to the $2.00 mark at $1.87. The average rent was at $675. per month. Food, clothing and products were all on a rise. In news headlines, George W. Bush was President and the new United States Department of Homeland Security officially begins operation. In 2003 the United States plans for an invasion of Iraq due to an imminent threat from weapons of mass destruction. Armed undercover “sky marshals” are used on commercial aircraft to prevent terrorist attacks following 9/11. Over 10,000 Harley owners from all over the world gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to celebrate 100 years of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Actor/body builder Arnold Schwarzenegger becomes the Governor of California. The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates over Texas upon reentry, killing all seven astronauts on board and biggest blackout in the history of North America takes place as more than 50 million people in the northeastern U.S. and southern Canada lose power. Apple launches I Tunes which becomes a major success selling 10 million songs within 4 months of launch.
In the world of entertainment in 2003 among the big movies include The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Matrix Reloaded, Finding Nemo and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. In the pop music the top names included Coldplay, Beyonce’, Christine Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Nelly. As for popular TV shows in 2003 they included The Simpsons, West Wing, NCIS, America Idol and Everybody Loves Raymond. Among the celebrities we lost in 2003 were actor Robert Stack, comedian/actor Bob Hope, singer Maurice Gibb and actor John Ritter.
In the porn industry all the new technological advances for cameras, special effects would help create some of new looks and styles. A number of European companies are becoming very popular. There were excellent films in 2003 like the Fashionistas, Heart of Darkness, Perfection and the one we look back at today, Wicked Pictures “Falling from Grace”.
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 as 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 2003 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. It has done 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 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 is very impressive with the church scenes extremely well photographed and lit. The dialogue gets a little heavy at times, but it is carried off with a solid mainstream field 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 for 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 as a classic and will be an excellent view for couples. It is interesting to note that the only ones in the cast still in the business today are Brad Armstrong, jessica drake and Stormy Daniels. Be sure to check this one out it will be worth it..
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
