DVD Review: Rated X (C+)

Rated X (2001)
Directed By Emilio Estevez
Starring Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez
MPAA: UR
Grade: C+

Review By Scott Standish

Emilio Estevez and his brother Charlie Sheen tackle the true story of the infamous Mitchell Brothers, and do a pretty darn good job of it. Its entertaining, has lots of sex, drugs and violence, and its a decent rental. Sealing the deal is the solid acting work from the Estevez brothers.

The Mitchell Brothers opened the O'Farrell adult movie theater in San Francisco in the 1970's just as adult films were gaining acceptance in mainstream culture. Their film Behind The Green Door became one of adult film's biggest cross over hits, as middle class married couples actually made the trek out to porn theaters to see it. Hey, this was before video rentals, folks. The Mitchell Brothers made millions, partied hard, and where money and partying meet- there is usually trouble.

Art and Jim Mitchell grew up competitive in nature and as they became older (and more successful) their relationship turned to a complex mix of love and hate. The porn kings of San Francisco began to live the lifestyle of drugs, booze and more drugs. Paranoia and addiction took hold of both of them, and they fought their demons in their own way.

Its kind of ironic that this movie chronicles the troubles that independent pushers of porn face, as the film was shot for the late night slots that bankroll corporate sleazemasters Showtime. Also with an obvious "made for TV look" this film can't seem to pack the dramatic visual appeal to really take off. All of the tense scenes are cut MTV style, there is a lack of solid art direction to this (perhaps watered down, even for Showtime?) and of course, it was not shot in widescreen mode (sigh).

On the bright side, Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez are great as the porn czars that discovered Marilyn Chambers, and they keep this from getting boring at any point. Give this made for TV schlock fest a chance, but only when you are in the mood for, well, made for late night cable TV schlock!

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