The team of writer Melissa Monet and director Jim Enright gave Wicked Pictures one of its better movies two decades ago with this very well-acted portrayal of an old theme - giving a person a chance to relive their life over differently.

It's posited as more or less science fiction, though the filmmakers do not dwell on the mechanics of how this fantasy premise is achieved. In a fine NonSex performance, one of porn's oldie studs Dave Cummings plays John, seen gazing at an old photo of himself and pal Harry in better days long ago. Suddenly a young man (Steven St. Croix) pops up and claims to be Harry, with a tall tale of having had a makeover and living a new life with a new youthful look (and new young female playmates).

Harry tries to sell his old friend on making the transformation, and soon John is caught up with a malevolent group, personified by Tina Tyler in a strong NonSex role as Miss Cunningham, its chief recruiter, a tough lady indeed.

How John fares in his new life, now named Mike and played by Randy Spears, makes for an engrossing drama/thriller, with plenty of strong sex content included. What makes it different from the norm (then and especially now) is how Monet and Enright maintain the viewer's interest and involvement with the characters and the story, rather than creating the usual impatience engendered in a genre where the audience is likely to think "hey, let's get on with the sex!".

Another quality NonSex acting job is delivered by mature beauty Terry J. Hunter as John's wife (and fooled into thinking she's a widow by the mean-spirited company run by Miss Cunnngham) Maggie, while Avy Scott leads a long list of beauties in the female sex roles. Spears is far better than usual in handling the angst of his character who gets in way over his head, and St. Croix is believable as the selfish friend-turned-bad-guy.

I was greatly pleased by the thorough list of cast credits, giving all the players, sex or no sex, recognition.

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The fantasy genre features imaginative and often magical worlds, characters, and events. It explores realms beyond the boundaries of reality, featuring elements such as magic, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, and fantastical settings. These stories can take place in entirely fictional worlds or blend fantastical elements with real-world settings.

Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)

The sci-fi genre, short for science fiction, features imaginative and futuristic concepts that are often rooted in scientific principles, technology, and possibilities. These stories delve into "what if" questions and can serve as a platform to address contemporary social, political, and ethical issues by projecting them onto future or alternate settings.

James Earl Jones and David Prowse in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The thriller genre features suspense, tension, and excitement. These stories are known for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and delivering intense emotional experiences by revolving around high-stakes situations, dangerous conflicts, and the constant anticipation of unexpected events.

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