GAYVN

It’s obvious that a lot of people put a lot of hard work into Dante, which only makes you wish that it worked better. Among the hardest workers are director Jett Blakk and writer/co-director Ty Hudson (who also plays three roles). These guys took on an ambitious adaptation of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, which Hudson explains the origins of in a long-winded DVD extra intro. (The co-directors also do an extensive audio commentary that fills in every detail of the production.) There are sketches of the characters and schematics of the sets—all very impressive and indicative of the care that went into many aspects of this Red Devil production. But, as they say, if it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage. And even the most attractive models and hottest sex can’t make up for a muddled script and a silly, unsatisfying ending that resorts to a lame “to be continued” line.

This epic tale of the battle between good and evil begins with some dramatic music and a mysterious monastery, where a bearded Hudson works his dark angels (Trevor Knight and Zachary Pierce) into a sweaty frenzy. This unlikely threeway sets the stage with its elaborate set and moody lighting. In the second scene, we meet main character Dante (Logan Robbins), who is given a letter with an odd symbol by his weird professor (Hudson again, in glasses). We learn that Dante’s boyfriend, Joss (Trent Atkins), is a former escort—or is he? Jealousy between the lovers causes a breakup, and Dante’s study partner Ben (Damon Phoenix) is only too happy to comfort him. Or is he? The plot gets more convoluted as Chad Hunt (with a strange dye job) and Eddie Stone show up to accost Atkins, and Hudson (now clean-shaven) returns to bed Phoenix. In the end, there’s a dramatic shooting, some light bondage and even a bit of stigmata! There’s also some solid work by Hunt (whose monster cock does him proud as always), Stone and Atkins. Their scene at the monastery is a highlight, with great oral and top honors going to Hunt and Stone. And Phoenix is as cute as a button, delivering a cum-flying orgasm that elicits an adorable giggle from the newbie model. On the other hand, fresh face Robbins is nowhere near ready for a leading role. His wooden delivery and stiff, awkward performance is a weak leak in Dante’s chain. And Hudson’s hammy over-the-top work, in all his roles, doesn’t help either. There is some grainy night photography and poor sound quality in spots, but we’d rather see a movie set high goals and not reach them, then not try at all. And on that level, Dante works just fine.

RETAILING: Red Devil makes an ambitious attempt at high drama. Attractive box cover and big-name talent will keep fans from noticing that it doesn’t achieve its lofty goals.