Sean Michaels has attempted to make a suave, classy porn video that reflects his screen personality. He has succeeded -- which is both good and bad. Good, because the production qualities are superb. Bad, because the sex is too cool and aloof to be very exciting.

All the performers seem to have a lovely time, but this is a sex vid. not a cricket match. This situation isn't helped any by sloppy camera coverage. For example, Vanessa Chase takes Michaels all the way up her ass (no mean feat!) in a pool scene, but the insertion shot is nonexistent and the fucking is so close to the water that the waves obscure most of the action. Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident.

The other aspects of this video are of the highest quality. The music by Dr. Sammy Shears is sheer pleasure; some scenes groove to a new age beat, while others lean more toward jazz. In every instance, the music sets a chic mood. The use of a steadicam is also to be lauded. The last scene in particular features some spectacularly smooth 360-degree pans and a swooping dolley down a staircase that could not have been accomplished with a regular camera.

Keep up the high production values, Mr. Michaels. But next time, turn the sexual heat up to boil, not simmer.