Out in Africa 1

Reviewed by: Ian & David

Copyright © 2007 ? All Rights Reserved

Studio : Bel Ami

Not a hit and miss studio, Bel Ami seems to consistently deliver some quality gay porn. Unlike a lot of studios, there is some story theme to many of their Videos. It isn’t what I’d really call a story plot, but more of a theme.

Such as this one. It is really a theme of several Bel Ami hunks down in Africa. Yes, they do show some of the scenery, in fact a fair amount actually. What I really enjoy though is the way they set it up, the horseplay that these actors have among themselves, whether in a market or at the zoo.

It gives you a better rapport, almost as if you are in the room with your best friend, making out and over on the other side is another of your friends, doing it. You stop to watch, enjoying the sex a bit more, because you see them laugh, see them play. It gives you a better connection, and in my opinion, makes for better sex.

This video is one of those. If you took the sex out, it would be an interesting travel movie, of some guys off on holiday in Africa. The action at the zoo is unreal, makes me want to see parts 2 and 3.

Odd I know, where it isn’t the sex or the natural beauty of the male actors that makes you want to see the next parts, but the fully dressed scenes. Okay, so we are weird, but it’s the mood that is set, and followed through in the actual sex scenes too. The carefree wild sex, the playing, all makes it all the more enjoyable.

The subtitles help, and it is nice to read what they are saying, simply because they look like they are having fun. It’s a romp, a good choice for a night when you want to just enjoy the carefree lifestyle, that twink videos should showcase. Bel Ami has done it with this one, and hey, the wife enjoyed it to the point where he jerked off three times.

Yes, we stopped the movie in spots, horsed around ourselves, had some snacks, but you know, that is what makes movie night fun. To not just be glued to the set watching, but to take a break, have a bite or two, not always food food either. Hey, what can I say, but it got me in the mood. Not bad when you consider I am an old fart.

Lukas Stories II

Reviewed by: Gaystoryman

Copyright © 2007 ? All Rights Reserved

I enjoy watching Bel Ami Videos for a couple of reasons. To begin with, I like Twinks, and Bel Ami certainly has what I consider some class Twinks in their line up of Porn Stars. Whether they are all gay or not doesn’t really matter to me, as these guys are hot. Some more than others, but overall, they manage to showcase a very good selection of young European Men who are 18 to 25.

The other primary reason I enjoy Bel Ami Videos is the quality of production. Not all are what I’d call a 5 out 5 video, but you know, they do consistently seem to provide quality. Not just in the choice of Actors, but in the clarity of images. Then too, the DVDs I have seen all have a story in them.

Now I grant you, it isn’t like a Hollywood Production, but at least Bel Ami makes the effort to have a theme, one which they adhere to in their movies. It just isn’t about the sex, but about setting the mood.

I like to see something like Lukas Stories because it sort of helps to set my mood, to get the imagination working before jumping right into naked bodies slamming into each other. Bel Ami takes the time to build the scenes, and that makes the whole experience a lot more entertaining.

Most of these videos are subtitled. This one is, but it also starts off with an English voice over narration. It conveys the theme of the video nicely. Nor is there a heavy or thick accent, which also shows the attention to detail that Bel Ami takes in its video production.

The concept is good, camera angles are different but they flow with the action. The close ups certainly can get the old dick pumping too. Another great feature of Bel Ami is how they teach their actors to not hide their obvious qualities. I mean when they are stroking a cock, you see the cock, not just a blur of knuckles like most videos have.

The close-ups move from the facial expressions to the action in an even manner, further enhancing the viewing pleasure. It really isn’t all that easy to manage, so kudos’ to Bel Ami for taking the time and doing a professional job.

One reason why I like a flick to have a theme, is that it is able to then be used to segway into the following scenes. This one uses a party theme where Lukas is searching for Johan, among other things. The use of party shots of various Bel Ami Boys is good and helps build the fantasy.

I mean haven’t you ever thought about being at one of those wild parties where there is nothing but hot young males to gaze at and talk to?

I wasn’t exactly thrilled by the Johan scene though. I mean it was obviously added in from another video, and while the location seemed to match, it was obvious that it wasn’t. I can accept it, simply because I do like Johan Paulik. He is definitely a favourite of mine, but I wish there had been more of him. Be nice to have seen the odd image of him in the various party scenes, and to then have Lukas (Ridgeston) chasing him throughout, instead of the aimless wandering.

Still, that is me, and hell I am a picky bastard, just ask the wife.

More than just having good photography, hard bodied young men, Bel Ami also gives you a decent amount of content. They don’t do the 50 minute bullshit that others do. You get a fair viewing time plus generally six to seven different scenes. Most of these scenes use different Bel Ami boys as well.

Sometimes though, they do drag a little. There were parts where it did seem a bit too long, or the action was too focused on just one action. However, you do get some good close-ups and the cum shots are always well done. In some instances, they are replayed in slow motion, to give an even added effect to the moment.

Certainly works for me and the wife.

Pillow Talk 1

Reviewed by Gaystoryman

Copyright © 2006 ? All Rights Reserved

General

In the Twink Niche they say that Bel Ami is the leader and is heads and shoulders above all the other studios out there. For the most part they may be right, but you know, this particular DVD certainly wasn’t one of those that set that standard. I mean to me, Bel Ami does set the bar pretty high for gay porn movies and models, but this video left me feeling a bit disappointed.

I liked the premise though. I mean the concept of seeing two hot Bel Ami boys and their bedroom experiences is inspiring. I mean a lot does go on in a person’s bedroom despite the antics of the Religious Right. So it sort of makes sense to make a movie revolving around that premise. Hell it inspired my Bedroom Chronicles anthology series I have kicked off here. Still I was left a bit disappointed.

Scene 1.

I enjoyed the opening to this scene. It showed the two models cavorting together in a carnival setting. I loved the smiling, the camaraderie that was shown between the two actors even. It sort of felt inviting as you get a bit of a feel that these are just normal guys with some pretty good looks thrown in. You sort of see the friendship as well which makes it more personalable.

The talk among the actors wasn’t stilted either. It appeared far more natural than one is used to in porn movies. It made you totally believe that you were spying in on these two as they made out on the bed.

The lighting, the camera angles were all excellent. It was a true Bel Ami scene in that you had good shots of the whole penis, and of the penetration. It didn’t come across as fake and I suppose for me, the biggest enjoyment was watching these two actors enjoy their performance.

They didn’t look bored or over the top either. The use of decent camera angles helped as did the attention to showing the whole action. The added use of filming the action as seen in the mirror was a nice touch. It was clear and different enough to impress.

I also enjoyed the simple fact that neither of the actors seemed to be complacent. They both were touching, kissing or something that implied real sex, not the boring ‘let’s get it over with’ type many videos seem to have. These guys actually made you believe it was fun. It made the fantasy work.

On the downside, some of the moaning was a bit overdone. Course there are some who really do moan that way and I suppose he was one. However it was a bit over the top and you might tend to think it was a bit more of over acting than real. Still it wasn’t enough to ruin the dream.

The use of props was interesting. The filming through the bed netting was not a hindrance either. It sort of helped with the fantasy too. Course it was a nice bedroom layout and the creaking bed just sort of made it all real.

Again, that is what Bel Ami has become known for. They put effort into the filming. They don’t rely on one stage layout. They make it different enough to separate their themes or scenes and it works for me. Sure it might take more money to do, and even more time, but overall this is what makes a video worth watching and owning.

Scene 2

Now here things get different. I don’t know but in viewing the credits I noticed that it appears to have been a collaborative effort on the producing. This particular scene didn’t have that George Duryov touch to it.

It was introduced with the two stars on the beach in Speedos. Nice but no real good close ups to get you thinking either. The action wasn’t fluid enough between the two. Now maybe it simply was that these particular two models weren’t close, or familiar enough with each other but it just didn’t make me feel like they would be sharing like in the first scene.

Overall, this particular scene just didn’t take off for me. It was too stilted and not what I have come to expect from Bel Ami or from Bel Ami boys. The sex sounds were too unreal or overplayed for my tastes. They rang false and that usually turns me off immediately.

They weren’t animated enough either. I mean frankly they looked bored with each other which really isn’t a Bel Ami trait. They simply didn’t pull it off despite some good camera work.

The cutting of the scene to where you saw the action on one side, and then the same action being reflected in a mirror was unusual and well done. It would have been better if the two actors had been more animated, more aroused. Now yes they were hard, but they just didn’t excite me.

Simply put, if the actors aren’t excited, how am I supposed to get a hard on and all?

There was a lot less kissing, fondling of each other too. It sort of made me think that one was merely a pick up boy for the night. I mean there was no passion, no spark between the two that one is used to in Bel Ami productions. No humour or wit.

Nice penis shots, and as usual the cum shots were good. Still it fell flat for me on the whole.

Scene 3

The Market scene was a nice touch. It was totally on target with the actors too. The by play with the flower vendor was great. It made the two actors much more life like, more real. It certainly was a good set up too. I mean it made you think of the premise more, and let your imagination go wandering. It sort of made me think of walking downtown with my own partner.

Part of what helped is that there were good close up shots. I mean you could see the smiles and the teeth. Not to mention you could see the feeling reflected not just in the Actors faces, but in their eyes too. It was what was missing in Scene 2.

The whole scene hooked me too. I mean it didn’t seem forced or faked. The sound effects were believable and what can you say, the camera angles covered it all nicely. Despite the cavorting actions of the two actors, the camera seemed to capture it all in good crisp clear detail. Good edit job for certain.

It was a good sex scene too. I mean the close up facial shots only re-enforced the action being shown. It was evident by the facial muscles and sounds that these guys were enjoying it all. Maybe it was just superb acting, but who cares. One believed it and isn’t that the mission of an actor? To make you believe in the role they are portraying?

The rim job was good. It showed what it should and it was done with class, style too if you will. The groans and facial expressions of the actor receiving the rimming made you believe in it. If you have had that pleasure, you know what I mean because it is a very hot and arousing sensation to experience. Its not for everyone but well documented in this scene.

The way these guys moved around wasn’t like the first scene, but close. It was totally realistic and nothing was missed by the camera either. Again the foreplay action was enticing, and enjoyable.

The switching from one position to another was done with style and seemed real. It didn’t come across as staged which is another plus. Downside was that I found some of the moans a bit overdone, over played even. But I can forgive that because the action and clarity all helped with the fantasy.

I enjoyed seeing the expressions on the actor faces. It made me believe in the action more, as did the constant movement. The kissing, touching was back in this scene and it all added to making this a good scene. Hell it got the wife shooting so it had to be good. After all she rarely shoots before the last scene of a video, but this was time number 2 already. Had to be a good sign.

Scene 4

The introduction was on a huge pool and fountain. It was different with some good shots of the surrounding city/town. Unfortunately not very good close up of the actors. Not easy to distinguish them in this intro, unlike scenes 1 and 3. Kind of made me think this would be like scene 2 and not your typical Bel Ami scene.

I was right too.

The actual action between the two stars just wasn’t up to what I perceive as the Bel Ami standard. It lacked the emotion, the style, at least in the beginning. However it was one of those scenes that sort of grows on you. There was a lot more dialogue going on between the two, which was a change. Unfortunately this movie had no subtitles and so the conversation fell flat.

I assume that if one knew what was being said it might have added to the overall impression. However, without that knowledge it sort of took away from my enjoyment. The stilted beginning sort of tainted it for me as well though it had some good bright spots along the way.

The putting on the condom was a nice and good touch. Again that was a bit more like Bel Ami. The attention to those little details. Too bad they don’t expand a bit on just how erotic it can be to put condoms on nice stiff dicks. Would do a world of good for promoting safe sex.

The edit of this scene was a bit disjointed. It didn’t have the flow I expect and so it too took away a little from enjoying the action. Nice camera shots of the cocks and of the penetration as well. Still it was choppy in moving from angle to angle and so I wonder who was doing the edit work on this scene.

It was also a bit more rougher than I am used to in Bel Ami videos. The horseplay was bordering a bit on the kinky side, which you know, was rather a nice change of pace. Again something I would expect from Bel Ami. I am not sure if I liked this scene or not. Not as much as perhaps the last one or first, but in its own way it was enticing. I like that word by the way. Says a lot.

The ending of this scene or ending portion was much more realistic than at the start. It made up for that in a way, though not totally. Too bad they hadn’t started off this way and continued, but then maybe the dialogue set it up. Hard to tell when you haven’t a clue as to what they are saying.

Scene 5

You have to love Bel Ami who gives you not just quality, but decent content as well. Five scenes maybe though is a bit much at times. The wife had a sore dick as he was stroking himself (yes with some help) through the entire video. However, this scene was set up with the actors on a balcony. It had some good close ups and the horseplay was nice. Though in all honesty it wasn’t exploited like the others. It was one of the shorter introductions to the bedroom action.

Still it had that Bel Ami style where it was different than the other previous scenes.

If anything this particular scene had more humour in it. There was laughter and good natured fun happening between the two actors. It sort of was a light scene which was rather different too. I mean you can’t just be totally into fucking and sucking, you do have some moments of fun when engaged in sex. I know I enjoy it more when the wife and I laugh and horse around. Tickling the wife is great fun and boy does it get him excited too. So this scene sort of fit for me.

Again more dialogue that wasn’t subtitled. It perhaps is the one sticking point about Bel Ami. They aren’t in English so it is either subtitled which can distract you or it isn’t which is also annoying. I mean damn it, I want to know what sexy things those studs are saying to each other. They have some damn nice sounding voices and it does add to the fantasy.

The music was okay but the motion, the animation of the actors is truly what helps make this a decent film to watch. I hate it when they just lie there and with Bel Ami they sure don’t. The constant touching, fondling, kissing, is all part of the dream. It makes it real and for this premise, it is even more important. After all if this is about guys in their bedroom, you would hope they wouldn’t be bringing in strangers. That notion kind of suddenly makes me wonder more about the two scenes I wasn’t thrilled with.

I mean sometimes we do bring home one nighter’s. When we do, they aren’t all that animated either and are more mechanical. So maybe those scenes were deliberately toned down to add to the illusion of the video theme? Hey, its possible given that this is a Bel Ami production.

Overall

While I am not 100% impressed by this video, for a pay per view or rental its not bad really. I suppose it depends on just what is it you are seeking in your video entertainment?

The wife likes to see cum shots, to get him off on and Bel Ami certainly has some of the best cum shots I have seen. Their photography is top grade and for the most part, their models are pleasing to the eye as well. The build up to the final cum shots are generally good, though in this movie I was not impressed in all of it.

The premise was great. It just fell short for me as I thought some of the introductions to the scenes didn’t quite make it. They fell short as did some of the action, but in thinking about it, I sort of wonder if that wasn’t by design? I do acknowledge that not everyone we bring to bed is a close friend or such, so the action would be muted. However it just didn’t come across like that so for me it was a turn off, or maybe just a disappointment.

Bel Ami certainly does a good job. They don’t have a ton of added bonus features either, and do push their membership site quite a lot. Fine but not adding value to the video in my mind. Another mark off I think for that, as I’d love to see a few stills of the actors. Josh Elliot comes to mind as one.

Overall it was better than many of the movies I have seen over the years. Still it wasn’t what I’d label as the best. Who knows, maybe there just isn’t a best for me, but I am going to enjoy the job of searching for it.

Pleasure Express (Falcon Studios)

Reviewed by The Gaystoryman

Copyright © 2006 ? All Rights Reserved

Introduction

This is an interesting set up actually, one that is followed quite nicely through the entire movie. I will call it a movie because believe it or not, there is sort of a story line to the entire video production.

Kind of wish other studios would learn from this one, to a point. After all this is still porn, not a cinematic epic but the concept is about a group of young individuals taking a train ride.

Should note, Johan Paulik has a cameo non sexual role here. Frankly he is simply shown in a train window and that is it. Wish there would be more but I have to say that the other real cast of actors weren’t bad. Also George Duroy of Bel Ami fame directs this one or Produces. Can’t recall actually and dumb me, I didn’t make note of it.

Scene 1

You will find that in most of the scenes, there is a great deal of eye contact and expression. The video itself stars European Actors, and I am assuming from countries like the Czech Republic, and as there are no subtitles, I’ll also assume that dialogue either wasn’t considered or simply not used. Hence the eye contact.

Note > I want to say that I clearly understood the expressions and eye contact signals used by these actors. I wish the North American variety would learn some of it for their own use. A movie doesn’t have to have copious amounts of dialogue and eye motion, facial expressions, can and do convey a great deal, when properly used. These Twinks obviously knew that.

This scene starts with a duo and develops into a three way. The set used follows the train story line. It is replicated well, in fact through the entire video the sets are indeed well done. There are some signs that it is a set but only if you are really looking for those things instead of concentrating on the hard bodies and cocks.

There is also a novel approach used in all of the 7 different scenes. It is a camera shot of a train going down the tracks. It isn’t the same scene either, but rather different footage for the most part. It all adds to the concept that this takes place on a train journey.

These train footage pieces are used to break the scenes up, as well as to signal either the introduction of another actor, or to a change in the action. Whether that is to signal that actor 1 is now being sucked instead of doing the sucking, or whether to a change in action from sucking to fucking.

While the addition of a 3^rd actor in scene 1 was nice, and he was hot, it just didn’t really fit into the mood of the scene. Least not for me, and to be honest the latter stages of the action became rather boring. It showed in the actors faces as well.

Scene 2

For the most part, in this and the other scenes, the camera angles were good. They changed often enough to make it all seem fresh and the lighting as well was pretty good. I suppose what struck me the most, was the attention to the set design. I mean honestly, it felt like being on a train. They even added sound effects of a train going over the rails, you know the clacking sound trains make.

I wasn’t all that impressed with the actors in Scene 2 and it wasn’t super long so that was okay. I did notice that the sound effects, the grunts and groans was out of sync with the actual action. In the first scene it wasn’t that noticeable, but it did become more noticeable in this scene.

I wouldn’t call it a total washout, but it was a bit annoying by the end of the scene.

Scene 3

I was taken aback at this one. It didn’t start off like the others with any facial close-ups and then I realized that this was a solo scene. The two actors shown in the beginning were the intro or change of pace. They were what perhaps led to the solo action that came about.

On that note, it was a nice change up. Also once the solo action began, the good facial shots were visible. The camera angles kept up a nice perspective for viewing as well. I mean it worked, and while the actor was okay, his expressions above average, he just wasn’t my type. Now if he had been Johan, wow, what a scene that would have been.

Still it was a nice interlude really. Something many videos fail to do or if they do try, they fall short. This one worked. It also got the interest revved up a bit.

Scene 4

Just as Scene 3 was a good break, this one fell flat for me in virtually all aspects. The camera angles were good but it went way too fast. The cum was there before one could really get into the two actors. The anal action was okay and the whole thing, well seemed rushed too much. Sure good facial shots but that alone isn’t enough.

Not on the par with the 1^st scene, and at this point was the best of the four.

Scene 5

The previous scene convinced me that the sound effects were added after the filming. This scene solidified that belief. I don’t know if that is a good thing or not, because the sync has to be pretty close and frankly, it wasn’t.

I mean a guy showing his head back, his mouth open and you get a grunt? Or the mouth is shut tight as are the eyes and you get a scream? Sorry but that defeats the purpose. Better to have added music only if that sync is that far off.

This scene was okay. The facial expressions by the actors was good. It looked more natural, less rehearsed and the camera angles changing helped as well. What I liked was that there was more kissing, more touching in this scene than in the previous ones.

Guess I am a romantic, but damn it, no one just strips, then gets on their knees to suck cock. There is foreplay and that generally means kissing and touching first. Besides it helps to get the limp dick a bit harder. Well it should that is.

The sound effects for this scene were better than Scene 4. They were more natural sounding and in sync. When it works, its great, when it doesn’t it really does tend to ruin the whole effect. This one worked.

I enjoyed the fade in and zoom shots as well. Bit more camera technique in this particular scene as well. I liked it and I also think that it was a nice touch to not have it in all the scenes. This approach worked for me, anyhow.

Scene 6

Yeah that surprised me too, to have so many scenes, but you know I guess the adage of giving value for your buck is what drove this video. I mean the sets were not your normal porn set. They actually looked real and were not cheesy.

However I am not too certain about recycling the actors into other scenes simply to add more scenes. The actors here were already shown and if one didn’t like them, well there would be no value.

For me, these were two of the better looking ones, so for me it worked. Now if your tastes are different, you might be pissed off. Still it was good, solid quality of camera work and good action too.

This particular scene had one of the better cum shots too. That is always nice at the end of video, but wait, this isn’t the end.

Scene 7

I know, another scene? You would think you were perhaps watching a Bel Ami flick given the number of scenes. However I kind of was impressed by this. Again it recycled the already shown actors, and even a scene scenario, but added a twist to it. It included a 3^rd player to the scene, and did so in a rather natural manner.

However, it was for me a bit much.

It was a good 3 way action though and those aren’t easy to find. So on that alone it perhaps was a good addition to the video. There was some good back and forth action that was well documented too. Again a nice plus to have at the end.

Ending

Again, this was well done. I enjoyed seeing the actors with their names at the end. Made you want to know who was who and who to look for in other videos perhaps. I like that aspect of it, and it certainly is something I’ll keep an eye out for as there were three I liked quite well.

One I notice is in a later Bel Ami production, which will get me renting it. Again a good market ploy, one I wish other studios did.

Overall the music wasn’t over powering either. I mean it isn’t your typical porn music and wasn’t so loud that it made you wince. It was better blended in than the canned sound effects of grunts, groans, and moans.

Most, but not all, of the actors were simply stiff in their action. I mean there were few smiles, few twinkles to make you get fully into the fantasy they spent so much effort on attempting to create. I would have liked more animations between them, but some is better than none.

Compared to most North American offerings though, there is not doubt in my mind that these actors were 100% better. The eyes tell a lot and they were well used in this film. I liked that, along with good looking men.

The cost of the sets certainly showed too. I believed they were on a train, and if the goal is to create a fantasy, this one succeeded.