The Friend Zone

Finding something to watch with their girlfriends or wives can be a trying task for most males. Dropping 50 bucks to see Hollywood’s latest nudity-free rom-com is always disappointing. But, picking up a couples-themed porno isn’t much better. Sure, the nudity is there, but the story, dialogue and acting can be so awful it will make a Katherine Heigl movie seem more tolerable.

This is why couples need to get acquainted with the funny, smart and sexy work being produced by New Sensations’ director Eddie Powell and screenwriter Jacky St. James. The duo’s films never fail to make one feel like they’ve just, for lack of a better term, seen a “real movie.” That’s quite a remarkable achievement for couples-oriented porn. Powell’s direction is deft, his lighting beautiful, his narrative flawless. James’ dialogue is crisp and organic — arguably the best in the industry.

“The Friend Zone” finds the pair mining the same romantic ground as such current tinseltown releases as “Friends with Benefits” and “No Strings Attached.” Anthony Rosano is an average-looking, good-natured guy who has fallen in love with his best friend and roommate Riley Reid. Problem is that she doesn’t see what a perfect couple they are until a series of unfortunate, but humorous, mishaps involving an online dating service open up her eyes.

While the story is familiar, James’ script allows for many laugh-out-loud surprises, pulled off by a cast that is obviously talented and clearly having fun. Rosano and Reid’s chemistry feels genuine and playful. Lexi Bloom as Reid’s ditzy sister and Xander Corvus as a pussy-whipped posturing lothario also add plenty of comedic boom. And, unlike the aforementioned Hollywood movies, it also delivers on boobs, vaginas and hot sex.