The main question in "The XL Factor" is this: can porn, usually a voyeuristic pleasure, be actively exhibitionist? Of course porn performers love to take it off and do it in front of the camera, but here, they not only have to do what they do best, but also help in the filming of their scenes. It adds a different twist.
The first scene starts off with handsome James Connor photographing sexy brunet Pablo Seville on the couch, in various states of tight-bodied undress. 'Ere long, James is down to his tight Calvins and stroking his cock in them, with Pablo now holding the video camera. The editing alternates between the supposedly handheld camera and the cinematographer's. If the former is actually being used, it's given some verisimilitude by shaking a bit and having a noticeably paler color at times. Pablo is dexterous enough to hold the camera with one hand and stiffen James' appealing cock with the other, but then contents himself with pointing it downward to watch James blow his hefty uncut piece. Pablo then hands the camera over to James so the latter can capture Pablo's sucking. Using the handheld, James is able to film them kissing way up close and then moves the camera around their 69. The idea of the handheld is a novel one in theory, but it makes for some choppiness. James and the camera film Pablo's lightly hairy ass before James rims it, and that's a position no camera can get any closer to, which is actually nice because the ass-munch is quite good. All cameras are then focused on Pablo's ass getting fucked by James, which is a two-man job since Pablo backs up as much as James thrusts at him. James stays inserted as Pablo rolls over onto his back and takes control of the handheld, James now fucking excitedly and jacking Pablo. They go back to doggy until it's time for Pablo to cum, which he does on his glorious abs. The camera shakes as James pulls at his cock for a magnificent blast, happily caught by the main camera too.
The title card before the second scene says that Alexander Petrov, a twinky brown-haired guy with a toothy smile, has never been fucked. Mika Poira, a blondish dude with a fauxhawk, is at first holding the handheld, goading Alexander into undressing, which Alexander does with knowing tease, showing off a very edible ass. Alexander sucks Mika's imposing thick cock, which would be a challenge for any non-virgin, working it well enough with his mouth and hand. There's a devilish side to Alexander, who stares at the handheld with wicked intent. As they 69, with Mika probing Alexander's ass, Alexander holds the camera at his sucking mouth, obviously proud of himself. Mika's insertion shot is unseen, probably a good thing judging by the way Alexander yowls as he's being screwed. Maybe the kid is a novice after all! He's certainly tight and Mika isn't able to get fully inside, but Alexander is also not asking him to slow down either. The fuck is fairly short before Alexander and then Mika shoot.
Timmy Slater, an attractive youthful blond with tussled hair and big eyes, and his boyfriend, twinky slightly-goateed Toby Elliott, decide to add some oomph to their sex life by filming it. Hey, it worked for Pamela and Tommy Lee! Both are in bed making out when the scene starts, their wiry bodies entwined until Toby reaches for the camera. Now they can celebrate hardening each other before Timmy films Toby sucking him. They quickly reverse, Timmy proving himself to be quite the nut-nibbler as well. As is routine, they 69 and juggle the camera, making sure to take long lustful looks at the camera while they suck. Toby shoots himself licking Timmy's ass, the highlight of their oral section. With Toby holding the handheld, Timmy confidently fucks him sideways. Timmy has a pretty big cock, but he slides it into Toby with nonchalant ease, just grinding with his hips. Toby moves himself around on the dick so he can ride, bouncing gleefully for the camera posed at his asshole. After Timmy gives Toby another improbably simple doggy fuck, Toby's torso becomes their cum canvas.
I bet you can guess what happens when Mika is ostensibly supposed to just film Pablo, my personal favorite of the cast, and Darren James Roberts, a pale shy brunet. Pablo has Darren's excitement level immediately rising as they kiss and feel for each other's dicks. Darren is the first to suck, still tentative but getting more into it now. He seems quite comfortable having ace Pablo blow him and during a break to return to kissing, it's actually Darren who sticks a leg out to touch Mika. They go back to alternating blowjobs, and Mika resists as long as he can, but both Darren and Pablo are eager for him to join. Their footwork has gotten him hard, so he points the camera down at them as they share his meaty piece. Darren suddenly gets really into the proceedings, all but drooling over Mika and given the chance to have him solo when Pablo stands above them to film and have Mika suck him. As they tear through a bunch of oral positions, everyone gets a chance to hold the camera as well. Between Pablo's skills and Mika's zest, Darren can't help but really liven up, making this an exciting three-way with fast-moving positions and hot work. Pablo and Mika film each other eating Darren's butt (even together for a few moments), and then Pablo fucks Darren, Mika standing below with a camera. Pablo was a grand bottom, but he's an even better top, his muscular frame ramming hard at Darren, who wears a smile Mika can catch. Then it's Mika's turn to fuck, taking Pablo as Darren mans the handheld. Mika takes full advantage of Pablo's welcoming hole and works him tirelessly. Still full of pep, Mika then does Darren, who keeps Pablo's cock in his mouth as he's getting split open in the rear. Pablo captures the other two cumming before they give a big three-way kiss goodbye to the scene.
The idea of having the performers wield the camera isn't a bad one. Hell, that's what amateur porn is all about. But, as a hybrid, with a glossy professional camera also shooting everything, it all gets a bit murky. The editing of the two can often blunt the momentum, except in the finale, where the sex is so good that it doesn't matter how it's captured.
DVD features: Chapters; trailers ("Sex in the City," "You Bet!," "Well Suited," "Timmy Slater Unleashed," "The Apprentice" and "Postcard from Berlin"); and no regional coding (playable worldwide).
A DVD Review by Brent Blue