This should be called Natural High . Few flicks combine man-sex and artistry like High Desert. The results seem more Merchant Ivory than West Hollywood - sort of A Room with a Great View - without clothing or Helena Bonham-Carter. Director Nancy Nathan's experience as photography director for Men and Freshman is evident. Other than a disconnected final scene, High Desert combines well-chosen mood music (uncredited) and breathtaking outdoor views to create a highly sensual atmosphere. This should please those wanting tenderness mixed with sex.
After a hike, chiseled muscleman Dean Phoenix and equally smooth and delicious Jack Ryan return to their tent to do more intimate "backpacking." This scene sets the stage for the rest of the video - stunning visuals and genuine sexual intensity. Director Nathan skillfully uses occasional slow-motion to great effect, evoking a wonderfully dreamy feeling. These guys explore each other with true abandon. Phoenix and Ryan kiss and touch each other with lingering electricity, and Ryan gently plunges down on Phoenix's love-sword. Phoenix returns the favor by swallowing Ryan's ample schlong. Phoenix kneels before the altar that is Ryan's butt - talk about taking hole-y communion! Ryan then enjoys a deep, gentle anal massage from Phoenix's pleasure-poker. Their natural fuck-sounds mix with the music. Ryan cums, and Phoenix adds his own man spunk to the mix.
Next, smooth lads Jeremy Tucker, Marc Anthony and Troy Michaels frolic in the bed of a pickup. I didn't notice the make or model, but I think it was blue. The visuals of these hot men and their generous sausages call to mind classic Colt movies - without the disco beat. Tucker's ripped bod looks part African-American and all dreamcicle. Michaels is an angelic sex pig, and Anthony sports a long, fat schlong. Unfortunately, he also has a distracting '80s hairdo that had me wondering - does his hairdresser really know for sure? Despite the hairline flaw, the guys don't interact like strangers on a set but friends on a romp. We're treated to passionate kissing and equally attentive cock worshiping. Sometimes, during group scenes, some poor slob ends up like part of the scenery instead of part of the action - or as they say on the playground - "the cheese stands alone." This never happens in High Desert , although Tucker and Michaels have a special magic. All three end up in several savory positions, each well-captured by the camera. A standout image has Tucker and his poker towering over the reclining Michaels' eager mouth; Michaels' torso, in turn, is hanging over the tail-bed while Anthony sucks him. Another has Tucker and Michaels exchanging sloppy kisses over Anthony's eager butt, which is later eaten out by Michaels. This scene dissolves to Tucker banging the hell out of Michaels' happy hole (I could almost see the smiley face) while Anthony tenderly cradles Michaels' head in his lap. The grunts, groans, laughter and panting reflect authentic enthusiasm. Later, Michaels begs for more, and Anthony takes control of his receptive pucker. This scene has the proverbial happy ending with Tucker cumming on Michaels' face and Michaels and Anthony blowing loads.
Later, Anthony and Dylan Reece (looking like a young Dean Cain) wander over to a remote rock outcropping what will happen next? You want suspense - rent Hitchcock. Their sex is not so much videotaped as choreographed, because it's both hot and beautiful. They start with the video's signature passionate kissing. Incidentally, the subdued lighting makes Anthony's hair much less scary. Reece greedily swallows Anthony's love-prod, and Anthony gladly reciprocates on Reece's cock. There's an intensely hot image of Reece arching against a rock, boxers around his ankles, while being serviced by Anthony. Later, there's an equally spunk-inducing visual of Reece reveling in Anthony's engorged cumgun. Finally, Anthony fucks Reed's voluptuous, cum-catching butt while Reece emits animal grunts and moans. Anthony then reclines on a rock and Reece rides his meat-rocket. Obviously, Reece reaches his chosen destination as he erupts with a gusher! Anthony's dollop of cum is anticlimatic by comparison, but who cares? The next cum shot will be yours.
Lots of videos have group sex scenes that are weirdly edited hodgepodges with a dizzying array of positions - often requiring Dramamine instead of Wet. The next scene was a delightful exception! This scene is actually composed of two groups often in the same frame but seemingly unaware of each other. One pairs Phoenix and Michaels. The other showcases a threesome with Reece and Ryan and young, hung Nick Young. The director knows just when to cut back and forth, tantalizing and often mesmerizing you. Like the preceding scenes, its enhanced by a score that should be on a CD called "Romantic Fuck." The videography lets you focus on one scene while often glimpsing the other in the background. Instead of a cacophony, it's hot harmony. The entire movie - especially this scene - stunningly contrasts the coarse splendor of the desert against the smooth beauty of men in their prime. This scene is primarily oral - but when done right like this one, quality wins over quantity. From Michaels peeling Phoenix's boxers with his teeth to Phoenix's arching musclebutt posed against the desert sky, this is homoeroticism in action. Fuck Ansel Adams.
Over their shoulders, it's like an erotic filling station, as each naked attendant (Reece, Ryan and Young) helpfully brandishes a meaty dipstick and takes turns checking out the other's throat oil. These three never lose contact. All cum, but Young in particular has a Niagara-like spunkfall. Almost simultaneously, Michaels and Phoenix add their spunk to the desert sand.
The last scene is hot but disconnected from the rest of the video. Until now, the video showcased smooth young men in scenes that exude warmth, sensuality - almost romance - with virtually no dialogue.
The last scene changes pace completely. We find Young peeping into the window of a Winnebago. He's roughly accosted by the owner, ferocious muscle bear Austin Masters. (I always find families with crying babies.) Apparently, crime pays, because Austin pushes his hairy crotch into Young's receptive face and soon is force-feeding his hose down Young's throat. The gurgling noises are an extra treat. Masters growls believable daddy phrases, and Young willingly submits, going so far as to give Masters' butt a tongue bath. Again, unfortunately, no shots of tongue probes. Masters fucks Young, but soon Young is riding on top of a prone Masters - who looks exhausted. Maybe the Viagra wore off because while Young's uncut torpedo flops enticingly and spunks, Masters doesn't shoot. Suddenly, Young is gone and Masters' "biker trash wife" Betty Grub runs out and brings him back into the trailer. If Betty was my wife, I'd have erectile dysfunction, but this was still an odd way to end the scene, let alone the video.
Overall, High Desert was the visual equivalent of taking ecstasy - almost everything about it put me in a state of masturbatory bliss. I couldn't tell if anyone was "acting," because everyone seemed to be having fun. While all the performers were good, Dean Phoenix was exceptional - strikingly handsome, buff and no obvious attitude. Director Nancy Nathan shines and shows that girls can make great gay fuck films. She also has a flair for creating a sense of tenderness and sensuality lacking in so many films. The team did an exceptional job and should join forces again and make a real romance. With this chemistry and obvious technical skills, it would work.
- Anthony Peters