Review: Skin Deep (***)

SKIN DEEP
A film review by Steve Rhodes

Copyright 2004 Steve Rhodes

RATING (0 TO ****): ***


SKIN DEEP, an intense and funny dark comedy, begins with an affair starting
to go bad. This tale, with FATAL ATTRACTION overtones, goes from bed
banging to head banging as someone dies, perhaps accidentally or perhaps
not. After the death, everyone becomes seriously unhinged, putting
marriages and friendships to the test.



A story about two African-American software professionals, it was written as
a labor of love by first-time filmmakers Ken Karn and Sacha Parisot.
Parisot directs with straightforward precision, and Karn, who produces, was
able to assemble a team of talented actors from the television world. Most
indies suffer from spotty acting, but not SKIN DEEP, which features riveting
performances.



The film opens with Anthony (Mailon Rivera) having sex with Alex (Debra
Wilson), a coworker of his who lives in a rented guesthouse on his property.
Alex is a demanding and possessive bitch who could teach FATAL ATTRACTION's
Alex a thing or two. She is supremely confident in her sexual prowess.
Anthony explains to Alex that, no matter how good their sex is, it's over
between the two of them. Hmmm.



Meanwhile back at the main house, Victoria (Kristen Shaw), Anthony's very
sexy and very white, blonde wife waits for him. Anthony is a firm believer
in frequent sex, but his wife has him on a monthly installment plan.
Michael (Steve White), Anthony's longtime best friend, and Sarah (A.J.
Johnson), Michael's oversexed wife, are coming over for lunch. An explosive
and hilarious character, Michael sees racism in every action. The chip on
his shoulder is so large that it's hard to see how he has the strength to
stand up. He shoots zingers at Victoria throughout the meal, and, if words
could kill, she wouldn't be able to make it until dessert.



Disaster strikes when they begin that quintessential California activity --
an innocent little after-meal soak in the hot tub. You'll be mesmerized
trying to figure out who is going to do what to whom and why as the thriller
really gets in gear and the twists start coming fast and furious. It's a
fun and exhilarating ride from start to finish, and the script finds a
little needed humor in the tensest of moments.



SKIN DEEP runs 1:29. It is rated R for "strong sexuality and language, and
some violence" and would be acceptable for older teenagers.



The film opens in limited release in the United States on Friday, April 23,
2004. In the Silicon Valley, it will be showing at the Camera Cinemas.



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