Review of Another 9½ Weeks

I actually had the dubious experience of watching these movies in reverse, I saw Another before I saw 9 and honestly the difference is surprisingly glaring. Mickey Rouke takes center stage in this one. No longer the supporting character, he has become the focus. A man tortured by guilt is not a new plot point but it's a refreshing development for a character who was otherwise two dimensional. Thusly, it's a welcomed change. Angie Everhart has an energy about her that's intoxicating. She isn't just willing to pose nude, She owns her nudity. She is the playful one trying to lure Rourkes character out of his shell. Her motives remain questionable along with the fate of Elizabeth (the chick from the first movie). And the culmination of her motives is simplistic without feeling dumbed down. The other two predominant characters, Angie's assistant and business partner, are both likable and they are suppose to be. And all four turn in performances that make them memorable.

So how does it compare to the original? Another is soft-core porn. It's a story about moving on from guilt or risking repeating your same mistakes. The mystery surrounding Angie's character draws you in as Rouke tries to unravel the mystery. And loads of gratuitous frontal nudity tucked in around the plot keep our attention.

9 on the other hand is just a boring trudge through an unhealthy relationship where two people unrealistically expect something out of the other. Until finally it ends. Also no titties at all.

So in the end. You can watch Another without seeing 9 and not miss a thing. It's soft-core, but with talented and under appreciated actors delivering compelling performances, this is worth checking out at least once. Plus naked Angie Everhart. 'Nuff Said