“E-‘MAY’-NUELLE”
FORMAT: DVD
Sylvia Kristel returns to the series after a two-and-a-half film absence. This time, she’s using the miracle of virtual reality to help a friend work through the sexual hang-ups of her past. Together, they enter the virtual reality world and try to “reprogram” her old unfortunate memories with new sensual and pleasurable experiences.
Virtual reality was a common gimmick for ‘90s Skinamax movies, so it’s only natural that the Emmanuelle series would dip its toe into the subgenre. It’s also a neat way to include Kristel in the fun, while also using another actress (in this case, Annie Bellac) to play Emmanuelle during the flashbacks and nude scenes.
The VR set-up is good for a laugh too as it employs some rather chintzy CGI graphics. Also, ‘80s gamers will find something to chuckle about as they will immediately recognize the Nintendo Power Glove being used as part of the virtual reality suit. Oh, and if you want to watch someone else’s virtual reality experience? No problem! Just put on a cheap pair of sunglasses and you’re good to go! The biggest laugh comes courtesy of the computerized voice that says, “Insertion Activated!” once the VR client has finally gotten down to business with his virtual partner.
The VR scenes themselves are pretty solid. The best involves a woman who wants to be Marilyn Monroe who flashes passersby in a Seven Year Itch-inspired sequence. Most of these VR movies play at living out fantasies through technology. However, what makes Emmanuelle 7 memorable is the notion that characters use the technology as a chance to replay missed intimate moments. I’m not saying this is exactly a thought-provoking film, but the fact that it deals with the psychological ramifications of lost opportunities at love is intriguing, and it’s handled in a more engaging manner than you might expect. I mean, who wouldn’t want another chance at the “one who got away”, even if it was only in virtual reality?
Kristel also appeared in several straight to cable entries of the series the same year this was released.
AKA: Digital Love. AKA: Emmanuelle in Cyberspace. AKA: Emmanuelle’s 7th Heaven.
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