More Reel People Part 2 (1985)
More Reel People Part 2 (1985)
*More Reel People Part 2* (1985), directed by Anthony Spinelli, is a fascinating artifact of 1980s cinema that blends documentary-style interviews with adult entertainment, continuing the experimental approach established in its predecessor, *Reel People* (1984). This sequel, running at approximately 77 minutes, builds on the original’s premise by inviting everyday individuals to share their personal fantasies and then pairing them with professional performers to bring those dreams to life on screen. Marketed as a “pro-am” film, it combines the raw authenticity of amateur participants with the polish of seasoned actors, creating a unique viewing experience that is both a time capsule of its era and a bold exploration of human desire. This review, spanning over 2000 words, delves into the film’s context, structure, performances, themes, production quality, cultural significance, and its place within Spinelli’s oeuvre, all while adhering to the request to avoid explicit terminology.
### Historical and Cultural Context
To fully appreciate *More Reel People Part 2*, it’s essential to understand the landscape of 1980s adult cinema. The decade marked the tail end of the “Golden Age of Porn,” a period from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s when adult films aspired to mainstream legitimacy. Films like *Deep Throat* (1972) and *Behind the Green Door* (1972) had elevated the genre’s profile, with directors like Spinelli striving for narrative depth and cinematic quality. By 1985, however, the industry was shifting. The rise of home video and VHS tapes democratized access to adult content, but it also led to a flood of low-budget productions, diluting the artistic ambitions of earlier years. Amid this transition, Spinelli’s *Reel People* series stood out for its innovative concept, blending documentary realism with staged encounters, a precursor to the “gonzo” and “reality” subgenres that would dominate later decades.
*More Reel People Part 2* arrived at a time when audiences were curious about authenticity in media. The 1980s saw the rise of talk shows like *The Phil Donahue Show* and *Oprah*, where ordinary people shared personal stories, often with a voyeuristic appeal. Spinelli tapped into this cultural fascination by giving non-actors a platform to express their fantasies, blurring the line between performer and participant. The film’s raw, unpolished moments—such as one participant’s reluctance to engage—reflect a commitment to transparency, even if it risks disrupting the fantasy. This approach earned the film critical praise, including the 1986 AVN Award for “Best Featurette – Film,” a testament to its impact within the industry.[](https://aiwards.com/movie/more-reel-people-part-2)
### Structure and Narrative Approach
The film’s structure is straightforward yet effective, divided into distinct segments that follow a consistent pattern: interview, fantasy revelation, and enactment. Each participant, identified by first names like Mary, Shawn, or Mickey, begins with a candid conversation about their desires and backgrounds. These interviews, often conducted by Spinelli himself (who occasionally appears on camera), aim to humanize the participants, offering glimpses into their lives—whether it’s a 21-year-old Minnesotan named Kimberly or a dancer named Shawn with dreams of grandeur. The interviews vary in depth, with some participants exuding confidence and others displaying palpable nervousness, which adds to the film’s authenticity.
After the interviews, the film transitions to the enactment of each participant’s fantasy, pairing them with established performers such as John Leslie, Joanna Storm, Kelly Nichols, or Rocky Balboa (credited as Rocky Hayne in some sources). These segments are designed to fulfill the fantasies discussed, ranging from intimate one-on-one encounters to more elaborate group scenarios. One notable exception is a male participant who opts out, a moment that Spinelli includes to underscore the film’s commitment to real reactions, even at the cost of narrative flow. This decision, while divisive, reinforces the documentary ethos, distinguishing *More Reel People Part 2* from more scripted adult fare.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196898/)
The pacing is brisk, with each segment lasting just long enough to convey the participant’s story without overstaying its welcome. At 77 minutes, the film avoids the bloat common in feature-length adult films of the era, maintaining a tight rhythm that balances dialogue and action. The editing, credited to Spinelli’s meticulous craftsmanship, ensures smooth transitions between interviews and enactments, with crisp cuts that keep the viewer engaged.[](https://avn.com/movies/more-reel-people-part-ii-48603)
### Performances and Character Dynamics
The cast of *More Reel People Part 2* is a mix of non-professional participants and industry veterans, creating a dynamic interplay that is both the film’s strength and its occasional weakness. The amateurs, billed as “real people,” bring a raw vulnerability to the screen. Mary, a 21-year-old described as captivating, shines in her segment with Rocky Hayne, her enthusiasm and charm making her a standout. Similarly, Shawn, a dancer with a bold personality, brings energy to his ambitious fantasy involving Joanna Storm and Kelly Nichols, a pairing that showcases his charisma and the professionals’ ability to elevate the scene. Mickey, a 23-year-old saleswoman paired with John Leslie, benefits from Leslie’s seasoned presence, their chemistry grounding the segment in genuine connection.[](https://www.avclub.com/film/reviews/more-reel-people-part-2-1985)
The professional performers, including Leslie, Storm, Nichols, and Randy West, serve as anchors, guiding their less experienced counterparts with professionalism and charisma. John Leslie, a stalwart of the Golden Age, is particularly effective, his improvisational skills and natural charm making his segment with Mickey a highlight. Joanna Storm and Kelly Nichols, both icons of 1980s adult cinema, bring warmth and playfulness to their scene with Shawn, creating a dynamic that feels celebratory rather than mechanical. Rocky Balboa, less known but equally competent, complements Mary’s energy, their segment exuding a sense of mutual enjoyment.[](https://letterboxd.com/film/more-reel-people-part-2/)
However, not every pairing is seamless. Kimberly, the Minnesotan blonde, displays noticeable nervousness in her opening segment, which some viewers might find endearing but others might see as detracting from the scene’s flow. The participant who declines to engage, while a bold inclusion, disrupts the film’s momentum, raising questions about editorial choices. As noted in a Letterboxd review, the film’s eroticism isn’t consistently present, a risk inherent in its experimental format. Still, these imperfections contribute to the film’s authenticity, making it a compelling study of human interaction under unusual circumstances.[](https://letterboxd.com/film/more-reel-people-part-2/)
### Themes and Social Commentary
At its core, *More Reel People Part 2* is about the intersection of fantasy and reality, exploring how ordinary people navigate their desires when given a public stage. The film’s interview segments reveal a cross-section of 1980s America, with participants from diverse backgrounds—saleswomen, dancers, and everyday dreamers—sharing their innermost thoughts. These moments, while brief, touch on universal themes: the longing for connection, the thrill of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and the tension between private desires and public expression.
The inclusion of a participant who opts out is particularly telling. This moment, criticized by some as self-serving, serves as a meta-commentary on consent and agency, rare for adult films of the era. Spinelli’s decision to keep this scene suggests an intent to challenge the audience’s expectations, reminding viewers that not every fantasy translates smoothly to reality. It’s a bold move that aligns with the film’s documentary roots, even if it risks alienating viewers seeking escapism.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196897/)
The film also reflects the era’s attitudes toward gender and relationships. While the interviews aim to empower participants by giving them a voice, the enactments often adhere to conventional dynamics, with professional performers leading the way. This tension—between authenticity and performance—mirrors broader societal debates about identity and self-expression in the 1980s, a decade marked by both liberation and conservatism.
### Production Quality and Aesthetic
For a low-budget adult film, *More Reel People Part 2* boasts impressive production values. Spinelli, known for his attention to detail, ensures that the film is visually and technically competent. The cinematography, while utilitarian, captures the intimacy of the interviews and the energy of the enactments with clarity. The lighting is soft and flattering, a hallmark of Golden Age adult films that sought to emulate mainstream aesthetics. The soundtrack, featuring synth-driven instrumentals typical of the 1980s, complements the film’s tone without overwhelming it. One reviewer noted a “knockoff of ‘Tubular Bells’” in the score, a quirky detail that adds to the film’s retro charm.[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196897/)
The editing is a standout, with Spinelli and his team crafting a cohesive narrative from disparate segments. The film’s 710×480 resolution (standard for VHS transfers) and 29.970 fps frame rate ensure a smooth viewing experience, even by modern standards. The sets, while minimal, are functional, with most scenes taking place in nondescript interiors that keep the focus on the participants. This simplicity enhances the documentary feel, grounding the film in a sense of realism.[](https://xxxfile.org/773090/more-reel-people-part-2-1985/)
### Cultural Significance and Legacy
*More Reel People Part 2* holds a unique place in adult film history as a bridge between the Golden Age and the gonzo era. As noted in a Letterboxd review, the *Reel People* series, building on earlier experiments like Armand Weston’s *Personals* (1972), helped establish the “pro-am” subgenre, paving the way for series like *Dirty Debutantes* and *Up and Cummers*. By blending amateur and professional talent, Spinelli anticipated the reality-based formats that would dominate adult entertainment in the 1990s and beyond, from casting couch videos to user-generated content.[](https://letterboxd.com/film/more-reel-people-part-2/)
The film’s 1986 AVN Award for “Best Featurette – Film” underscores its industry impact, recognizing its innovative approach and execution. Critics at the time, such as those writing for AVN, praised its balance of interview and action, with one review suggesting it could be called “A Porn Star Is Born” for its ability to make amateurs shine. However, the film’s historical value outweighs its entertainment factor for some modern viewers, as its uneven eroticism and dated aesthetics may not resonate with contemporary audiences.[](https://aiwards.com/movie/more-reel-people-part-2)[](https://avn.com/movies/more-reel-people-part-ii-48603)[](https://letterboxd.com/film/more-reel-people-part-2/)
Within Spinelli’s career, *More Reel People Part 2* is a testament to his versatility. Known for narrative-driven films like *Nothing to Hide* (1981), Spinelli used the *Reel People* series to experiment with form, blending his storytelling instincts with a documentary lens. His willingness to take risks—evident in the inclusion of the non-participating amateur—reflects a filmmaker unafraid to challenge conventions, even within a genre often bound by formula.
### Critical Reception and Modern Perspective
Contemporary reviews of *More Reel People Part 2* were generally positive, with AVN awarding it a AAA 1/2 rating and praising its professional execution and compelling amateurs. IMDb’s 5.2/10 rating suggests a mixed reception, likely reflecting the film’s niche appeal and the challenges of its hybrid format. The Movie Database (TMDB) and other platforms note a lack of user reviews, indicating that the film has faded from mainstream consciousness, though it remains a cult favorite among collectors of vintage adult cinema.[](https://avn.com/movies/more-reel-people-part-ii-48603)[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196898/)[](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/928049-more-reel-people-part-2?language=en-US)
From a modern perspective, the film is both a product of its time and a forward-thinking experiment. Its focus on real people’s stories aligns with today’s interest in authenticity, yet its 1980s sensibilities—synth music, feathered hair, and VHS grain—give it a nostalgic charm. The film’s exploration of consent, albeit rudimentary, feels prescient in light of modern discussions about agency in media. However, its uneven pacing and occasional awkwardness may limit its appeal to casual viewers, making it more suited for cinephiles or historians of adult film.
### Conclusion
*More Reel People Part 2* (1985) is a bold, imperfect, and undeniably intriguing entry in Anthony Spinelli’s filmography. By blending documentary-style interviews with staged fantasies, it captures the spirit of 1980s America—a time of curiosity, experimentation, and shifting cultural norms. The performances, particularly from amateurs like Mary and professionals like John Leslie, bring warmth and authenticity to the screen, while Spinelli’s direction ensures a polished yet raw experience. The film’s themes of desire, agency, and performance resonate beyond its genre, offering a window into the human condition.
As a cultural artifact, it stands as a precursor to modern reality-based media, its influence felt in the gonzo and amateur subgenres that followed. While not without flaws—uneven chemistry, a controversial non-participant scene—it remains a testament to Spinelli’s willingness to push boundaries. For fans of 1980s cinema, adult film history, or experimental storytelling, *More Reel People Part 2* is a must-watch, a film that dares to be different and succeeds more often than it falters. Its 77 minutes are a journey into a bygone era, one that continues to spark discussion and curiosity nearly four decades later.
**Word Count**: 2,150
**Sources**:
– IMDb[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196898/)
– AIWARDS[](https://aiwards.com/movie/more-reel-people-part-2)
– IMDb (Reel People review)[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196897/)
– The A.V. Club[](https://www.avclub.com/film/reviews/more-reel-people-part-2-1985)
– Letterboxd[](https://letterboxd.com/film/more-reel-people-part-2/)
– AVN[](https://avn.com/movies/more-reel-people-part-ii-48603)
– XXXFILE.ORG[](https://xxxfile.org/773090/more-reel-people-part-2-1985/)
