I take great exception to misleading advertising which is what this film does, failing to deliver on the promises of its cover, which gives model and actress Carmen Electra both top billing and the packaging image despite her role being that of a support player.
Sex sells and no doubt this is why the title and promotion of this angst-ridden drama use it but, if you’re looking for a private lap dance at home, this isn’t the film for you. Yes, there’s women, who remain clothed for the majority of the time and, yes, there are poles, underwear, and gyrating hips involved, but that’s all a side issue to the main plot.
The story centres around handsome couple Monica and Kevin (Ali Cobrin and Robert Hoffman respectively) and the troubles that brew in their relationship when they realise they can’t afford the medical bills for Monica’s terminally ill father. By mutual agreement, Monica temporarily becomes a lap dancer to raise some quick cash but jealousies ensue, as does the lure of such a fine income.
Director Greg Carter has written his autobiographical screenplay based on his own experiences with his girlfriend circa 2005. It’s perhaps still a bit too close to heart because he takes what could have been a deep and fascinating insight into human emotion and an extraordinary situation, and turns it into a calmly-paced soap opera that promises far more than it delivers.
The leads are good however, and Corbin in particular does a fine job in a challenging role, both emotionally and physically. In fact, it’s the actors who lift this film beyond the mediocre and save the script, offering at least some dignity and intelligence to the type of characters that are usually stereotyped in a bad light.
You won’t need to cross your legs for this one but you may cross your arms with annoyance because fast money doesn’t come at a fast pace.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Rating out of 10: 4
Lap Dance will be released on DVD on 17 February 2016.
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