Hard Desires

Hard Desires, a poolside fantasy from porn-star-turned-director Blade Thompson, is just the ticket to take the edge of a cold midwest winter night. Sure, it's a little contrived at times, but there are some couplings that make it worth putting down the snow shovel for an escape to that faraway land we in the Midwest call summer.

Directed by Blade Thompson, Hard Desires leans on a strong ensemble — Andrew Lennox, Brent Banes, Bryan Bramble — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1999.