I sat down on my comfortable couch with my boyfriend the other night to watch our newest arrival. Urban Friction, a Libido Films production from 2002, is a story about love, sex, fantasy and relationships all taking place in my very own city, Chicago. Unlike many Hollywood companies, Libido makes their films less about hardcore fucking, and more about the act and beauty of sex itself. Like all the Libido films, the cast in Urban Friction sauntered around in their real bodies and imperfectly beautiful skin.

 The movie follows a non-traditional couple, Mika and Poochie, through their relationship and exploration of their fantasies. The first scene takes place in a dungeon where Mika brings Poochie to take care of his submissive needs. Atmospheric music plays as Poochie gets whipped, prodded and teased while Mika takes pictures and masturbates on a black couch. Poochie has dimples that are sweet and schoolboy-ish but his ass and figure do not make me hot in the least.

Mika, on the other hand, is this gorgeous dark haired beauty that steals the movie, without a doubt. While Mika remains this woman of class and beauty throughout the film, its her lover that really ruins it for me; not only is he not sexually attractive, but he has no integrity during his role and there is no incentive for the viewer to continue watching him. It takes the entire movie for Mika to finally get her fantasy acted upon and she remains a vixen through her entire ménages trois. With the three nudes having sex against a dark red carpet, it is a sensual and gothic scene.

The sex scenes are inviting, and seem achievable to those living everywhere and not just in silicone valley. The movie in my opinion drives the idea that fantasies are easy to inspire but harder when the permission is given to make them happen. I enjoyed watching this movie, and I rather liked seeing the characters going about their daily life, finding dark places for their fantasies to take place and also exploring new ideas.

As much as I loved the art of Urban Friction, I can’t say I would watch it to get especially turned on, although it is hard not to when the copulation is right there, with sounds a symphony would admire. I would not label this movie a porno flick, but an erotic art film. I would give it three stars.