Tower of Power, directed by Gary Graver, is an ambitious adult film from 1985 that attempts to blend corporate intrigue with steamy bedroom scenes. The result is an uneven mix of soft-core erotica and soap opera-style drama that, while entertaining at times, fails to fully satisfy.
The film follows the power struggles and backstabbing within the corporate world, with a boardroom full of executives scheming and sleeping their way to the top. The cast is led by Angel, who plays the wife of corporate executive John Leslie, and Annette Haven as a conniving executive and Leslie's ex-girlfriend. The supporting players include well-known adult film stars of the era, such as Harry Reems, Janey Robbins, and Sharon Kelly (Colleen Brennan).
The film opens with a bang, quite literally, as Angel and Leslie are seen "humping in bed." From there, the story unfolds with a board meeting where R. Bolla accuses an unknown traitor of corporate espionage. This sets the tone for a tale of greed, lust, and betrayal.
While the premise is intriguing, the execution falls flat. The plot is convoluted, with too many characters and side stories that lead nowhere. The focus is more on the sex scenes than the corporate intrigue, and as a result, the story feels thinly stretched and underdeveloped.
That being said, the cast does a commendable job with the material they're given. Angel and Annette Haven bring intensity to their roles, and their bedroom scenes are well-executed. Janey Robbins, as Bolla's jealous wife, delivers a memorable performance, showcasing her deep throat technique on Bolla despite her character's shrewish demeanor.
However, some characters are underutilized, such as Harry Reems, who has a minimal role, and Sharon Kelly, whose transition to harder fare feels rushed and underwhelming. The film also ends abruptly on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers hanging and yearning for a sequel that never came.
Tower of Power is a mixed bag. While it has its moments of pleasure and intrigue, the lack of a satisfying conclusion and the uneven pacing make it a less-than-memorable entry in the adult film genre.
