This adults-only spoof of the 1930s Flash Gordon serial actually outdoes Mike Hodges' PG-rated Flash Gordon movie on several levels. Though the double-entendres in Flesh are a bit silly (such as the raunchy character names), and such sexual inclusions as a wild orgy and a gay fellatio scene feel overly lewd within the softcore context of the movie, the film succeeds thanks to a witty script, a game cast, and surprisingly competent low-budget special effects. The most memorable fantasy scenes include an animated battle with a massive Hydra-like monster called a Penisaurus that has phalluses for heads, and a terrific claymation sequence obviously inspired by Ray Harryhausen, where Gordon takes on a giant, horny satyr that rampages through the countryside (voiced by an uncredited Craig T. Nelson!). It's obvious that co-directors Bill Osco and Howard Ziehm made the picture on a shoestring, which makes the ingenuity of their visual creations that much more impressive; the filmmakers also exude a great deal of affection for the characters and scenarios. Though not entirely successful, this is still one of the best of the X-rated genre parodies that emerged during the porno chic era - it's miles ahead of Osco's 1976 Alice in Wonderland, The Erotic Adventures of Pinocchio, and the Jaws send-up Gums. As such, it merits a look.

All Movie Guide - Nathan Southern