Opened: October 10, 1997

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Heather Graham, Nicole Ari Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzmán, Philip Baker Hall, Thomas Jane, Robert Ridgely, Robert Downey Sr., Nina Hartley, Melora Walters, Alfred Molina, Joanna Gleason & Ricky Jay

Boogie Nights manages to tastefully portray the porn industry in the 1970s and 1980s making real characters out of people normally seen onscreen as objects.

When porn director Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds) spots Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg) working as a busboy in a nightclub, he decides to audition him for a film. Eddie becomes Dirk Diggler – a major porn star – but struggles when his ego inflates, and his fame starts to fade.

An early performance from Wahlberg leaves a lasting impression, and it’s not just because of the skin he shows. Wahlberg is able to balance the sexuality while portraying Dirk in various ups and downs.

He’s only overshadowed by the fantastic Julianne Moore as porn star Amber Waves, whose strength is rattled as she’s caught in a custody battle.

Final say: Boogie fever. ★★★★☆