Speed

In one of the most skillful uses of an ensemble cast in adult movie history, director Brad Armstrong delivers an impossibly sexy, fuel-injected thrill ride about the underground world of rival motorcycle gangs in Los Angeles.

Laced with attitude and driven by super-charged performances by the lead actors, “Speed” reaches exceptional levels with its realistic street races, daredevil stunts and palpable drama. A delicious quartet of Wicked Girls — Jessica Drake, Kirsten Price, Kaylani Lei and Alektra Blue — lead a parade of A-list starlets who keep the sex scenes just as scorching as the impressive motorcycle sequences.

But it’s the spot-on casting and the strength of the principal male characters that sets this feature apart. Derrick Pierce, Keni Styles, Prince Yahshua and Spyder Jonez, each of whom lead their respective gangs of bad-asses, step up in fearless fashion in believable roles that underscore the movie’s feeling of authenticity. Barrett Blade plays the peace-keeping guy in this feature, doing it with class and style as he advances the story and provides a natural link to the other main players.

The plot unfolds with Drake’s character being released from a four-year jail sentence only to catch her boyfriend Dillon (Pierce) cheating. In an effort to get her mind off the misery, Dillon’s friend (Blade) invites her to a party that attracts a mix of bike clubs, where we’re introduced to several of the main characters. Soon after a sizzling all-girl four-way breaks out at the party Armstrong’s multi-layered story takes off and doesn’t let up. Price’s character works as an undercover snitch in an attempt to get her father out of prison, but she ends up hooking up with the detective (Armstrong) who is sent to help her in one of the many entertaining subplots.

Meanwhile, unlikely sparks start to fly between Drake and Blade. And soon enough the leaders of the different ethnic gangs go toe-to-toe over girls, bragging rights and money. Violence ensues and ultimately justice is done.

Armstrong deftly weaves in a generous series of sexual encounters that also include a giant poolside orgy, a three-on-three group throw-down, a pair of boy/girl/girl threesomes and four of the steamiest couple’s scenes of the year.

The total package — with its breathtaking cinematography, flawless editing and expert stunt coordination — is adult moviemaking at its best, and it may go down as the crown jewel of Armstrong’s illustrious career.

Retail mix: One of the best adult movies of the year.