So it has finally happened: We’re reviewing a sequel for this column.

As you’re probably aware of because, well, you’re alive, sequels have been a long-standing usual resource in porn. It’s a cliché for a reason. If a movie works, they’ll milk that brand till it has nothing left. And once they’re there, they’ll make 10 more.

But back in the golden age of porn, sequels weren’t that usual, as films with more artistic value were the order of the day. Sequels are a trend that really started in the 80s, and this is one of the first ones. Unlike most of them, though, Taboo II stands strong next to the first Taboo, which had been a huge hit in 1980. The idea of a mature woman and her growing burdensome sexual attraction to her teenage son caused some controversy, but it also awoke the curiosity of many people who might not necessarily be attracted to their own relatives, but still find it hot when others do.

Taboo II is missing some of the slow anxiety that made the first movie a little more real. Instead, Kirdy Stevens compensated that by using a lot of incest. While the original’s main idea was the frustrating fight of the sexual tension between mother and son, for the sequel they seem to have just said, “screw it, let’s have everyone fucking here!”

Though Kay Parker still plays a pivotal role in Taboo II, the focus shifts to the McBride family. Sherrie (Dorothy LeMay), who played that character as Paul’s girlfriend in the first movie; Junior (Kevin James), her sex-obsessed brother; and their parents (Honey Wilder and Eric Edwards). While I get what’s fun about the everyone-fucking-everyone concept, the “taboo” factor does lose some power as it gets a little too conveniently twisted to truly buy the story.

The sex scenes are mostly good. LeMay had some surprising and disturbing chemistry with James, her on-screen brother (I know, it also weirded me out to write that sentence.) Plus both older women, Parker and Wilder, do their usual excellent job. Also, it’s simply a pleasure to watch Honey Wilder act and fuck in all her MILF-y soap opera-esque glory.

Look, Taboo is not The Godfather. This is not a memorable trilogy by any real technical or creative standards. Having said that, considering it is a sequel and if we ignore certain obvious mistakes if you watch them back-to-back, it’s not nearly as bad as you’d expect. It actually became one of the biggest selling adult films ever made, capable of causing comedian and radio personality Adam Carolla to sing its theme song along with a caller (below).

Because just like The Godfather II, this sequel is many people’s favorite.