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Realistic? No. A Fun Escape? You Bet!
by Timothy (movies profile)
Jan 25, 2008
54
of
85 people found this review helpful
I sure do remember those wonderful days of high school. Oh, the glory days. Do you ever recall that time in high school when you fell in love with an ex-porn star and became entangled in the world of shady, sleezy pornographers? Yeah, me neither. "The Girl Next Door" is a teen, romantic comedy that is unrealistic as can be. Of course all of them are, aren't they? The choreographed dance scene at the prom from "She's All That" anyone? What saves "Girl" from falling in with the rest of the teen movies is its unique premise, bizarre plot turns, and charming characters.
The story deals with a high school senior named Matthew (Emile Hirsch) who realizes he does not have any fond memories to refer to as his golden years in high school. Things change when a beauty named Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert) moves in next door to house sit for her aunt. Love is in the air and all is well until Matthew finds out about Danielle's past life with the porn industry. Can Danielle live a down-to-earth lifestyle in the arms of Matthew, or is she destined to be a meaningless sex object to many horny guys?
Sure, this film is far-fetched, but call me crazy because I dug it. Emile Hirsch plays a high school character with a lot more realism in comparison to other high school films. He is not a popular jock, or a nerd who gets thrown into lockers. He is that average kid in high school who looks at the four years that were supposed to be wonderful in his life and asks himself, "Is this it?" I thought the same question in HS, but unfortunately did not undergo any memorable adventures into the porn world. Maybe my sons will have more luck. (Ok just kidding. Porn is bad! Heh heh.)
I have to give kudos to the slick direction and choice of music. This was a film that depicted unrealistic events unfolding before Matthew's eyes. The audience knows that the things occurring in Matthew's life are only things that sexually repressed high school guys fantasize about every night, but you can tell by Matthew's reactions that he is aware of this too. In this sense, "The Girl Next Door" is a surreal update of "Risky Business" starring Tom Cruise.
I can only summarize by saying that "The Girl Next Door" comes through with the goods. Whether you are looking for a laugh, or a bizarre plunge into the non-routine, I am sure this will serve as satisfying entertainment. |
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