Cleverly exaggerated

Rating: 6/10 (5 January 2005)

It's been interesting to see the reaction to this film. From what I can tell the two main criticisms are 1)that it rips off the teen-comedies of the 80s and 2) that it deals too lightly with porn-related issues. It's first important to note that films that simply rehash a tested formula can be accused of "ripping off" whereas a film which borrows elements but reworks them in a new and creative way, paying homage to their predecessors but taking the genre into new directions is certainly not ripping them off. It's wonderful to see high school life dealt with so intelligently while staying entertaining and fresh.
I watched this with my girl-friend who is very concerned with the whole porn industry and how the actresses are treated. But she couldn't see what was so offensive about the way they were portrayed in this film. The film isn't making a statement about the porn industry, it's talking about growing up. It's hyperbole, not hypocrisy. Strange how the gray-haired critics feel obliged to take offense.
3 out of 5 - Some strong elements