IMDb >
The Girl Next Door (2004)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Girl Next Door (2004) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 29 | slideshow) | Videos (see all 16) |
          |
|
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
27 March 2004 (USA)
more
Tagline:
Matt never saw her coming... but all his friends had!
Plot:
A teenager's dreams come true when a former porn star moves in next door and they fall in love. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
4 nominations
more
NewsDesk:
(7 articles)
User Comments:
Just Go With It
more (475 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Emile Hirsch | ... | Matthew Kidman |
 | Elisha Cuthbert | ... | Danielle |
 | Timothy Olyphant | ... | Kelly |
 | James Remar | ... | Hugo Posh |
 | Chris Marquette | ... | Eli |
 | Paul Dano | ... | Klitz |
 | Timothy Bottoms | ... | Mr. Kidman |
 | Donna Bullock | ... | Mrs. Kidman |
 | Jacob Young | ... | Hunter |
 | Brian Kolodziej | ... | Derek |
 | Brandon Irons | ... | Troy |
 | Amanda Swisten | ... | April |
 | Sung Hi Lee | ... | Ferrari |
 | Ulysses Lee | ... | Samnang |
| Harris Laskaway | ... | Dr. Salinger (as Harris Laskawy) |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated R for strong sexual content, language and some drug/alcohol use.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
108 min | USA:110 min (unrated version)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (DeLuxe)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:12 (video rating) |
Iceland:L |
Portugal:M/16 |
South Korea:18 |
Italy:VM14 |
Argentina:16 |
Australia:MA |
Brazil:14 |
Canada:14A (Ontario) |
Canada:18A |
Chile:14 |
Czech Republic:12 |
Finland:K-15 |
Germany:12 |
Ireland:18 |
Malaysia:(Banned) |
Netherlands:12 |
New Zealand:R16 |
Norway:15 |
Peru:14 |
Singapore:R(A) (original rating) (cut) |
Singapore:R21 (re-rating) |
Spain:18 |
Sweden:11 |
UK:15 |
USA:R (certificate #40269) |
USA:Unrated (unrated DVD version)
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Goofs:
Continuity: All exterior shots of the limo show it to be dry, yet all the interior shots have the windows looking wet.
more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Woman: [voiceover] How do you want me?
Man: Oh, that's good. Yeah. Just, uh... just get comfortable.
Woman: I'm a little nervous.
Man: Nah, you're doing great.
more
Woman: [voiceover] How do you want me?
Man: Oh, that's good. Yeah. Just, uh... just get comfortable.
Woman: I'm a little nervous.
Man: Nah, you're doing great.
more
Soundtrack:
THE KILLING MOON
more
FAQ
What are the differences between the R-rated version and the Unrated version?more
more (475 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Girl Next Door (2004) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Boogie Nights | Across the Universe | American Beauty | Notes on a Scandal | The Hangover |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Comedy section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |
The Girl Next Door isn't a riotous, laugh-out-loud comedy, à la American Pie or Road Trip (don't get me wrong, I think they are fine movies of a different genre), nor should it be treated as such when being reviewed. It's much more mature, a sweet delight of a story that has you chuckling in amusement rather than rolling on the floor guffawing. For that, I would hardly even classify it in the generic 'comedy' genre. I must admit, I did go in thinking that I'd spend two hours of my life enjoying yet another teen comedy, with an overdone plot, jokes bordering on distasteful, and up to the brim with gratuitous nudity. However, I came out with so much more.
It's a classic tale of boy-meets-girl, boy falls in love with girl, boy lives happily ever after with girl. But what makes The Girl Next Door stand out from the rest is the superb cast. The casting director did a great job, placing Emile Hirsch opposite Elisha Cuthbert (both very talented young up-and-coming actors, I wish them well in luck, love and life). The pair's on-screen chemistry is undeniably electric. They portrayed Matthew and Danielle's relationship perfectly – loving and tender, yet fragile. This boy has fallen hopelessly in love for the first time, with the girl of his dreams. He has no past experience to draw on, he's terrified and confused, and he doesn't know what to do! As director Luke Greenfield pointed out in his commentary (Unrated DVD is a must-have for the hardcore fans), Emile and Elisha were chosen for their ability to act without dialogue, simply with their eyes. The subtleties in each expression brings so much more to the characters when watched closely in detail – every nervous bite of the lip, every slight mischievous arch in the eyebrow – you can tell exactly what they're thinking. Now, I've seen my fair share of movies/TV shows, and I'd be confident in saying that I have not yet seen another actor/actress able to fill those roles as perfectly and effortlessly as Emile and Elisha did. They must've poured their hearts out into these characters, bringing them to life, their romance blossoming on-screen.
And how can we ignore the superb supporting cast? Timothy Olyphant and Chris Marquette's work on this movie was simply priceless. They provided the comedy and laughs, and it would be impossible to list all of their hilarious one-liners here. A lot of people claim that they made the movie, and though I disagree, I can sure see where they're coming from.
And the music, oh, the music. I came of no great surprise to me to learn that Luke Greenfield writes all his projects to music. It is this unique trait that embellishes the movie with such a vivid background. From Bowie & Queen's "Under Pressure" opening montage to The Who's "Baba O'Riley" closing credits, every single song is perfect for its scene, particularly David Gray's "This Year's Love", mine and many other's favourite song in the soundtrack. It kicks in at the exact right moment and manages to capture everything about this innocent, pure, high school romance. Also, Paul Haslinger (second to none at composing scores) wrote some of his best work for The Girl Next Door. Simply put (again, stealing lines from the director) Haslinger is deadly with a piano. Each score enhances and fills the moment with such tension and suspense, most notably "Peeping Matt", when Matthew watches this gorgeous creature undressing through his window for the first time. There is an element of voyeurism and the excitement of the danger of being caught, as he watches the female movement and form unravelling with fascination and awe. He simply can't keep his eyes off her. It's a scene that many of us can connect with.
This is indeed one of those movies that ought to be watched on a DVD, at night, alone, rather than on a huge screen in the cinema with others. You'll find yourself leaving the end with a bittersweet aftertaste – will I find that special someone like Danielle? Do I need to be broken out of my shell? Is the juice worth the squeeze? Sure, it is an idealist fantasy, but it's also sweet, endearing and full of heart. It's how an old-school love story ought be done. Just suspend your belief for two hours, and watch the magic happen. Hell, just go with it.