The Girl Next Door
Opens
Friday, March 12
A sharp, vivacious comedy that pairs a straight-arrow high-schooler and a former porn star, "The Girl Next Door" marks its director and scripters as talents to watch and affirms that its young star, Emile Hirsch, is a big-screen natural. As the title character, Elisha Cuthbert will be a draw, as will the film's no-nonsense attitude toward sex. After "Girl"'s sneak Friday, word-of-mouth among younger audiences should contribute to a strong bow next month for Fox.
Hirsch stars as Matthew, an overachieving high school senior who idolizes JFK and plans a career in politics. As president of the student council, he's raised $25,000 to bring Cambodian teen Samnang (Ulysses Lee), a nerdy mathematical genius, from his jungle village to the upper-middle-class comfort of Westport High. It's a running joke that loses steam, though the Samnang funds provide a key plot point. While most of the senior class is preoccupied with Prom Fever and trips to the beach, Matthew is consumed with a college scholarship competition that requires a speech on the subject of moral fiber. Enter the gorgeous girl next door.
Adventurous Danielle Cuthbert, of "24"), who's house-sitting for her aunt, is the same age as Matthew but worlds more experienced, and she goads him into doing something his packed schedule has never permitted -- having fun. Adopting her mantra -- "Just go with it" -- Matthew Falls for the mysterious Danielle, and she's drawn to his earnestness and decency. Soon after they share their first, very public kiss, Matthew learns more about her recent past, courtesy of his tough-talking friend Eli, a sex-obsessed virgin (terrific work by Chris Marquette of "Joan of Arcadia"). The sweet blonde, who told Matthew she recently quit her job in order to start over, is also the sensual brunette Athena, star of porn videos.
In another era, Danielle would be a fallen woman seeking redemption. Reflecting more open times, the script by Stuart Blumberg, David T. Wagner and Brent Goldberg makes no apologies for her past. "Girl" views the sex business as a bizarre free enterprise whose practitioners have a slightly dumb openness -- Danielle being the exception. Darker aspects are avoided, though there are allusions to male filmmakers as pimps collecting female talent. Along those lines, the unpredictable Kelly (Timothy Olyphant) and his former partner, porn mogul Hugo Posh (James Remar), are separately trying to lure Danielle back to the screen, with Matthew caught in the middle.
It's fine to eschew sociology, but because the film offers no background for Danielle or motivation for her career choice (besides money), she remains too much of a fantasy figure, notwithstanding the warmth and humor Cuthbert brings to this dream girl with her feet on the ground.
Still, the collision of innocence and experience unfolds with high energy under the helm of Luke Greenfield ("The Animal"). The story's concessions to formula conventions -- the importance of prom, the lesson learned -- have a novel twist. Greenfield makes fine use of fantasy sequences, finding the giddy edge in screwball and slapstick scenes and capturing the laissez faire culture of high school.
As Matthew's best friends and co-conspirators in an unusual extracurricular project, Marquette and Paul Dano ("L.I.E".) provide strong support. Occupying a parallel world of benign ineptitude are Westport's adults -- among them Timothy Bottoms as Matthew's dad.
Toplining the able cast, Hirsch ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys," "The Emperor's Club") displays leading-man charisma, sincerity and outstanding comic abilities -- just watch him in the scenes when Matthew finds himself dosed with Ecstasy.
The spirited music soundtrack, which includes a few boomer-friendly rock and blues numbers, underlines the sense of teen rebellion. The technical package is polished, with production designer Stephen Lineweaver credibly creating a wide range of settings, from staid suburban interiors to the lurid explosion of kitsch at an adult-film convention in Las Vegas.
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
20th Century Fox
Regency Enterprises presents
a New Regency production
Credits:
Director: Luke Greenfield
Screenwriters: Stuart Blumberg, David T. Wagner, Brent Goldberg
Producers: Charles Gordon, Harry Gittes, Marc Sternberg
Executive producers: Arnon Milchan, Guy Riedel
Director of photography: Jamie Anderson
Production designer: Stephen Lineweaver
Music: Paul Haslinger
Co-producer: Richard Wenk
Costume designer: Marilyn Vance
Editor: Mark Livolsi
Cast:
Matthew Kidman: Emile Hirsch
Danielle: Elisha Cuthbert
Kelly: Timothy Olyphant
Hugo Posh: James Remar
Eli: Chris Marquette
Klitz: Paul Dano
Mr. Kidman: Timothy Bottoms
Samnang: Ulysses Lee
Running time -- 109 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Friday, March 12
A sharp, vivacious comedy that pairs a straight-arrow high-schooler and a former porn star, "The Girl Next Door" marks its director and scripters as talents to watch and affirms that its young star, Emile Hirsch, is a big-screen natural. As the title character, Elisha Cuthbert will be a draw, as will the film's no-nonsense attitude toward sex. After "Girl"'s sneak Friday, word-of-mouth among younger audiences should contribute to a strong bow next month for Fox.
Hirsch stars as Matthew, an overachieving high school senior who idolizes JFK and plans a career in politics. As president of the student council, he's raised $25,000 to bring Cambodian teen Samnang (Ulysses Lee), a nerdy mathematical genius, from his jungle village to the upper-middle-class comfort of Westport High. It's a running joke that loses steam, though the Samnang funds provide a key plot point. While most of the senior class is preoccupied with Prom Fever and trips to the beach, Matthew is consumed with a college scholarship competition that requires a speech on the subject of moral fiber. Enter the gorgeous girl next door.
Adventurous Danielle Cuthbert, of "24"), who's house-sitting for her aunt, is the same age as Matthew but worlds more experienced, and she goads him into doing something his packed schedule has never permitted -- having fun. Adopting her mantra -- "Just go with it" -- Matthew Falls for the mysterious Danielle, and she's drawn to his earnestness and decency. Soon after they share their first, very public kiss, Matthew learns more about her recent past, courtesy of his tough-talking friend Eli, a sex-obsessed virgin (terrific work by Chris Marquette of "Joan of Arcadia"). The sweet blonde, who told Matthew she recently quit her job in order to start over, is also the sensual brunette Athena, star of porn videos.
In another era, Danielle would be a fallen woman seeking redemption. Reflecting more open times, the script by Stuart Blumberg, David T. Wagner and Brent Goldberg makes no apologies for her past. "Girl" views the sex business as a bizarre free enterprise whose practitioners have a slightly dumb openness -- Danielle being the exception. Darker aspects are avoided, though there are allusions to male filmmakers as pimps collecting female talent. Along those lines, the unpredictable Kelly (Timothy Olyphant) and his former partner, porn mogul Hugo Posh (James Remar), are separately trying to lure Danielle back to the screen, with Matthew caught in the middle.
It's fine to eschew sociology, but because the film offers no background for Danielle or motivation for her career choice (besides money), she remains too much of a fantasy figure, notwithstanding the warmth and humor Cuthbert brings to this dream girl with her feet on the ground.
Still, the collision of innocence and experience unfolds with high energy under the helm of Luke Greenfield ("The Animal"). The story's concessions to formula conventions -- the importance of prom, the lesson learned -- have a novel twist. Greenfield makes fine use of fantasy sequences, finding the giddy edge in screwball and slapstick scenes and capturing the laissez faire culture of high school.
As Matthew's best friends and co-conspirators in an unusual extracurricular project, Marquette and Paul Dano ("L.I.E".) provide strong support. Occupying a parallel world of benign ineptitude are Westport's adults -- among them Timothy Bottoms as Matthew's dad.
Toplining the able cast, Hirsch ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys," "The Emperor's Club") displays leading-man charisma, sincerity and outstanding comic abilities -- just watch him in the scenes when Matthew finds himself dosed with Ecstasy.
The spirited music soundtrack, which includes a few boomer-friendly rock and blues numbers, underlines the sense of teen rebellion. The technical package is polished, with production designer Stephen Lineweaver credibly creating a wide range of settings, from staid suburban interiors to the lurid explosion of kitsch at an adult-film convention in Las Vegas.
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
20th Century Fox
Regency Enterprises presents
a New Regency production
Credits:
Director: Luke Greenfield
Screenwriters: Stuart Blumberg, David T. Wagner, Brent Goldberg
Producers: Charles Gordon, Harry Gittes, Marc Sternberg
Executive producers: Arnon Milchan, Guy Riedel
Director of photography: Jamie Anderson
Production designer: Stephen Lineweaver
Music: Paul Haslinger
Co-producer: Richard Wenk
Costume designer: Marilyn Vance
Editor: Mark Livolsi
Cast:
Matthew Kidman: Emile Hirsch
Danielle: Elisha Cuthbert
Kelly: Timothy Olyphant
Hugo Posh: James Remar
Eli: Chris Marquette
Klitz: Paul Dano
Mr. Kidman: Timothy Bottoms
Samnang: Ulysses Lee
Running time -- 109 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 7/9/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Girl Next Door
Opens
Friday, March 12
A sharp, vivacious comedy that pairs a straight-arrow high-schooler and a former porn star, "The Girl Next Door" marks its director and scripters as talents to watch and affirms that its young star, Emile Hirsch, is a big-screen natural. As the title character, Elisha Cuthbert will be a draw, as will the film's no-nonsense attitude toward sex. After "Girl"'s sneak Friday, word-of-mouth among younger audiences should contribute to a strong bow next month for Fox.
Hirsch stars as Matthew, an overachieving high school senior who idolizes JFK and plans a career in politics. As president of the student council, he's raised $25,000 to bring Cambodian teen Samnang (Ulysses Lee), a nerdy mathematical genius, from his jungle village to the upper-middle-class comfort of Westport High. It's a running joke that loses steam, though the Samnang funds provide a key plot point. While most of the senior class is preoccupied with Prom Fever and trips to the beach, Matthew is consumed with a college scholarship competition that requires a speech on the subject of moral fiber. Enter the gorgeous girl next door.
Adventurous Danielle (Cuthbert, of "24"), who's house-sitting for her aunt, is the same age as Matthew but worlds more experienced, and she goads him into doing something his packed schedule has never permitted -- having fun. Adopting her mantra -- "Just go with it" -- Matthew Falls for the mysterious Danielle, and she's drawn to his earnestness and decency. Soon after they share their first, very public kiss, Matthew learns more about her recent past, courtesy of his tough-talking friend Eli, a sex-obsessed virgin (terrific work by Chris Marquette of "Joan of Arcadia"). The sweet blonde, who told Matthew she recently quit her job in order to start over, is also the sensual brunette Athena, star of porn videos.
In another era, Danielle would be a fallen woman seeking redemption. Reflecting more open times, the script by Stuart Blumberg, David T. Wagner and Brent Goldberg makes no apologies for her past. "Girl" views the sex business as a bizarre free enterprise whose practitioners have a slightly dumb openness -- Danielle being the exception. Darker aspects are avoided, though there are allusions to male filmmakers as pimps collecting female talent. Along those lines, the unpredictable Kelly (Timothy Olyphant) and his former partner, porn mogul Hugo Posh (James Remar), are separately trying to lure Danielle back to the screen, with Matthew caught in the middle.
It's fine to eschew sociology, but because the film offers no background for Danielle or motivation for her career choice (besides money), she remains too much of a fantasy figure, notwithstanding the warmth and humor Cuthbert brings to this dream girl with her feet on the ground.
Still, the collision of innocence and experience unfolds with high energy under the helm of Luke Greenfield ("The Animal"). The story's concessions to formula conventions -- the importance of prom, the lesson learned -- have a novel twist. Greenfield makes fine use of fantasy sequences, finding the giddy edge in screwball and slapstick scenes and capturing the laissez faire culture of high school.
As Matthew's best friends and co-conspirators in an unusual extracurricular project, Marquette and Paul Dano ("L.I.E".) provide strong support. Occupying a parallel world of benign ineptitude are Westport's adults -- among them Timothy Bottoms as Matthew's dad.
Toplining the able cast, Hirsch ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys," "The Emperor's Club") displays leading-man charisma, sincerity and outstanding comic abilities -- just watch him in the scenes when Matthew finds himself dosed with Ecstasy.
The spirited music soundtrack, which includes a few boomer-friendly rock and blues numbers, underlines the sense of teen rebellion. The technical package is polished, with production designer Stephen Lineweaver credibly creating a wide range of settings, from staid suburban interiors to the lurid explosion of kitsch at an adult-film convention in Las Vegas.
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
20th Century Fox
Regency Enterprises presents
a New Regency production
Credits:
Director: Luke Greenfield
Screenwriters: Stuart Blumberg, David T. Wagner, Brent Goldberg
Producers: Charles Gordon, Harry Gittes, Marc Sternberg
Executive producers: Arnon Milchan, Guy Riedel
Director of photography: Jamie Anderson
Production designer: Stephen Lineweaver
Music: Paul Haslinger
Co-producer: Richard Wenk
Costume designer: Marilyn Vance
Editor: Mark Livolsi
Cast:
Matthew Kidman: Emile Hirsch
Danielle: Elisha Cuthbert
Kelly: Timothy Olyphant
Hugo Posh: James Remar
Eli: Chris Marquette
Klitz: Paul Dano
Mr. Kidman: Timothy Bottoms
Samnang: Ulysses Lee
Running time -- 109 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Friday, March 12
A sharp, vivacious comedy that pairs a straight-arrow high-schooler and a former porn star, "The Girl Next Door" marks its director and scripters as talents to watch and affirms that its young star, Emile Hirsch, is a big-screen natural. As the title character, Elisha Cuthbert will be a draw, as will the film's no-nonsense attitude toward sex. After "Girl"'s sneak Friday, word-of-mouth among younger audiences should contribute to a strong bow next month for Fox.
Hirsch stars as Matthew, an overachieving high school senior who idolizes JFK and plans a career in politics. As president of the student council, he's raised $25,000 to bring Cambodian teen Samnang (Ulysses Lee), a nerdy mathematical genius, from his jungle village to the upper-middle-class comfort of Westport High. It's a running joke that loses steam, though the Samnang funds provide a key plot point. While most of the senior class is preoccupied with Prom Fever and trips to the beach, Matthew is consumed with a college scholarship competition that requires a speech on the subject of moral fiber. Enter the gorgeous girl next door.
Adventurous Danielle (Cuthbert, of "24"), who's house-sitting for her aunt, is the same age as Matthew but worlds more experienced, and she goads him into doing something his packed schedule has never permitted -- having fun. Adopting her mantra -- "Just go with it" -- Matthew Falls for the mysterious Danielle, and she's drawn to his earnestness and decency. Soon after they share their first, very public kiss, Matthew learns more about her recent past, courtesy of his tough-talking friend Eli, a sex-obsessed virgin (terrific work by Chris Marquette of "Joan of Arcadia"). The sweet blonde, who told Matthew she recently quit her job in order to start over, is also the sensual brunette Athena, star of porn videos.
In another era, Danielle would be a fallen woman seeking redemption. Reflecting more open times, the script by Stuart Blumberg, David T. Wagner and Brent Goldberg makes no apologies for her past. "Girl" views the sex business as a bizarre free enterprise whose practitioners have a slightly dumb openness -- Danielle being the exception. Darker aspects are avoided, though there are allusions to male filmmakers as pimps collecting female talent. Along those lines, the unpredictable Kelly (Timothy Olyphant) and his former partner, porn mogul Hugo Posh (James Remar), are separately trying to lure Danielle back to the screen, with Matthew caught in the middle.
It's fine to eschew sociology, but because the film offers no background for Danielle or motivation for her career choice (besides money), she remains too much of a fantasy figure, notwithstanding the warmth and humor Cuthbert brings to this dream girl with her feet on the ground.
Still, the collision of innocence and experience unfolds with high energy under the helm of Luke Greenfield ("The Animal"). The story's concessions to formula conventions -- the importance of prom, the lesson learned -- have a novel twist. Greenfield makes fine use of fantasy sequences, finding the giddy edge in screwball and slapstick scenes and capturing the laissez faire culture of high school.
As Matthew's best friends and co-conspirators in an unusual extracurricular project, Marquette and Paul Dano ("L.I.E".) provide strong support. Occupying a parallel world of benign ineptitude are Westport's adults -- among them Timothy Bottoms as Matthew's dad.
Toplining the able cast, Hirsch ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys," "The Emperor's Club") displays leading-man charisma, sincerity and outstanding comic abilities -- just watch him in the scenes when Matthew finds himself dosed with Ecstasy.
The spirited music soundtrack, which includes a few boomer-friendly rock and blues numbers, underlines the sense of teen rebellion. The technical package is polished, with production designer Stephen Lineweaver credibly creating a wide range of settings, from staid suburban interiors to the lurid explosion of kitsch at an adult-film convention in Las Vegas.
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
20th Century Fox
Regency Enterprises presents
a New Regency production
Credits:
Director: Luke Greenfield
Screenwriters: Stuart Blumberg, David T. Wagner, Brent Goldberg
Producers: Charles Gordon, Harry Gittes, Marc Sternberg
Executive producers: Arnon Milchan, Guy Riedel
Director of photography: Jamie Anderson
Production designer: Stephen Lineweaver
Music: Paul Haslinger
Co-producer: Richard Wenk
Costume designer: Marilyn Vance
Editor: Mark Livolsi
Cast:
Matthew Kidman: Emile Hirsch
Danielle: Elisha Cuthbert
Kelly: Timothy Olyphant
Hugo Posh: James Remar
Eli: Chris Marquette
Klitz: Paul Dano
Mr. Kidman: Timothy Bottoms
Samnang: Ulysses Lee
Running time -- 109 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 2/23/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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