The movie revolves around Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch), an 18 year old high school over-achiever senior trying to get a scholarship to a prestigious college/university. He leads an uneventful life until one evening when he falls for the beautiful and seemingly innocent, Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert, House of Wax), who moves in next door. They fall in love but the story goes on to reveal Danielle's secret past in the porn industry. Matthews involvement with Danielle lands him into a spot of trouble and the story goes on to how Matthew gets himself out of it, with the help of his two sex crazed friends, Eli and Klitz.
There is nudity throughout the movie and it revolves around the porn industry, so there's something to keep the lads interested. I think the romance in the story is so sweet so that's something for the ladies. I think the cast seem very suitable for this type of movie. There are the stereotypical jocks and geeks like in other American teen movies and it mixes in some manly men, strippers and porn stars. Matthew, Eli and Klitz are classed as the 'geek' crowd and I think they are very suitable for their roles due to them not having a
very mature look to each of them. A very strange mix but I think they go together nicely in this movie. It features Kelly (Timothy Olphant) as a big shot adult movie director as 'the man' and is a good inclusion to stand in the way of Matthew, whom is seen as 'the boy' who is introduced into a very unfamiliar and very adult orientated world from his sheltered life.
This is a teen romantic comedy movie. It is not quite a 'Laugh Out Loud' comedy but the comedy elements are a lot more subtle and can make you giggle. I think it's very successful in this. One of the elements that stand out for me in this movie and make it all the more interesting is the sometimes surreal and sometimes not so surreal scenes fabricated by Matthew's vivid imagination. Sometimes, the day dreams seem down-to-earth enough for them to be believable and that that is what is currently happening or happened before Matthew snaps out of it, but there are times when the dreams are very surreal and you come to realise that they are obviously another one of Matthew's day dreams instantly. What I particularly like is how well they were incorporated into the movie such that you either don't realise that everything that happened did not really happen or until either Matthew snaps out of it or until something surreal and weird starts happening. I found some things quite unpredictable, which was good.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The DVD is loaded with special features. The navigation is beautifully and subtly put together with video in the background without it becoming to obtrusive. The Director's and cast commentaries are one of the audio tracks available. I thought that it was worth listening to and I did learn a few of interesting facts such as how they had to use a body double for one of the characters who were actually under age and could not legally be shown naked, even from behind.
Deleted scenes are also very interesting to watch, especially when combined with the commentaries. There are scenes which are confusing when you first watch it and those were appropriately cut out. There's also one scene which they must have thought was too saucy although I enjoyed it!
It also has a still picture gallery, and short documentary, which aren't great but worth watching if you're bored. On top of those, there's a 'Making Of' Featurete, trailers, used in the movie, the 'take outs', where the actors mess up and crack a smile when they're not supposed to. Not just that, you can turn on the trivia track to bring up facts during the movie. I am very impressed with the DVD's features. Of course, there are trailers for other movies, which you can choose to watch.
OTHER DETAILSThe movie carries a 15 Certificate and I think that's just about right (although maybe a 16 certificate might be better if it existed). There's too much nudity for anything lower yet not enough for an 18 certificate). I bought the DVD on eBay second hand for a few quid. The movie runs for 104 minutes and I think this is quite appropriate. I've seen it several times and time seems to fly by so no problems there. DVD picture and sound quality is as expected with relatively current DVD releases and produce both excellent sound and picture quality.
"Tagline: Matt never saw her coming... but all his friends had!"
Directed by Luke Greenfield in 2004
VERDICT
I love this movie and not just because of all the topless women (seriously) and Elisha Cuthbert (mmmm….). 'The Girl Next Door' is funny, imaginative and sweet and I guess there are many of us who could relate to the main character in terms of academic achievement and pressure as well as relationships and peer pressure. For those who aren't keen on teen movies, this may not be for you. However, there is mild nudity, both male and female throughout if that makes up for it. I would recommend this movie to those whom enjoy teen movies with a romance, and Elisha Cuthbert fans.
Thanks for reading!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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I was actually very surprised when I watched this film and enjoyed it quite well...my only big complaint is that it borrows just too many elements from the classic 1983 film RISKY BUSINESS..which even the director admits...Well done with the review...Chris xxx
Vheissu 06.05.2006 19:03
loved this film.... and not just because of the absolutely gorgeous Elisha Cuthbert - it coupled a truly interesting storyline, with some good humour and decent acting - oh... and did I mention Elisha Cuthbert?! ;o)
You've got to admit that any movie about a teenager whose new next-door neighbor is a ... more
19-year-old former porn star has bona fide cult-movie potential. To its credit, this rather schizoid blend of sleaze and comedy boasts an engaging pair of costars in ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
You've got to admit that any movie about a teenager whose new next-door neighbor is a ... more
19-year-old former porn star has bona fide cult-movie potential. To its credit, this rather schizoid blend of sleaze and comedy boasts an engaging pair of costars in ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Uncut...Uncensored...Unbelievable!Eighteen year old Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch) is a ... more
straight 'A' over-achiever who has never really lived life, until he falls for the girl next door...the beautiful, sexy and seemingly innocent Danielle (Elisha Cuthb...
Matthew never saw her coming...but all his friends had! Teenager Matthew's dreams come ... more
true when a former porn star moves in next door. However after falling in love with her Matthew finds out that he's going to have to do a whole lot of crazy thing...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: easy to watch,good cast performances,enjoyable for both guys and girls,not too seedy Disadvantages: not everyone's cup of tea as it is mainly aimed at teens.
AimeeLouise18 08.11.2004 (08.11.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Girl Next Door (DVD)
Advantages: easy to watch,good cast performances,enjoyable for both guys and girls,not too seedy Disadvantages: not everyone's cup of tea as it is mainly aimed at teens.
AimeeLouise18 08.11.2004 (08.11.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Girl Next Door (DVD)
![Girl Next Door, The [2004] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78506090.jpg "Girl Next Door, The [2004] [DVD]")
Apr 26th, 2006
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