Nick Cannon, playing an L.A. cop who goes undercover as a prep school student, provides the few sparks this wan action-comedy can muster. Scripters David T. Wagner and Brent Goldberg of the dumb "National Lampoon's Van Wilder" and the smart "The Girl Next Door" concoct an implausible, anemic romp in "Underclassman", which might initially entice matriculating crowds before it gets left back.
"Underclassman" would have been music-video director Marcos Siega's feature debut, but when Miramax, in the throes of its end-of-an-era onrush of releases, pushed it back from an early August date, his "Pretty Persuasion" hit theaters first. Through the prism of high school, both films explore -- or at least look at -- moral corruption in Los Angeles' affluent Westside. But where "Persuasion" is a nasty pit bull of an intended satire, "Underclassman" is a goofy puppy that just wants to be loved -- and knows only how to make an unimaginative mess.
Cannon stars as Tracy "Tre" Stokes, a baby-faced bike cop who longs to be a detective like his deceased dad (the family-tradition angle is pounded home, to little effect). His undercover efforts all backfire, to the endless irritation of Capt. Victor Delgado (Cheech Marin), who was just as frustrated with Stokes senior's "all passion, no procedure" approach to policing. The case of a murdered high school student gives Tre a chance to prove himself: He's enlisted to enroll at the kid's ultra-exclusive school and infiltrate the campus movers and shakers.
Something is indeed rotten at the tony Westbury School -- beyond the fact that the students drive Hummers and play rugby. The murdered boy was the school paper's investigative reporter and hot on the trails of a gang of car thieves. As the film limps out the usual cliches to chart Tre's supposedly side-splitting culture clash with wealthy white classmates, he zeros in on campus hotshot Rob Donovan (Shawn Ashmore, of the "X-Men" franchise), who warms to Tre after the newcomer saves his butt on the basketball court.
Detectives Brooks (Lisa Hu) and Gallecki (Ian Gomez) provide hapless support (and, in the latter case, unfortunate bathroom humor) while Tre uncovers the campus' deadly, ridiculous secret. There's also time for romance for the reluctant student, whose pretty Spanish teacher (Roselyn Sanchez) inspires and encourages him -- to put the moves on her. One can only assume she has a way of knowing that he's not really 16.
Cannon ("Drumline") helped to develop the story and serves as an executive producer, but the film feels less like a showcase for the affable performer than a waste of his talents, not to mention those of the rest of the cast. The Vancouver/Los Angeles-shot production has a polished but generic SoCal look, with all tech contributions serviceable.
UNDERCLASSMAN
Miramax Films
A Tapestry Films production
Credits:
Director: Marcos Siega
Screenwriters: David T. Wagner, Brent Goldberg
Story by: David T. Wagner, Brent Goldberg, Nick Cannon
Producers: Peter Abrams, Robert Levy, Andrew Panay
Executive producers: Nick Cannon, Michael Goldman, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Osher, James Dyer
Director of photography: David Hennings
Production designer: Gary Frutkoff
Music: BT
Co-executive producer: Doug Johnson
Costume designer: Tish Monaghan
Editor: Nicholas C. Smith
Cast:
Tracy "Tre" Stokes: Nick Cannon
Rob Donovan: Shawn Ashmore
Karen Lopez: Roselyn Sanchez
Lisa Brooks: Kelly Hu
Detective Gallecki: Ian Gomez
Headmaster Powers: Hugh Bonneville
Captain Victor Delgado: Cheech Marin
David Boscoe: Angelo Spizzirri
Alexander: Johnny K. Lewis
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 94 minutes...
"Underclassman" would have been music-video director Marcos Siega's feature debut, but when Miramax, in the throes of its end-of-an-era onrush of releases, pushed it back from an early August date, his "Pretty Persuasion" hit theaters first. Through the prism of high school, both films explore -- or at least look at -- moral corruption in Los Angeles' affluent Westside. But where "Persuasion" is a nasty pit bull of an intended satire, "Underclassman" is a goofy puppy that just wants to be loved -- and knows only how to make an unimaginative mess.
Cannon stars as Tracy "Tre" Stokes, a baby-faced bike cop who longs to be a detective like his deceased dad (the family-tradition angle is pounded home, to little effect). His undercover efforts all backfire, to the endless irritation of Capt. Victor Delgado (Cheech Marin), who was just as frustrated with Stokes senior's "all passion, no procedure" approach to policing. The case of a murdered high school student gives Tre a chance to prove himself: He's enlisted to enroll at the kid's ultra-exclusive school and infiltrate the campus movers and shakers.
Something is indeed rotten at the tony Westbury School -- beyond the fact that the students drive Hummers and play rugby. The murdered boy was the school paper's investigative reporter and hot on the trails of a gang of car thieves. As the film limps out the usual cliches to chart Tre's supposedly side-splitting culture clash with wealthy white classmates, he zeros in on campus hotshot Rob Donovan (Shawn Ashmore, of the "X-Men" franchise), who warms to Tre after the newcomer saves his butt on the basketball court.
Detectives Brooks (Lisa Hu) and Gallecki (Ian Gomez) provide hapless support (and, in the latter case, unfortunate bathroom humor) while Tre uncovers the campus' deadly, ridiculous secret. There's also time for romance for the reluctant student, whose pretty Spanish teacher (Roselyn Sanchez) inspires and encourages him -- to put the moves on her. One can only assume she has a way of knowing that he's not really 16.
Cannon ("Drumline") helped to develop the story and serves as an executive producer, but the film feels less like a showcase for the affable performer than a waste of his talents, not to mention those of the rest of the cast. The Vancouver/Los Angeles-shot production has a polished but generic SoCal look, with all tech contributions serviceable.
UNDERCLASSMAN
Miramax Films
A Tapestry Films production
Credits:
Director: Marcos Siega
Screenwriters: David T. Wagner, Brent Goldberg
Story by: David T. Wagner, Brent Goldberg, Nick Cannon
Producers: Peter Abrams, Robert Levy, Andrew Panay
Executive producers: Nick Cannon, Michael Goldman, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Osher, James Dyer
Director of photography: David Hennings
Production designer: Gary Frutkoff
Music: BT
Co-executive producer: Doug Johnson
Costume designer: Tish Monaghan
Editor: Nicholas C. Smith
Cast:
Tracy "Tre" Stokes: Nick Cannon
Rob Donovan: Shawn Ashmore
Karen Lopez: Roselyn Sanchez
Lisa Brooks: Kelly Hu
Detective Gallecki: Ian Gomez
Headmaster Powers: Hugh Bonneville
Captain Victor Delgado: Cheech Marin
David Boscoe: Angelo Spizzirri
Alexander: Johnny K. Lewis
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 94 minutes...
- 9/19/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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...
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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