Summer of 69

I was really skeptical coming into this, being the ALPHA I think I am. You know, the red meat, growling, snarling Wolf. I'd chase down overly-showy, and timid women like this. I'm an ANIMAL! They WILL succumb to my will!

But then, my favorite funny person, from that limp-waisted, liberal SNL decides to star in it, and coax me into believing that I (her number 1fan [thanks, Annie Wilkes]) was going to see my dream dance around nekkid.

I sat through one hour and forty minutes, and what the .... Blank ... where were the boobies (No this isn't a size joke. Her character was a stripper, and I've been to enough bachelor parties to know I should see boobies!)

What, you think you can get away with not showing boobies because you make us laugh from the belly in a super identifiable way?

Lots of snark. Loved the movie, loved the cameos, Fibeman continues to be my fave SNL cast member, and she showed she is ready for next, I think.

8/10 - great step into the next level for Fineman. I was skeptical at first, but she brought everything together at the end and I was sold and invested in her arc. The high school girl gave me shades of the 8th grade in-kids, Mitch Kramer and Sabrina Davis, from Dazed and Confused. Solid effort, and it made me laugh out loud, literally.

Actress Jillian Bell makes her directorial debut with the teen comedy about friendship and unbridled sex in a film whose strength lies in its openness and authenticity.

Starring Chloe Fineman and Sam Morelos, this comedy takes us on a journey about unbridled sexual freedom and two characters who become soulmates in a humorous yet innocent way. This comedy has its amusing moments and ultimately delivers a satisfying result that can be enjoyed without any major hang-ups. A risky coming-of-age film that manages to contain ironic moments and rather dark humor that make it an absolute pleasure to watch, it's a hilarious homage to classic teen cinema, presented through the female gaze in a rather interesting directorial debut that deserves to be watched.

It's a journey through a film that doesn't discover anything new; it simply strives to place the right pieces at the right moments, resulting in a rather entertaining film. It showcases the kind of sweet, incredible friendships that make teen comedies memorable. When the credits roll, we're left with the feeling that a completely natural friendship has been forged between the characters and the audience, a sign that the journey was quite enjoyable and that we had a good time.

It's not perfect, it won't be for everyone, and the film is aware of that, but if you give it a chance, it will reward you with funny moments and two characters whose crazy antics make you laugh a lot, especially Morelos, who stands out as a budding star worth keeping an eye on.

Chloe Fineman delivers a standout performance as Santa Monica, an exotic dancer who helps high school senior Abby Flores, played by Sam Morelos, navigate her romantic endeavors. Fineman's portrayal is particularly notable for an impressive and athletic striptease scene set to Peaches' 2006 hit "Boys Wanna Be Her," showcasing her remarkable strength, flexibility, and control. Her performance has been highlighted as a pivotal moment in the film, leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and Abby's character.

Bonus for 'Grey's Anatomy' Fans:

Adding to the film's appeal, Jerrika Hinton, known for her role as Dr. Stephanie Edwards on "Grey's Anatomy," appears in "Summer of 69." Her presence adds a familiar face for fans of the long-running medical drama.

Overall Assessment:

While "Summer of 69" offers a fresh take on the teen sex comedy genre with strong performances, especially from Fineman, its reception suggests it's more of a solid entry than a perfect film. Given the mixed reviews, a 10 out of 10 rating might be generous. However, if you're a fan of quirky coming-of-age stories with a blend of humor and heart, it could be a worthwhile watch.

A geeky, inexperienced, and not-so-confident girl hires a stripper to coach her on how to land a guy by performing "69".

The sort of film that rarely works on paper, but delivers in execution thanks to its sincere tone and the charm of its leading actresses! With a great budding friendship between a shy (but quite determined) teen and her bold, quick-witted and sassy mentor. Their dynamic is sweet, funny, and easily the highlight of the movie.

That said.. the film doesn't leave much of a lasting impression. No standout moments that demand a rewatch, subplots that come off as checklist items to fill in space (imagination "problems", the mascot character, highschool reunion, etc) rather than meaningful additions, a third act that stumbles and drags its feet.. With one side of its conclusion that doesn't satisfy, and instead feels rushed and undercooked.

Still, despite its flaws, the movie remains enjoyable and lightheartedly-endearing in a way that makes it easy to forgive some of its crappier moments! And the leads are very good on their roles.

A wonderful campy homage to the reinvented underdog comedy.

The cast was great - comedy gold from different actors with different backgrounds and different perspectives. From online sensations to TV icons to SNL legends. With relative newcomers that did a great job. Excellent comedic timing and charisma.

You know that the director did a great job when it feels like the talent had great fun working on this movie while maintaining a high standard of technical execution.

It's the perfect movie when you want to spend an evening forgetting about the nonsense of this world, not overthink things and have a laugh.