Jeunesse heureuse

Enjoyable tale of a likable geek(Doug McKeon) trying to snag the girl of his dreams with the help of his cool new friend. Unlike the bulk of teen sex comedies from this era, MISCHIEF comes off as slightly less hyperactive and slighty more reflective(come on, the kid learns something about the nature of sexual infatuation at the end, something most of the kids in these films never approach). The inclusion of some great 50's tunes(Ivory Joe Hunter's "Since I Met You Baby" is simply exquisite)goes along way towards heightening this film's charm. On his way to manhood, Jonathan learns, sometimes poignantly and sometimes humorously, about friendship, sex, girls, and his own insecurities. What we see is a coming-of-age story, much more realistically portrayed than the horny hijinks of flicks like PORKY'S. Seek it out.