These Girls

I had the honor this evening to see a screening of the movie "These Girls" at the Philadelphia Film Festival. Going into the movie, I knew very little about it and just took a chance on it because the film's plot sounded interesting. So as I entered the theater just hours ago I wondered what the final verdict would be thumbs up or thumbs down.

"These Girls" is the story about three best friends from a small town. Keira (Caroline Dhavernas) is the ringleader who basically doesn't know what to do with her life after High School but her father keeps pushing her to go to college which is something she doesn't want to do. Lisa (Holly Lewis) will be going away to a Christian school after the summer. And finally, Glory (Amanda Walsh) who plans on spending her summer babysitting. But this summer is going to be a special one as they all blackmail Keith Clark (David Boreanaz) the sexy older hunk who they baby-sit for. Fun times and a lot of laughs ensue…

I normally don't like movies like "These Girls" but there is something about this movie that I really liked. I think the quality I liked most about it was that it seemed rather realistic. Three girls who want to explore their sexuality pick a hunky guy who lets all of them have sex with him only to be blackmailed by them later. It's a pretty funny tale about growing up, friendship and sex but even though it sounds pretty cheesy I can see majority of this film happening in real life.

The subject matter here is probably a main reason why this film didn't get a mainstream release in the United States. All the girls in this film are suppose to be under 18 which if I remember correctly two of them are 17 and one is 16. Now in the USA even though underage sex occurs on a daily basis many production or finance companies won't finance a film like this because of the sexual content. This information was actually confirmed by the director himself John Hazlett at the Q&A after the film. The thing that gets me is that the sex scenes in this film aren't graphic and the nudity is minor. Not to mention that all the actresses in this film are way over 18 in real life. Go figure.

What the movie does best is it provides a lot of laughs as well as very strong characters. I liked all the characters in this movie and each character seemed to have a "Now & Then" characteristic to them. The jokes were funny because they were cleverly written not because they were dirty or over the top. Everything seemed to flow together nicely both the comedy and the drama. The script was very strong.

The acting was very good for the most part. I thought all the three girls were great. Caroline Dhavernas who also starred in one of the most underrated television series of all time "Wonderfalls" was just terrific; as well as Holly Lewis and Amanda Walsh who both did a fine job as well. David Boreanaz did a good job and he looked like he was having fun while shooting most of the scenes. The guy played a pot head so it was funny seeing him play that role.

I had the pleasure of meeting John Hazlett tonight who seemed like a very nice guy and was very appreciative of the comments made about the film. I am shocked that this movie didn't go anywhere. I think with a little marketing behind it, it could have taken off. Sadly it's going to be one of these direct to DVD films which so few will ever have the pleasure to see. I think with what little budget Mr. Hazlett had to work with, the film turned out well and I think he did a fine job directing this little gem.

For someone who typically hates teen sex comedies I can honestly say I really enjoyed this film. The character development and witty script allowed me to sit there for an hour and a half and be amused. This is a fine comedy because it has heart and spunk to it. I know I will be sure to buy this film when it comes on DVD on May 16, 2006. If you're a fan of coming of age stories, teen sex comedies, or romantic comedies be sure to check this film out because it's one of the funniest films of its kind to be released in years.

MovieManMenzel's final rating for "These Girls" is an 8/10.

Keira St. George (Caroline Dhavernas) is a freshman in university recalling what she did during the summer. Her best friends back in her small town are Glory Lorraine (Amanda Walsh) and religious ballplayer Lisa MacDougall (Holly Lewis). Keith Clark (David Boreanaz) is a local with a wife and kid. He's friendly with Gordon Gruber who is a bit slow. Gordon tells Keira about Keith growing pot in his backyard. Keira and Lisa go to steal a few leaves and peep Keith having sex with Glory. Glory tells Keira that she loves Keith and he's a great lover. Keira is bored and decides to have sex with Keith. Lisa also wants to have sex with Keith before she's baptized as born-again. Keith has enough of the girls and tries to end it. Instead, the three girls blackmail Keith and make up a schedule to share him.

First of all, these girls are no teenagers. The youngest Amanda Walsh is mid-20s while Holly Lewis is pushing 30. It's very odd when women who don't look like teenagers try to act like teenagers. This tries to be funny by turning the usual sexual ideas upside down. It doesn't really get there. It tries to end with wild screwball fun but it doesn't get there either. Caroline Dhavernas has a sly sensibility which I love. It's not as edgy or as funny as it could have been.

Well, it didn't make me sad about seeing it. The narration in the beginning made me expect some wonderful coming of age tale for these girls. I was disappointed. I expected lots of good laughs. I was disappointed. I expected great indie performances; I was disappointed. The whole movie was a watered-down version of what it could of been. It just came off average. The female actors were given great roles, and didn't achieve greatness. David Boreanz did an adequate job; his part, however, may have been his downfall. The character was at one moment charming and the next a complete ass. I didn't feel the writing kept true to the character and served the sketchy plot more than the character. The ending was pretty dynamic though. It was an interesting story that wasn't told very interestingly. Oh well, it is still worth a watch though. I'm sure some people will like it far more than I did.

Finding the premise intriguing, and reading the reviews, and being an Angel fan, I watched this movie. It's sexy and original, and quite entertaining. David Boreanaz is Keith. He's a hunky married man, stay at home Dad, and he feels a little inadequate in his marriage. He makes the mistake of penetrating a close circle of teenage girls who are fascinated with the idea of doing it with an older man. They'll do anything to get into his bed, including beg, lie, and blackmail, but they mostly try to push his buttons. The nuttiness that ensues sends Keith reeling, and pushes friendships to the edge. David Boreanaz shows a little skin in this one-- and he's looking hot. Yes-he plays a sleazy cheat - but he shows enough vulnerability and tenderness toward the goofy teens that you end up cheering for him in the end. One more thing, when someone moans "oh yeah, oh..oh..YEAH!!", it's hard to see them as a victim of rape.

Tanya! What a kind and wonderful message you posted - thank you! I hope you enjoy the film - it certainly is a romp for me! Your portrayal of Caroline remains an inspiration - you gave her such a good "kick" in the Ottawa production - really focused her and brought into her own. I will always appreciate you for that.

A note - her role and rationale has been modified for the film version - she's now "Keira" - but her wry humor that you really woke me to in your performance, and that I tried to capture in the subsequent draft for the Calgary production at One Yellow Rabbit, has absolutely made it all the way to big screen.

Right On, Tanya! Hope all is well with you, Viv