Summer of 69

Despite the film's initial emphasis on its raunchy aspects in both the trailer and marketing materials. It pleasantly surprises with its unexpected depth and heartfelt storytelling.

Yes, it's based on a stripper (Chloe Fineman), who surprisingly keeps her clothes on for the entire film. She's a character who has chosen this profession not out of necessity, but as a means of empowerment and self-expression. She is co-starred by a naive, almost Bambi-like character (Sam Morelos) who so desperately wants to 69 her high school crush but never manages more than a kiss. Abby, the high school girl, comes from a repressive family, which has distorted her views on sexuality and relationships.

Similar to Fast Times, this film delves into the complexities of sex and relationships from a teenage girl's perspective. However, it distinguishes itself by offering a more honest and enlightening exploration of sex, dating, boundaries, and consent.

Whilst the film's plot is driven by Abby's (Sam Morelos) desire to 69 her crush, its heart lies in the chemistry built between Abby and Santa Monica (Chloe Fineman). The two woman's unassuming meeting sets in motion a series of events that will alter their lives.

For Abby, who has come from a repressive family, she now has the opportunity to speak to an older woman to help her understand her sexuality and what it means to be a woman. Most importantly and ironically, it is a stripper, Santa Monica, that teaches her sex is not just for a man's pleasure and is not something that needs to be rushed into, and that who you are vulnerable with matters.

For Santa Monica, her desire to "be something" forces her to be vulnerable with another person, seemingly for the first time in her life. This vulnerability prompts deep reflection on accepting who she is and not being ashamed of the choices she has made in her life.

While not perfect and with an obligatory cheesy ending, this film offers a great insight into the pressures faced by oversexualised youth. It does not condone or glorify this trend, but rather presents a nuanced exploration of the factors that contribute to it and its impact on young people. However, at its core, it conveys a powerful message that emphasises love and consent, advocating for a healthier and more respectful approach to sexuality.

We stumbled onto Summer of 69 while scrolling through Hulu, honestly just trying to escape another night of endless Netflix picks. None of us knew what we were in for - and yet, this offbeat comedy about teen awkwardness, friendship, and blooming confidence actually surprised us in the best way.

Abby, the main character, really stood out. Winny found her quirky charm and humor totally lovable, while Willow vibed more with the film's look and was (impatiently) waiting for "the good part" - which we'll just say... yeah, he knew when it hit. Mimikyu, meanwhile, was all in for the weird energy and couldn't stop giggling at the immature jokes, which somehow hit just right. Amy and Tails appreciated the character chemistry - the way they bounced off each other felt so natural, almost like real-life friendships, and they both related hard to the awkward, nervous moments that came up. It was that kind of "been there" energy.

Sweet thought the movie had something real to say underneath the laughs. He pointed out how it could be helpful for teens (maybe 14+) figuring things out - though, to him, the bold and loud use of the word sex felt a bit unreal and forced at times. Still, he got that it was a comedy, and it made the message easier to digest - even if it was kinda weird.

In the end, this movie isn't trying to be perfect or deep - but it's honest in a funny, slightly chaotic way. We had a good time.

Rating: 8/10 - Honest laughs and awkward charm!

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.

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.

I wasn't sure what to expect about this comedy but ended up really enjoying it. It's not quite a raunchy sex comedy, but instead a sweet, earnest, and relatable awkward coming of age movie. The main duo are well cast and have a fun rapport, but the supporting cast is also funny. The strip club feels realistic, but the high school kind of does too. That said, there aren't too many cliches or tropes, even as some of the story is a bit familiar. The characters are unique enough that the plot is engaging. Plus, the script has some indie flair- weird fantasy sequences, funky costumes, and the occasional flashback. Overall, it felt fresh and funny. Definitely recommend!