The Boyfriend School

The Boyfriend School has to be my favorite comic novel of all time, followed closely by Kotzwinkle's Midnight Examiner. I was disappointed that the screenplay told the story from Gus's point of view, which removed the element of surprise that made the novel so wonderful. Gretchen got turned into an "Emily," when one of her self-esteem issues had to do with her name.

And what happened to Juanita? I loved Juanita! I can't bear to talk about what was done to the character of Trout. However, the casting of the main characters, Lizzie, Gus, and the newly christened "Emily," was excellent. I'm waiting for a remake from the point of view of Gretchen. The novel is still at the top of my list and lying in permanent repose on my nightstand, with a "loaner" copy available for my friends.

The Boyfriend School? This movie was originally titled Don't Tell Her It's Me. It was a better title and for the movie better, I don't know why they changed it.

Having just won a battle against leukemia cartoonist Gus Kubicek (Guttenberg)is bald, chubby and not to mention lonely his novelist sister Lizzie Potts (Long) tries to set him up with suitable women. Emily Pear (Gertz) is a young and beautiful reporter whose looking for the right man, after a disastrous first meeting with Gus Lizzie takes it upon herself to transform her brother into a hunk of a man. After a new makeover Lizzie gives him a new name not to mention accent he is now known as Lobo a bad boy biker from New Zealand. Emily finds herself in love with him but Gus wonders if she could ever love the man he really is or a fake dream guy. Steve Guttenberg gave a funny yet touchy performance as Gus Kubicek and Lobo while Jamie Gertz adds a nice touch as his love interest 7/10 Stars

I remember watching this movie when I was a mere slip of a boy. I really enjoyed it, as I recall. Granted, the plot was sort of hard to believe, but I think the storytelling more than made up for it. This is definitely a good movie. It's good to see if you're wanting a pick me up, because you'll walk away just smiling and thinking, "Yes, all is right with the world". It's bad to see if you are lacking a significant other, because you'll walk away with this wistful feeling in your heart, thinking, "I wish that were me". Seriously. In any event, I advise renting it.

The on-screen chemistry between Jami Gertz and Steve Guttenberg is excellent in this movie and it is this chemistry which makes the movie so appealing. Not a blockbuster movie, but one which can be enjoyed for the fact that it is a pleasant feel good story. Jami Gertz is particularly good in this film , it is a shame that she has not appeared more often in the late 90's apart from her appearance in "Twister". Great performance also from Shelley Long.