The 2004 film The Girl Next Door was considered quite sensational in the cinema programs I watched before its release. In those days, I had almost no access to the internet and all I could find about the movie were posters, the trailer and a few critics who used the information they had in the harshest way possible.
I remember watching the movie some time after its release on the encrypted channel, one of the most popular broadcasts of those days. My first priority was to satisfy my curiosity about what had happened to make it so talked about.
When I compared it to the movies of the time, I realized that they served a story that could be considered brave in the romantic comedy genre and that they were partially successful in this. I have to admit that there was a gap between my pre-watch thoughts and my post-watch thoughts, but I should point out that my prejudice formed by those who propagandized the movie was the main reason for this, rather than what the movie reflected.
After a search that I can call a complete coincidence, I came across it again and watched it again, this time in the comfort of my home. Since it would be more difficult for me to explain why I want to see a story that I didn't like enough than to write a review about the movie, I choose to skip it. Lol
I'm kidding, of course, sometimes the mood pulls you back to an old familiar story and creates a perception in your mind that you need to see it again.
I can say that the character of Matthew, a hardworking but rather boring character who did everything to the best of his ability throughout his high school life, was the owner of the parts of the story that I found worth watching, as he was the satellite of the main story of the movie.
Emile Hirsch, who gives life to the character, managed to combine two different lives in one character at the extremes and reflected it quite well. Before and after he enters the life of Danielle, who moves next door and enters his life as the girl next door, he reflects two different lives sharply.
The differences are that while the romantic comedy aspect of the film takes over, the success of the actors is emphasized, leading to side factors such as the questioning of moral values.
In fact, I wouldn't be wrong if I said that the story of the movie begins with the revelation that Danielle is an adult movie star. The story, which was progressing like an ordinary teen movie, is suddenly put into a mold where adults are involved, social values are questioned and youth and middle age clash.
Even though the comedic elements are sometimes overdosed, I can say that I found the scenes where the romantic and dramatic aspects of the movie were more valuable. I also think that the scenes where a group of eccentric characters come together to do something they want to do, but push the limits, devalue the movie.
Those who have seen or will see the movie will understand what I want to say better. I can't say that the narratives that some people describe it as an adult movie reflect the truth. The movie has themes such as youthful innocence, courage, sexual curiosity during adolescence and self-discovery. Although it is a brave story, the way the story is handled is inadequate.
I think the movie has a deeper narrative as well as a romantic comedy. The importance of loyalty and the exploitation of the innocence of youth by adults were some of the highlights.
For those who are looking for a fun romantic comedy with a teen movie vibe, I recommend watching The Girl Next Door. It has a story that successfully blends comedy, romance and, in my opinion, drama. It has its shortcomings and the story progression was awful in some moments, but maybe it is necessary to see those moments and appreciate the good scenes.
There are a few disturbing scenes that are purely due to the sexual curiosity of the adolescent characters, so be careful about who you watch it with.
Thank you for being here and reading. Take care and goodbye!
I like this movie a lot. 😀