The Wake

Depending on what television networks you watch, what programs pique your interest and what time of day you tune in, you have likely seen vastly different advertisements for The Girl Next Door.

Pushed back a month from its original release date, I have watched in amazement as three completely different films have been marketed under this title. The first is a light-hearted film about being a teenager and learning about oneself; the second, a movie about a shy teenager breaking out of his shell thanks to his friends and their wacky adventures; and the third, an all-out frat party, a la American Pie, where sexually-frustrated teenage boys get in trouble with easy women, and nothing is taboo.

Three different marketing strategies for the same film, and all of them correct.

I am still not sure what to make of The Girl Next Door. Suffice it to say that the movie is everything listed above and more, sure to briefly appease all those expecting film one, two or three, but also a sure bet to disappoint more often than it entertains.

Regardless of your take on the film, here is my stripped down summary: Matthew (Emile Hirsch) is a young, shy, nice kid who sees the gorgeous Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert) move in next door. They start dating, sort of, and he meets Kelly (Timothy Olyphant), one of Danielle’s “friends.” Matthew later discovers that Danielle is a porno actress, Kelly is her manager, and through his immature response to this news, Danielle bolts from this new life to return to her sinful past.

Even here, I still found myself engaged with the film. The pornography angle brought a most unexpected twist to the story; it was not overdone, and Matthew’s immature reaction to this twist was shown side-by-side with its weighty consequences.

Ah, but wait, the plot thickens. Matthew then goes searching for Danielle to rescue her from the life she has returned to, gets attacked and scolded by Kelly for trying to steal his talent, and through a bit of stolen money, blackmail and violence, Matthew finds himself criminally liable for thousands of dollars and fearful for his life.

It’s a mouthful to write, and it’s an even bigger mouthful to watch. And while some will appreciate the comedy and the building hysteria of it all, I actually felt as if I was watching the film deteriorate in front of me, scene by scene.

For a good portion of the film’s first half, I was watching a film of the sweet teenage variety. Matthew sees the girl of his dreams, she helps him open up, they start dating and he becomes the cool kid. Despite how this reads, it was free of the clichés or predictability one would expect, director Luke Greenfield (The Animal) infusing a visual energy to stuffy moments – such as a high school prom - to bring them to life.

But then the film jumps the tracks, changes tone and negates everything that has come prior. Suddenly, Danielle becomes the mocked porn star, Matthew the unbelievable hero in a race against the porn industry, and it is at this prom where the extraneous themes collide and explode. In one instant, this dance is about a boy and girl sharing the biggest night of their lives. In the next, it is a low-brow comedy about a porn shoot designed as payback against the threatening smut manager.

I mean, I’m confused. Are we meant to care, be moved, be touched, be disgusted or just laugh in disgust? The Girl Next Door is being marketed three ways because it is really three different films, of wildly different tones and styles, smashed together as if no one would notice, constantly tripping over itself in trying to be all things to all people.

Steven Snyder welcomes feedback at snyderreviews@hotmail.com