Andrew McMurtryREVIEW: Girl Next Door (2004)
The Girl Next Door is a surprisingly sweet film. I say surprisingly sweet because the plot revolves around Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch), a clean cut guy, who is “basically a f***ing boy scout”, falling in love with the very beautiful Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert), the girl next door, who, it turns out, is a porn actress. This premise could have led to a much dirtier movie but it instead retains a certain naivety to its characters despite the surrounding porn industry. It also keeps focused on the young love story throughout and looks at what you would do for love and how far you would really go to find that one thing that makes you tick.
I liked the cast in this film. Emile Hirsch delivers a good performance as Matthew and Elisha Cuthbert seems like a natural in her role as the girl next door. Timothy Olyphant is great in the character of Kelly, Danielle’s agent and really sells his character well. The other two characters of note are Matthew’s friends, Eli (Chris Marquette) and Klitz (Paul Dano). Both are great but I would like to add that Chris Marquette is absolutely hilarious as a cocky teen who talks the talk about women, but when it comes to actually talking to them, he is a complete novice.
This film has great production values as well. The camera work is solid and direction is good. There are some twists which you don’t see coming which add to the humour of the movie. Finally, the music is brilliant with songs such as “Under Pressure” by David Bowie and Queen, “Lucky Man” by the Verve and “Baba O’Riley” by the Who.
This is a very good film and an enjoyable experience. When a film mixes sex with a feel good plot, it is always a recipe for success. If you like movies where you don't have to think too much and are just watching t for the enjoyment, this is the film for you. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. Go and rent it now!!!
