Review of The Babysitters (2008) by Jonathan B — 18 Aug 2008

Horrible title for a film that - despite its somewhat "icky" premise, is *not* a porn movie :) I can't decide if this is "Risky Business" for the new generation or a clear exploitation of middle-aged men's fantasies or simply girls taking the power back.

Certainly, the dreamy whimsy of the score and camera shots shrieks of "coming of age drama". Its about a rather OCD teenage girl who discovers that turning her babysitting service into a call-girl service is far more profitable way to get money together for college.

However, the transformation of up-tight and shy Shirley who clearly has control issues to a cold and ruthless madam is a little jumpy. She starts recruiting girls from school to forfill her aims, but this eventually descents into out of control in-fighting over clients and gradually the whole thing takes on a terrifying momentum of its own.

Not bad at all, but you just know from the opening that its all going to end badly. Its a little too gratuitous for a coming-of-age drama and too serious even for dark comedy. I doubt the film would have worked as well if it wasn't for Katherine Waterston's brilliantly tight and cold performance - she really carries the film from beginning to end.

Different, which has to be applauded - but perhaps a little heavy-handed for some.