Review of The Girl Next Door (2004) by Mimi S — 22 Jun 2014

The Girl Next Door is a movie that predominantly appeals to teenage boys, but it's still a decent watch for anyone else. It's a typical cute nerdy guy gets the hot girl cliché type of film but it's still good fun. The Girl Next Door is about nerdy Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch) who is due to graduate from high school and go onto study at the prestigious Georgetown University, however his focus completely changes when he meets, Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert), his next door neighbour's niece who happens to be house sitting. Matthew is smitten with Danielle and things go well between them until Matt discovers that Danielle is a former porn star. The story line is a bit daft and unrealistic and in the end it just ends up glorifying porn instead of condemning it and exposing it for what it is; seedy, exploitive and morally corrupt. Call me old fashioned but I just think that porn does more harm than good in our society and can be very damaging.

The acting was a bit shit, Elisha Cuthbert may have a pretty face and a hot bod (damn I wish I had a figure like her's), but she seriously cannot act. She's just a blonde Megan Fox that will never land a serious film role. It's sad how looks are more important than talent in Hollywood. How I wish there were more budding Meryl Streeps instead of Megan Fox and Scarlett Johansson types. Rant over! The only note worthy and good actor in the film was Timothy Oliphant, who plays Danielle's nasty ex boyfriend and porn producer, Kelly. Timothy Oliphant's character had more depth than any of the characters. The rest of the characters were a bit one dimensional. However overall, The Girl Next Door isn't a dull watch and has some humorous moments. Despite the bad acting, Elisha Cuthbert and Emile Hirsch kind of make a cute couple. If you find porn offensive and aren't really into cliché films about teenage boys wanting to get laid, then best give this a miss.

Grade: C+.