Reel Critics

Peggy Rogers

‘Tis the season to give generously to charities so keeping with the

tradition I contributed to the “Keep the Movie Studios in Business” fund,

receiving in return an unoriginal replay of previous teen films.

“Cruel Intentions,” “The Breakfast Club,” “American Pie,” “Never Been

Kissed” and every John Hughes film (i.e. “Pretty in Pink”) plus more past

hits are crammed into “Teen Movie.” Scant room is left for creatively

tying all the pieces together into an entertaining coherent romp.

However, if you pride yourself on movie trivia you’ve hit the jackpot

here. Round up your friends and see who can identify the most teen flicks

paid homage.

“Not Another Teen Movie” does settle into following the story line

from “She’s All That” where the popular jock takes a bet he can turn the

ugliest girl into the prom queen. Generous doses of “Porky’s” and

“American Pie” are added, mixing the genders up for a little confusion.

Instead of the parents walking in on their son during the opening scene

in “American Pie” it’s a female intent on a little privacy before being

interrupted by her entire family as well as upstanding members of the

community.

Raunchier than “American Pie” or “Porky’s” the film incorporates many

shower scenes and unflushed bathroom humor. “Not Another Teen Movie” is

simply an exercise in grossness minus the fun squeamishness. Example.

Randy Quaid’s encounters with the apple pie fails to register the

embarrassingly delight achieved in American Pie. Somewhat like watching

the television with the sound off, “Teen movie” provides the Kodak

moments from the teenage genre with the laugh-out-loud elements that made

them funny and memorable.

“Not Another Teen Movie” is not a contender or in the same league as

the movies it spoofed. That may not have been the intention, but I would

hope giving some entertainment value to the paying customers was an

intention.

* PEGGY J. ROGERS, 39, produces commercial videos and documentaries.