Amazon.com: While it suffered a nearly unanimous beating from critics, The Girl Next Door attracted more than a few loyal defenders during its brief box-office lifespan. It pales when compared to its teen-comedy role model (the 1983 classic Risky Business), but you've got to admit that any movie about a teenager whose new next-door neighbor is a 19-year-old former porn star has bona fide cult-movie potential. To its credit, this rather schizoid blend of sleaze and comedy boasts an engaging pair of costars in Emile Hirsch (as the smitten, voyeuristic virgin) and 24's Elisha Cuthbert (as his sexy new house-sitting neighbor). And there are some good laughs in a script that takes unexpected turns when we learn that Cuthbert's character is trying to leave her porn-star past behind, to the chagrin of her pimp-like producer (Timothy Olyphant, in a scene-stealing role). Faring somewhat better than he did with the Rob Schneider non-comedy The Animal, director Luke Greenfield clearly recalls the turbulence that goes hand-in-hand with being young, horny, and confused. There's honesty and even (dare we say it?) maturity to be found in this raging-hormone fantasy, even if it's partially buried in a convoluted plot that's appalling or appealing, depending on your tolerance for good-natured prurience. --Jeff Shannon
Description: Eighteen-year-old Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch) is a straight-laced overachiever who has never really lived life - until he falls for his hot new neighbor (Elisha Cuthbert). When Matthew discovers his perfect "girl next door" is a former porn star, his sheltered existence spins out of control. It's "Risky Business" meets "American Pie" (Premiere Radio Networks) in this "titillating, laugh-out-loud funny comedy!" (US Weekly)
Cute This was a good movie. I have watched it a few times. The girl is hot and is like no girl who ever lived next to me. I will keep it in my collection for years to come.
F'in Sweet This movie is great from start to finish, the only thing to regret is not seein more of elisha cuthbert in little to no clothin lol.
Climax at the prom Risky Business II? Sure, it's a typical attempt to remake Risky Business, with a young, charismatic young man getting involved with a beautiful, mysterious young woman; however, there are enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.
Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch) is the typical over-achiever in high school. He's in all sorts of clubs, AP classes, and never seems to have the care-free fun that the rest of his fellow seniors are having. He's even gone so far as to start a fund to bring a Cambodian, teenage genius to America. His whole world changes when Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert) moves in next door.
In a matter of no time it becomes clear that Danielle is a former porn star - discovered by Matthew's porn-obsessed friend Eli (Chris Marquette) - and she has a world of experience and knowledge that are going to broaden Matthew's horizons on more than one level.
Danielle wants out of the porn business, but her sleazy producer Kelly (Timothy Olyphant) wants the exact opposite. It's soon a battle of influence, as Matthew tugs at Danielle's heart-strings, while Kelly tugs at her through the type of power typically given to those who would dominate over another psychologically. It's only when Kelly gets involved that the predictability disappears. Each and every scene with Kelly is a scene stealer and an adventure. Whereas we all pretty much know what's going to happen in most teen comedy movies, The Girl Next Door gives a fresh take on the genre.
The climax at the prom (pun intended) was a brilliant way to conclude the movie, squeeze a few gorgeous women into the movie (Sung Hi Lee cameo), and provide a combination of comedy and real drama.
It would be a travesty if I didn't mention the fact that the "Eli Experience", the eventual producing empire formed by Eli as part of a whirlwind surprise ending, is clearly my favorite part of the movie. His persona and control of the AV dork "minion", his ability to run with a brilliant idea, his response to learning about Danielle's past, his actions during a porn expo, and his abrupt response to a smarmy question provided tons of laughs throughout.
Great Movie That's Mixed with Comedy and Drama I love this movie. I thought this would be a lame movie since it hardly made a dent at the box office, but it turned out to be an AWESOME movie. The acting and writing is amazing. I really like the screen chemistry between the characters Matthew and Danielle---they were very believable. This movie really tugs at the heart of what it feels like being in High School and wanting to fit in and do fun things.
The music was also great in this movie. If you're deciding to get this movie but not sure, I say get it--it's a brilliant movie.
Complete Sexist Garbage I found this movie to be highly offensive and tasteless. Something's wrong with Hollywood when it produces movies where teenage boys get lap dances.
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