Boys and Girls

Back to the main review

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by bethp

Spanning four years, BOYS AND GIRLS follows the changing relationships of a group of college friends. Ryan (Freddie Prinze, Jr.) is serious about school, while his childhood friend Jennifer (Claire Forlani) takes advantage of living away from her parents by turning into a party animal. They couldn't be more different, but Ryan and Jennifer find themselves turning to each other when their other relationships fail. Meanwhile, Ryan's insecure roommate Hunter (Jason Biggs) lies about everything in his attempt to attract girls, including his name (it's actually Steve). He pretends to be a priest at one point and even dons an ill-fitting leotard to meet girls at ballet class.

Is It Any Good?

Robert Iscove, who directed She's All That, must have been asked to make another movie exactly like it. His use of Freddie Prinze, Jr. and the lovers-from-different-worlds story are obvious repeats, and the movie's bizarre, choreographed dance scene seems to be recycled from She's All That's prom scene.

One of the movie's biggest problems is the miscasting of British actress Claire Forlani, who seems uncomfortable playing a free-spirited American college student and too old for the role. Similarly, Prinze isn't quite convincing as the uptight Ryan, and he's not convincing as a nerd. American Pie's Jason Biggs steals the show with his portrayal of Hunter.