Boys and Girls (PG-13, 2000)

common sense media says

Silly star crossed sex obsessed love flick.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has occasional mild sexually themed language, and some cursing. Most characters spend more time drinking than studying. Ryan cheats on his girlfriend. Hunter lies throughout and encourages Ryan to deceive Amy (Jennifer's roommate). Hunter makes disparaging comments about the elderly. Provocative dancing. Lots of talk about sex, including mentions of orgasms. Amy, in a moment of sexual confusion, kisses Jennifer. Jennifer and Ryan kiss and undress each other before sex (little is shown). Hunter and Amy have sex. Hunter has a sexual fantasy. A football player goes after a costumed mascot with a lance.

Positive messages: Mostly white characters. Several instances of tasteless humor.
Violence: A football player goes after a costumed mascot with a lance.
Sex: Provocative dancing. Lots of talk about sex, including mentions of orgasms. Amy, in a moment of sexual confusion, kisses Jennifer. Jennifer and Ryan kiss and undress each other before sex (little is shown). Hunter and Amy have sex. Hunter has a sexual fantasy.
Language: Occasional mild sexually-themed language, and some cursing.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Most characters spend more time drinking than studying.

More on Boys and Girls

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether they think this film realistically depicts college life. In general, how does the media portray college and young adults? Also, what do you think about Hunter's lying in order to attract women? Why do you think he resorted to that tactic?

What's the story?

What's the story?
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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Dimension
Director: Robert Iscove
Cast: Claire Forlani, Freddie Prinze Jr., Jason Biggs
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: November 14, 2000
DVD release: November 14, 2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: sexual content

This review was written by Beth Pratt
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age