I wish I could feel confident in any review of this movie. I can't. This is a movie that has aged so badly that it might be difficult for modern audiences to find it funny at all.
But it might be. A lot of the offensive stereotypes are completely ridiculous, but they are rarely played in a mean way. The nerds hang together, and they don't judge each other. Their stereotypes are an issue to outsiders.
The sexual elements are just off the charts though, and are much harder to think of a defense for. I can't think of any justification for the pies.
But the panty raid / cameras and the whole "falling in love with her rapist" scene... these are not acceptable. But they are explainable.
The movie is an outsider's fantasy. Nerds, as they were, were ostracized, and this is a revenge fantasy. Their sexual frustration is partly manifested as a desire to look at nude women (which was a bit more difficult without the internet being widely available). But also, the fantasy of "once they get to know me, they'll like me." Once they realize that I'm so much better than their brutish boyfriend, they'll want me.
Of course, I'm not excusing this.
Outside of the stereotypes, the problematic sexual content, there's a lot of fun to be had here. A lot of the performances are wonderfully simple and memorable. John Goodman's voice cracking when he yells. Lamar playing with his balloon hat. Wormser doing his aerobics. Poindexter pontificating while high.
And at the very least, the movie can introduce you to the wonderful music of Gleaming Spires.
I don't know if I can recommend this to younger viewers, but I know it has a space in my heart.
But it might be. A lot of the offensive stereotypes are completely ridiculous, but they are rarely played in a mean way. The nerds hang together, and they don't judge each other. Their stereotypes are an issue to outsiders.
The sexual elements are just off the charts though, and are much harder to think of a defense for. I can't think of any justification for the pies.
But the panty raid / cameras and the whole "falling in love with her rapist" scene... these are not acceptable. But they are explainable.
The movie is an outsider's fantasy. Nerds, as they were, were ostracized, and this is a revenge fantasy. Their sexual frustration is partly manifested as a desire to look at nude women (which was a bit more difficult without the internet being widely available). But also, the fantasy of "once they get to know me, they'll like me." Once they realize that I'm so much better than their brutish boyfriend, they'll want me.
Of course, I'm not excusing this.
Outside of the stereotypes, the problematic sexual content, there's a lot of fun to be had here. A lot of the performances are wonderfully simple and memorable. John Goodman's voice cracking when he yells. Lamar playing with his balloon hat. Wormser doing his aerobics. Poindexter pontificating while high.
And at the very least, the movie can introduce you to the wonderful music of Gleaming Spires.
I don't know if I can recommend this to younger viewers, but I know it has a space in my heart.