DVD Review: Last American Virgin, The (B+)

Last American Virgin (1982)
Directed by Boaz Davidson
Starring Lawrence Monoson, Diane Franklin, Steve Antin, Joe Rubbo and Kimmy Robertson
MPAA: R
Grade: B+

Review by Bobby Nashville

Being a teenager in love is bad enough, but being a virgin teenager in love totally sucks.

Lawrence Monoson plays Gary, the last of his gang of friends to lose his virginity. He feels like he is indeed the Last American Virgin. He's in love with Karen (Diane Franklin, the beautiful French foreign exchange student from Better Off Dead), but she is dating his best pal Rick (Steve Antin). Karen tries to set him up with her best friend Rose (Kimmy Robertson, AKA Lucy from the fabulous TV show Twin Peaks). The teenagers try to sort out their lives, their loves and have a little fun as they transition through what is one of the most difficult times of life.

For a teen sex comedy, Last American Virgin has a lot going for it. First, it treats the kids with respect and although their lines can be cheesy at times, its all about fun. Secondly, it has an equally cheesy soundtrack (Blondie, The Cars, Journey) and it runs throughout. Lastly and most importantly, this film has the very best ending I have ever seen for a teen comedy. I won't give it away, but trust me, this film wraps things up in a unique but poignant manner.

Last American Virgin is actually a modernized remake of the "Lemon Popsicle" series of films made in Israel by director Boaz Davidson. Last American Virgin was released the same year as the way more popular (and equally on target) high school flick Fast Times At Ridgemont High. This film has a much sillier take on things than Fast Times as the guys are certainly not as cool as the Fast Times gang. However this immaturity masks an underlying angst that can't be found in Cameron Crowe's writing. The kids of Fast Times seem to be adults trapped in kids bodies, but the kids of Last American Virgin are just kids that are struggling to deal with adult emotions.

Looking for a silly teen comedy that has a great soundtrack and a nice payoff at the end? Check out Last American Virgin, it's highly recommended.

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