Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8926 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-08-09
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 105 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
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

Special Features
Feature Length Text Commentary Director Commentary By Luke Greenfield Scene Specific Commentary Featurettes Gag Reel Deleted Scenes

Synopsis
In the tradition of RISKY BUSINESS and AMERICAN PIE comes THE GIRL NEXT DOOR, a sex-soaked teen comedy that actually has a heart. High school graduation is nearing for senior class president Matt Kidman (Emile Hirsch), who has been more concerned with getting into college than partying. But all that changes one night when the gorgeous Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert) arrives next door. Engaging, funny, and wild, Danielle is Matt's dream girl come to life, and it appears that she likes him back. But before the two can consummate their relationship, his porn-obsessed friend Eli (Chris Marquette) reveals a shocking secret: Danielle's a porn star! When her wacky producer, Kelly (Timothy Olyphant), shows up to take her back to "work," Matt's life really begins to spiral out of control. All the while, he must continue to rehearse an incredibly important speech that will hopefully earn him a major scholarship. But, most importantly, Matt must win the heart of Danielle once and for all.
Directed with irreverent yet good-natured sincerity by Luke Greenfield, with an all-star soundtrack (Marvin Gaye, Elliott Smith), THE GIRL NEXT DOOR has a breezy charm that might surprise some viewers. This is due in large part to Hirsch and Cuthbert, who deliver assured and engaging performances that help to sweeten the profane proceedings.

Customer Reviews

A very funny film, well worth the money
One word summed up this film for me - Suprising. On the surface of it, you could be excused for thinking that this would be a poorly written american teen comedy relying on its beautiful leading lady Elisha Cuthbert playing a porn star to sell bucket loads of DVDs. While it is true that this has probably happened, those who purchased for this reason along with those who didn't were in for a real treat. The two leading characters (Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert) both play their parts extremely well, with Hirsch convincingly pulling off the role of a studious, sheltered 18 year old whose world is turned upside-down by the arrival of "The Girl Next Door". Elisha Cuthbert is also excellent in her role as former porn star who desperately wants to leave her old life and all the stereotypes that go with it behind (The motel scene a particularly good example of this). The film is very funny, with the jokes well placed and original. The story moves well, you never feel the movie is begining to drag, the addition of Cuthberts former producer Kelly helping this, as he plays his role extremely well, stealing the scene on occasion.

The DVD also comes with a good load of extras, featuring a directors commentary, scene specific commentary from Elisha Cuthbert and Emile Hirsch, Gag reel, Deleted scenes and more.

In summary, this movie really was a very pleasant suprise. Not the sell out that could possibly have been expected, but a very good film about coming of age, tasting life and of course, getting the girl. Excellent performances from all parties, a great soundtrack with songs very well used, and above all very funny well placed jokes make this a very appealing package. This comes highly recommended.

The Girl Next Door Is A Porn Star !
Directed by Luke Greenfield and released in 2004, The Girl Next Door is a teen comedy movie (with some romance thrown in,) that is based around a "straight A" student called Matthew Kidman (played by Emile Hirsch.)

The eighteen year old has aspirations of a career in politics, but before he is meant to deliver a speech, he concludes that he's yet to do anything memorable in his life. However lucky for him Danielle (played by Elisha Cuthbert) has just moved in next door to him, and she soon begins to encourage him to do things he though impossible. The pair quickly fall in love with each other, and things are going great until Matthew discovers that the girl next door is actually a porn star. When things between them turn sour, Matthew and a few of his friends travel to an adult film convention in Las Vegas to try and win her back, but despite his best efforts things go from bad to worse.

I purchased this film on DVD in the first half of last year, since then it's sat on my shelf untouched, before I finally decided to watch it earlier today. While the film was somewhat better than I expected, it still falls slightly short of a five star award.

The Girl Next Door is more intelligent than I was anticipating, offering more than just another teen comedy movie. While the plot and the script isn't the most believable, some really hilarious moments in the film combined with some brilliant scenes, will make you laugh past the point of caring. Despite containing some strong sex references, I didn't find the film as crude as some of the American Pie films. Whether this is a good or bad thing, will depend on your own tastes, but in the case of this film I found it allowed The Girl Next Door to stand by itself without the need for any explicit material.

Elisha Cuthbert, plays her part as a porn star well - though her character is a bit underused at times. Emile Hirsch also gives a noteworthy performance as Matthew and seems ideal for the part. The acting from the other cast, while not being anything special, was generally good for a film of the type, and the script they had to work with. There's a decent soundtrack in the film and even the ending of The Girl Next Door, was actually impressive and surprising.

There is also a host of special features included on the DVD, most of which were actually good and a welcome addition.

As a comedy, the film works well and has the ability to make you laugh. The love story (for those who like that sort of thing) between the two leads has been handled well and was touching at times.

Personally while I'm glad I watched it, I doubt that this is the kind of film I would be rushing to watch again. But considering it currently costs less than a fiver from most retailers - you can't go far wrong.

Brilliant film
This film is utterly brilliant. Class acting and a great story line. If you are hesitating on whether to buy this or not just remember that:
- There are fit actors
- They can actually act
- The story line's good
- It's hilarious
Trust me. This film wont let you down.