These Girls (2005)

These Girls (2005): Dir: John Hazlett / Cast: Caroline Dhavemas, Holly Lewis, Amanda Walsh, David Boreanaz, Paul Spence: Divert low budget comedy about the collaboration of three teenage girls who blackmail a married man who is having sex with one of them. His growing pot adds to trouble so they enter as separate babysitters to engage in sexual activity. Controversial subject matter is somewhat repetitious yet works largely due too the different backgrounds and personalities of the girls. Conclusion leaves questions regarding distribution of consequences. Well directed by John Hazlett although photography and locations are drab. Fine performances by college bound Caroline Dhavernas who devises the scheme. Her father wishes that she would consider college. Holly Lewis brings humour as her religious beliefs and sexual urges clash. Amanda Walsh is involved with a married man played by David Boreanaz whom initiates the problem and clearly meets consequences. Paul Spence plays a biker friend of his who agrees to help him scare off the girls only to end up arrested. However the film seems to be a one sided argument where these girls get away with blackmail. After all, who would want "these girls" to babysit their children when they have other motives? Strong theme of sexual curiosity and consequences for illegal sexual behavior, which is more serious than funny. Score: 6 / 10

I've got to tell you, I was extremely apprehensive to watch this movie because of its plot premise. It has the type of story line which would allow it to be played out in a very crude manor...but it wasn't.Great acting all around, I was very able to relate to the situations in this movie. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this film, and the fact that I actually felt sympathy for Keith was something I genuinely didn't expect, and felt that this was because of the portrayal of the actor. I actually felt his vulnerability, and most certainly didn't expect to, particularly given the subject matter. Although I have some difficulty believing that the three young females in question would have problems going along with the plan (one in particular), I found it an empowering example of the tables being turned, so to speak. Intead of the young females being dominated, the older man was subjugated.For those of you who are wary to watch this because of it's content, that is a perfectly rational notion, BUT, as the product of a very small town (population 1600, born and raised), I am here to inform you that sex with the older guy who never made it "out" but yet in a young female's eyes is worldly, is very true and a very real thing. I must admit though, that Keith treated these girls far better than any of the men of that type in my hometown treated us! To conquer this "enigma", catapulted you into the stratosphere of alpha female, at least for a short time anyway. At the ripe old age of 15, I was playing it hot and heavy (and more) with a 27-year-old myself! No married ones though, that's just a taboo I could not break.That's just the way it is in a small town. You have fun (lots of it), get married young, settle down and and become young parents. Then you stay married forever, divorce is not an option. That's the status quo, and the accepted norm, particularly in a dominantly Roman Catholic (95%) such as the one I grew up in. I was very wild in my teens ( just like my peer group), got married while in college at 21, became a mother at 22 and have been married for 15 years. Now, my daughter at 14, is beginning her rites of passage and I am so scared, LOL!

I had the honor this evening to see a screening of the movie "These Girls" at the Philadelphia Film Festival. Going into the movie, I knew very little about it and just took a chance on it because the film's plot sounded interesting. So as I entered the theater just hours ago I wondered what the final verdict would be thumbs up or thumbs down."These Girls" is the story about three best friends from a small town. Keira (Caroline Dhavernas) is the ringleader who basically doesn't know what to do with her life after High School but her father keeps pushing her to go to college which is something she doesn't want to do. Lisa (Holly Lewis) will be going away to a Christian school after the summer. And finally, Glory (Amanda Walsh) who plans on spending her summer babysitting. But this summer is going to be a special one as they all blackmail Keith Clark (David Boreanaz) the sexy older hunk who they baby-sit for. Fun times and a lot of laughs ensue… I normally don't like movies like "These Girls" but there is something about this movie that I really liked. I think the quality I liked most about it was that it seemed rather realistic. Three girls who want to explore their sexuality pick a hunky guy who lets all of them have sex with him only to be blackmailed by them later. It's a pretty funny tale about growing up, friendship and sex but even though it sounds pretty cheesy I can see majority of this film happening in real life.The subject matter here is probably a main reason why this film didn't get a mainstream release in the United States. All the girls in this film are suppose to be under 18 which if I remember correctly two of them are 17 and one is 16. Now in the USA even though underage sex occurs on a daily basis many production or finance companies won't finance a film like this because of the sexual content. This information was actually confirmed by the director himself John Hazlett at the Q&A after the film. The thing that gets me is that the sex scenes in this film aren't graphic and the nudity is minor. Not to mention that all the actresses in this film are way over 18 in real life. Go figure.What the movie does best is it provides a lot of laughs as well as very strong characters. I liked all the characters in this movie and each character seemed to have a "Now & Then" characteristic to them. The jokes were funny because they were cleverly written not because they were dirty or over the top. Everything seemed to flow together nicely both the comedy and the drama. The script was very strong.The acting was very good for the most part. I thought all the three girls were great. Caroline Dhavernas who also starred in one of the most underrated television series of all time "Wonderfalls" was just terrific; as well as Holly Lewis and Amanda Walsh who both did a fine job as well. David Boreanaz did a good job and he looked like he was having fun while shooting most of the scenes. The guy played a pot head so it was funny seeing him play that role.I had the pleasure of meeting John Hazlett tonight who seemed like a very nice guy and was very appreciative of the comments made about the film. I am shocked that this movie didn't go anywhere. I think with a little marketing behind it, it could have taken off. Sadly it's going to be one of these direct to DVD films which so few will ever have the pleasure to see. I think with what little budget Mr. Hazlett had to work with, the film turned out well and I think he did a fine job directing this little gem.For someone who typically hates teen sex comedies I can honestly say I really enjoyed this film. The character development and witty script allowed me to sit there for an hour and a half and be amused. This is a fine comedy because it has heart and spunk to it. I know I will be sure to buy this film when it comes on DVD on May 16, 2006. If you're a fan of coming of age stories, teen sex comedies, or romantic comedies be sure to check this film out because it's one of the funniest films of its kind to be released in years.MovieManMenzel's final rating for "These Girls" is an 8/10.

Tanya! What a kind and wonderful message you posted - thank you! I hope you enjoy the film - it certainly is a romp for me! Your portrayal of Caroline remains an inspiration - you gave her such a good "kick" in the Ottawa production - really focused her and brought into her own. I will always appreciate you for that.A note - her role and rationale has been modified for the film version - she's now "Keira" - but her wry humor that you really woke me to in your performance, and that I tried to capture in the subsequent draft for the Calgary production at One Yellow Rabbit, has absolutely made it all the way to big screen.Right On, Tanya! Hope all is well with you, Viv