American Pie 18
Directed by Paul Weitz Starring Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Mena Suvari, Alyson Hannigan
The recurring theme of teenaged Americans attempting to lose their virginity is handled with a certain freshness and even some unexpected tenderness in this raunchy and knowing comedy which manages to balance the crude, provocative humour of There's Something About Mary with the sweet nature of a superior John Hughes teen movie such as Sixteen Candles. There is a likeable, natural quality about the spirited young ensemble cast, and the scene which gives the movie its title has to be seen to be believed.
Drop Dead Gorgeous 15
Directed by Michael Patrick Jann Starring Denise Richards, Kirsten Dunst, Kirstie Alley, Ellen Barkin
A black-humoured mockumentary which deals with the run-up to a high school beauty pageant in a hick Minnesota town. Jann's cynical comedy centres on two contestants whose mothers were bitter rivals for the same prize when they were in their teens. The generally unbearable Alley is hilarious as the ostentatiously wealthy former winner grooming her spoiled daughter (Richards) for the contest, while Barkin matches her as the boozy trailer-park resident whose virtuous daughter (Dunst) is too good to be true. The humour gets progressively bitchier - and grosser - as the pageant nears.
Late August, Early September/ Fin Aout, Debut Septembreut, Debut Septembre 15
Directed by Olivier Assayas Starring Mathieu Amalric, Virginie Ledoyen, Jeanne Balibar, Francois Cluzetcois Cluzet
Assayas employs an elliptical style as the film follows an eventful year in the lives of four Parisians as they try to deal with the realities and responsibilities of adult life. In a long-standing tradition of French cinema, they talk all the time, reflecting on their fears, anxieties and hopes regarding friendship, love, sex, commitment, security, work, mortality and death. This compelling, acutely observed and deeply affecting film is imbued with tenderness and humanity. (In French with English subtitles).