The Last American Virgin

Often overlooked overshadowed by well known classics of the era. It didn't help that the ads (which I can still remember oddly enough) made it look slapstick. Instead halfway through it veers in a far more serious direction. One of the main protagonists helps a girl he's in love with through a crisis (pregnancy). Whereas other teen movies of the era offered generally feel good but not terribly realistic endings, this one offers a punch to the gut. Maybe that's not what people were looking for. I won't say much more than that but to most guys the ending is eminently relatable. Considering the prevailing atmosphere in Hollywood I'm amazed the people who made the movie went with such a gritty ending. For that reason alone, I give it a 7.

I love this movie. It's just like my young teenage years in 90 min. Much more realistic with those times. Unbelievable soundtrack. This movie gets edgy. Teen pregnancy. Drugs. Prostitutes. A sweet story buried underneath. Also, the biggest downer of an ending ever. It's a movie to be seen on a loop just for the soundtrack alone.

When I was in 10th grade me and my buddy were up late at his house and were flipping around cable and started watching this movie. We watched it because it looked kind of funny and because it had boobs. But then the ending came and we just sat there completely speechless. I think after a minute of watching the credits roll he just sort of whimpered "Oh dude....." It goes from dumb 80's teen sex comedy to nihilistic realism so quickly that it catches you off guard. I have been trying to rent this movie for years and have not been able to find it - and nobody has ever seen it except for me and my friend - so it seems. But now it is available! I highly suggest renting it and brace yourself.

For the most part, "The Last American Virgin" is your run-of-the-mill teen sex comedy (a genre for which I've apparently lost taste over the years), albeit with a pretty remarkable soundtrack. There were a couple of comedic bits that were amusing, certainly enough to keep me hooked in.

But at a certain point (somewhat late in the game) the movie takes a real turn, and one of these three horndogs becomes the film's romantic, doomed to a sex life full of frustration and misery. Eventually, the songs become emotional music cues as the movie adopts a mature tone (possibly sexist, but deeply cynical). And that ending (I won't give it away, but I could sense it coming with dread) is what makes this film resonate. And it's a jaw-dropper.

7/10

Nobody who has seen "The Last American Virgin" has ever forgotten its ending. This is not just because of the emotional punch it provides, but also because it's surprising that a movie like this went for pathos, when they were usually content with lame jokes and the occasional bare breast.

"The Last American Virgin" does have those things, don't get me wrong. It is the usual escapades of teens trying to lose their virginity and being foiled in a variety of ways, such as the insane husband of a seductress coming home unexpectedly and the lads having to beat a fast retreat. I'm surprised they didn't go for the girl-turns-out-to-be-a-guy thing.

It's the typical teenage silliness, and then the ending hits. That, along with the performance of the main actor, who for once generates some kind of sympathy, and the presence of the beautiful Diane Franklin, all put "The Last American Virgin" a cut above the average '80s teen sex flick.