Summer of 69

A geeky, inexperienced, and not-so-confident girl hires a stripper to coach her on how to land a guy by performing "69".

The sort of film that rarely works on paper, but delivers in execution thanks to its sincere tone and the charm of its leading actresses! With a great budding friendship between a shy (but quite determined) teen and her bold, quick-witted and sassy mentor. Their dynamic is sweet, funny, and easily the highlight of the movie.

That said.. the film doesn't leave much of a lasting impression. No standout moments that demand a rewatch, subplots that come off as checklist items to fill in space (imagination "problems", the mascot character, highschool reunion, etc) rather than meaningful additions, a third act that stumbles and drags its feet.. With one side of its conclusion that doesn't satisfy, and instead feels rushed and undercooked.

Still, despite its flaws, the movie remains enjoyable and lightheartedly-endearing in a way that makes it easy to forgive some of its crappier moments! And the leads are very good on their roles.

Despite the film's initial emphasis on its raunchy aspects in both the trailer and marketing materials. It pleasantly surprises with its unexpected depth and heartfelt storytelling.

Yes, it's based on a stripper (Chloe Fineman), who surprisingly keeps her clothes on for the entire film. She's a character who has chosen this profession not out of necessity, but as a means of empowerment and self-expression. She is co-starred by a naive, almost Bambi-like character (Sam Morelos) who so desperately wants to 69 her high school crush but never manages more than a kiss. Abby, the high school girl, comes from a repressive family, which has distorted her views on sexuality and relationships.

Similar to Fast Times, this film delves into the complexities of sex and relationships from a teenage girl's perspective. However, it distinguishes itself by offering a more honest and enlightening exploration of sex, dating, boundaries, and consent.

Whilst the film's plot is driven by Abby's (Sam Morelos) desire to 69 her crush, its heart lies in the chemistry built between Abby and Santa Monica (Chloe Fineman). The two woman's unassuming meeting sets in motion a series of events that will alter their lives.

For Abby, who has come from a repressive family, she now has the opportunity to speak to an older woman to help her understand her sexuality and what it means to be a woman. Most importantly and ironically, it is a stripper, Santa Monica, that teaches her sex is not just for a man's pleasure and is not something that needs to be rushed into, and that who you are vulnerable with matters.

For Santa Monica, her desire to "be something" forces her to be vulnerable with another person, seemingly for the first time in her life. This vulnerability prompts deep reflection on accepting who she is and not being ashamed of the choices she has made in her life.

While not perfect and with an obligatory cheesy ending, this film offers a great insight into the pressures faced by oversexualised youth. It does not condone or glorify this trend, but rather presents a nuanced exploration of the factors that contribute to it and its impact on young people. However, at its core, it conveys a powerful message that emphasises love and consent, advocating for a healthier and more respectful approach to sexuality.

Chloe Fineman delivers a standout performance as Santa Monica, an exotic dancer who helps high school senior Abby Flores, played by Sam Morelos, navigate her romantic endeavors. Fineman's portrayal is particularly notable for an impressive and athletic striptease scene set to Peaches' 2006 hit "Boys Wanna Be Her," showcasing her remarkable strength, flexibility, and control. Her performance has been highlighted as a pivotal moment in the film, leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and Abby's character.

Bonus for 'Grey's Anatomy' Fans:

Adding to the film's appeal, Jerrika Hinton, known for her role as Dr. Stephanie Edwards on "Grey's Anatomy," appears in "Summer of 69." Her presence adds a familiar face for fans of the long-running medical drama.

Overall Assessment:

While "Summer of 69" offers a fresh take on the teen sex comedy genre with strong performances, especially from Fineman, its reception suggests it's more of a solid entry than a perfect film. Given the mixed reviews, a 10 out of 10 rating might be generous. However, if you're a fan of quirky coming-of-age stories with a blend of humor and heart, it could be a worthwhile watch.

Actress Jillian Bell makes her directorial debut with the teen comedy about friendship and unbridled sex in a film whose strength lies in its openness and authenticity.

Starring Chloe Fineman and Sam Morelos, this comedy takes us on a journey about unbridled sexual freedom and two characters who become soulmates in a humorous yet innocent way. This comedy has its amusing moments and ultimately delivers a satisfying result that can be enjoyed without any major hang-ups. A risky coming-of-age film that manages to contain ironic moments and rather dark humor that make it an absolute pleasure to watch, it's a hilarious homage to classic teen cinema, presented through the female gaze in a rather interesting directorial debut that deserves to be watched.

It's a journey through a film that doesn't discover anything new; it simply strives to place the right pieces at the right moments, resulting in a rather entertaining film. It showcases the kind of sweet, incredible friendships that make teen comedies memorable. When the credits roll, we're left with the feeling that a completely natural friendship has been forged between the characters and the audience, a sign that the journey was quite enjoyable and that we had a good time.

It's not perfect, it won't be for everyone, and the film is aware of that, but if you give it a chance, it will reward you with funny moments and two characters whose crazy antics make you laugh a lot, especially Morelos, who stands out as a budding star worth keeping an eye on.

A wonderful campy homage to the reinvented underdog comedy.

The cast was great - comedy gold from different actors with different backgrounds and different perspectives. From online sensations to TV icons to SNL legends. With relative newcomers that did a great job. Excellent comedic timing and charisma.

You know that the director did a great job when it feels like the talent had great fun working on this movie while maintaining a high standard of technical execution.

It's the perfect movie when you want to spend an evening forgetting about the nonsense of this world, not overthink things and have a laugh.