Cougars Inc.

(2010) Cougars, Inc DRAMA

Co-produced, written and directed by K. Asher Levin, that has teenage misfit, Sam (Kyle Gallner) paying for his own tuition by setting up an on-line escort service for already married women or housewives, and at the same time he falls in love with a girl his age named Courtney (Sarah Hyland). Everything about this movie is strictly by the book, and that the embarrassing comedy routines had already been done before on previous films shown before, such as the "American Pie" movies and so forth. There's nothing new what I hadn't seen already. Some of the comedy scenes is cringe worthy.

'Cougars Inc.' is about a teenage boy who uses his friends as 'escorts' to older women, who then pay for their 'services.' On the whole, a neat idea which has potential. However, it's executed pretty strangely. First of all, if you see it billed as a 'comedy' then think again. I managed to sn*gger about three times in the ninety minute run-time. I would almost call it a romantic teen drama instead.

However, the main problem is the sheer believability of the situation. On the one hand, I'm sure there are more 'mature' women (or 'cougars' as they're called here) who may be bored with their marriages etc and, with their disposable income, are ready and willing to pay to date younger men. But, in the film, the problem lies with the fact that the 'mature' women are all incredibly attractive, almost to the point of having model looks. Are we seriously to believe that Denise Richards (yes, she may be in her early forties now, but, let's face it, she's still 'Hollywood' quality when it comes to looks) is having problems finding one-night-stands? And, if we're in some parallel universe where that is the case, she chooses to pay young nerdy teenagers for their company.

The central character's friends are portrayed as the 'geek squad.' They're not the fit, sporty, cool 'jocks' of their school, they're the ones who hide away in the computer rooms, playing Dungeons & Dragons. The whole film comes across as some teenage boy's fantasy about him and his mates being seduced by scores of beautiful women (and, they're ALWAYS beautiful - the boys never have to 'perform' for some tired-looking fifty-something with drooping body parts and stretch marks!).

Then, to add final insult, the film strays into the moral compasses of escorting and how it affects 'real' relationships and treats us to a particularly preachy final act. I wanted to like this. If they had kept it more like some sort of daft, zany 'American Pie-esque' type comedy, at least it would have had a few more chuckles. Sadly, it's a film that tries to take on too much and basically fails on all levels.

Like a few of the other reviewers, I thought this might have been one of those films I'd turn off in the first 5 minutes but to my surprise I really enjoyed it and if anything wanted the story to continue. It certainly stands out from the crowd and if you like strong characters then this won't disappoint.

Also interesting to see one the leads from Cold Case in another role, which Kathryn Morris excelled The film is engaging because of the way the main actor speaks to the screen and the 20 or so lead in questions posed. So if you think this is just another light weight, American comedy film, don't be fooled, it's much better than that.

So take a look at it and hope you enjoy it.

Predictable. Rough transitions were slightly less rough with inserted screens of "questions" that the next scene will answer. While it had it's funny moments, nothing was particularly memorable.

"Heroes aren't born, they're cornered". I didn't know Mickey Rooney said that, but according to Dean Fox (James Belushi) , he did. I couldn't agree more. It takes guts to try pull off an adventure of this nature, involving unsatisfied, lonely mature ladies, but it takes guts too to make a hero, inasmuch as the word can imply.

Lately we've seen a string of movies involving mature, horny ladies, most of them forgettable disasters. I was unsure about this one, but all things put together, it was an enjoyable movie. The theme, yes, might be risqué, but it was a well done and mature story. Several acting roles are highlights in this one. Kyle Gardner, as Sam, made some powerful scenes as the young escort service manager, too young to tackle a venture of this nature, but yet, mature enough to behave responsibly and respectfully. The scenes involving heart to heart conversations with his High School Dean were well done. James Belushi, of course, is a veteran of such, and I couldn't help smiling at his conversational quirks and facial expressions. So like Belushi.

That is another of the strengths of this movie. It never vilified or sullied women, whatever their sexual preferences, nor did it ever make them look vulgar or cheap. These women craved love, there were some nice, horny boys around willing to please, the ladies were willing to pay for a good time together, Sam needed the money to pay for his tuition, so you had a deal. There was no attempt to make things seem dirty, it was just a circumstance that happened. The nice thing about it, too, no one ended up as enemies. Everyone was mature enough to understand the situation and act accordingly, so despite the obvious scandal in the end, the story ended well for everybody. It was not a fairy tale ending either, in case you think this was another tear-jerker. Everything was plausible and very believable.

There was no stupid behavior, brainless monkeying around, boys acting stupidly like I've seen in other movies. That too was another plus in this one. The ladies were pretty and nice to them, the boys were also nice and gentlemanly with the ladies. I think the screenwriter of this plot likes women and respects them, and it shows in the story. That's so nice to see.

But like everything in life, there are consequences. The final 'showdown' talk between Sam and his friend Dean Fox was heartbreaking, but so very very true these days, where families are dysfunctional and...well. not quite families anymore. Powerful acting in this scene. Both actors show their talent.

Bottom line, then, not a ten-pin-bowling strike of a flick, but very enjoyable, intelligently done, and time well-spent. Highlights notwithstanding, when you think of it, this is a very difficult movie to film and pull off.

I think you will like the style of this one.