My Awkward Sexual Adventure

This movie is a wolf in sheep's clothing. It presents itself as the stereotypical commercial comedy. All the characters are easily understandable stereotypes. It's main storyline is basically a total cliché.

So why is it different? It breaks every one of the cliché's it uses. It tells us the story of what happens when our stereotypes become real, actually live their lives. And its easiness about sex is refreshing too, it's not a pornographic movie at all. Sex is just an aspect of it. And yet, even though of the controversial content, if you don't think about it: it's just another boring commercial romance comedy.

(So: controversial perfectly hidden in a cliché feelgood. Remarkable really.) (Did I mention it's excellently produced. Seriously. Excellent production value!) (I wonder if I'd still think this positively about it if I watched it a second time. I guess some parts were pretty weak. But I practically wonder if it's intentional. Nice!)

My Awkward Sexual Adventure is about relationship obsession and sexual abilities. People tend to obsess over their relationship and screw it up because of that. This movie is a good example of that.

The good. Jonas Chernick, the writer who also plays the main character, and Sean Garrity, the director, know a thing or two about strip clubs, strippers, and massage parlors, because they are well portrayed, if on the gritty side. The characters are solid and very interesting, if a bit simple. Lots of good laughs. Refreshing take on life. The end is well made and realistic. The end credit scene is absolute genius! I loved it, and I left the theater smiling at the montage.

The bad. The intro is very uncomfortable to watch because the guy is so totally incompetent, however, it gets better. The "month later" transition is awkward at best, but you get right over it. The start of the end credit comes abruptly right in the middle of the screen while there's voice over from the couple.

The ugly. There's still this idea that somebody has to get out of the sex trade to have a life.

The result. If you get over the uncomfortable part at the start, you'll have fun.

In the first scene of "My Awkward Sexual Adventure" the Jordan (Jonas Chernick) is making love to his girlfriend Rachel (Sarah Manninen) in such an impassioned and mechanical way that she falls asleep (who wouldn't). The obvious break-up follows; she needs more passion and different sexual experiences.

As sad as it seems; these five opening minutes of the movie are the smartest, funny moments I saw in a movie this side of the Atlantic. There are no stupid or dumb or scatological jokes involved; simple a few utterly realistic but absurd moments and dialogs.

Jordan is not a dumb or clumsy person (well it has a few moments). He is an accountant with all the insecurities, limitations, fears and lack of commitment of a person living by the numbers. He needs Rachel to be with him; sex is not that important.

He has to go, on his planned vacation to Toronto, alone (the scene at the airport is another masterpiece) to visit his pal Dandak (Vik Sahay always funny) who offers to be his sexual mentor against Jordan will.

After a few comical situations; Jordan ends in an strip club trying to get a sexy photo with a beautiful girl to make Rachel (who is having a very sexual and orgiastic vacation) jealous. By Karma, meets Julia (Emily Hampshire) a stripper, sweet but very disorganized; totally against checking even her bills; basically his opposite.

He soon realizes that without loosing up; his future with Rachel is dead; he ask Julia for a crash course on freedom, taboos and sex. What follows are the different chapters of Jordan education process.

It is pretty obvious how things will end; but every chapter that follows is staged with intelligence and good taste; but do not even think the movie is tame; it just has good taste. There is plenty of nudity male and female but never out of context. In fact, one of the funniest scenes in the movie it is likely to be too much for MPAA but it will be a real sin to cut.

Acting is superb; Jonas Chernick (also producer and writer) is a seriously funny person; he improves after his experiences but is still the same person a little more confident. Sarah Manninen handles the bitch girlfriend character with class. She just an insecure person that is never sure what she really wants. Emily Hampshire as the stripper, is able to be tender but strong; enough to fall in love with her.

I hope this movie gets distribution in USA and UNCUT. It is really a surprise that a not so original story could be handled with such an intelligent way.

This film is about a man exploring his wild side with a stripper, after his girlfriend dumped him for being to mild.

Despite its title, "My Awkward Sexual Adventure" is more a romantic comedy than a raunchy comedy. It shows how a socially inept man trying to learn his skills to charm the ladies, with hilarious effects along the way. The girlfriend and the stripper have their personalities portrayed well, making a decision between the two is not difficult! The plot is explicit, with lots of kinky elements to help Jordan explore the wild side. The explicit sexual references are handled quite well, as they are presented at the right time; and do not come across as too contrived, in your face or gross. "My Awkward Sexual Adventure" is fun to watch.

Two worlds bump into each other with resulting in a funny and understated comedy. A bit predictable perhaps but chances are you won't mind. You might just find yourself rooting for the characters here. As so many films nowadays contain anti-heroes and heroes that might as well be villains this film is like fresh air, despite the seediness of the setting. Book, cover, judgement: reserve.