Barely Legal

Barely Legal is a raunchy yet hilarious coming of age comedy film, that succinctly captures the essence of adolescent folly and frivolity. This movie, filled with quirky characters and ridiculous situations, provides audiences with a fun look at teenage hormones and the excitement of coming of age.

The plot revolves around three high school seniors- Deacon, Matt, and Fred, played by Erik von Detten, Tony Denman, and Daniel Farber respectively. Their life is a whirlwind of adolescent fun, nerdy obsessions, and naive ideas about sex and relationships, complemented by the quintessential high school experiences of crushes, dreams, and schemes. After being dumped by his girlfriend, Deacon dives into writing erotic literature for a school project, only to find a unique income stream when it inadvertently ends up on the internet.

This unexpected internet fame sparks the brilliant idea bluntly hinted at by the movie's title – ‘Barely Legal’. Seeing that high school has done little to prepare them for adult life, the boys decide to venture off the beaten path. They abandon their benign pursuits and start creating adult films, firmly believing that this endeavor could solve their financial troubles and maybe even make them popular among the girls at their school.

Director David Mickey Evans effectively manages to retain a lighthearted and amusing tone throughout the movie, despite tackling some adult themes. This ensures that the film remains a comedy at the core, often employing various comedic devices that welcome laughter rather than cringe. This is not a simple endeavor, but he pulls it off.

The lead characters are complemented by suitably upbeat performances from the supporting cast, which adds substance to the narrative. The brunt of the comedic delivery is expertly shouldered by the trio's dynamic, eccentric personalities, and their comic timing. Sarah-Jane Potts as Ashley, the beautiful foreign exchange student, delivers a performance marked by authenticity and charm that significantly adds to the narrative.

The movie also bears a significant imprint of the early 2000s with its production design, costumes, and soundtrack, exploiting the nostalgic essence of the era. While it might seem dated, the film's charm lies in its commitment to the period it represents, making it a fun revisit to times gone by. The music score, featuring numerous independent bands typical of the time, provides the perfect backdrop to this hormone-fueled escapade.

What makes ‘Barely Legal’ stand out in the sea of teen comedies is its ability to interweave mature themes with laugh-out-loud moments, producing a balanced narrative that doesn't get too heavy or remain too flippant. The movie portrays teenage life, with all its ups and downs, while blending it seamlessly with satire and humor. It shines a comical spotlight on adolescent innocence and naivety, as well as the sheer audacity of youth.

As a word of caution, though, ‘Barely Legal’ does not veer away from adult themes. There is no shortage of sexual innuendos, explicit references, and scenes that push the limits of propriety. Consequently, this movie may not be suitable for all audiences and is best watched keeping its genre and intended audience in mind.

In conclusion, ‘Barely Legal’ is an engaging and entertaining comedy that encapsulates the blunder-filled and confusion-laden juncture between adolescence and adulthood. The movie represents a quintessential slice of teen life that is at once naive and daring, foolish and enterprising, showcasing the adventurous spirit of youth in the face of adversity. If you are a fan of teen comedies and don't mind raunchy humor, ‘Barely Legal’ promises an entertaining watch, replete with the trials, tribulations, and hilarity of high school life.