Watch The Girl Next Door
- R
- 2004
- 1 hr 48 min
-
6.7 (239,517)
The Girl Next Door is a 2004 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Luke Greenfield and starring Emile Hirsch, Nicholas Downs, and Elisha Cuthbert. It is based on the true story of a former porn star, who was the girl next door, and the events that unfolded when a high school student falls in love with her. The film follows the life of Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch), a teenage boy with a bright future ahead of him. He is on the brink of graduating from high school and is preparing to attend Georgetown University on a full scholarship. Matthew is a straight-laced student who has never let loose and lived a little. However, he wants to experience something exciting before heading off to college.
His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets his new neighbor, Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert). Matthew is immediately smitten with the beautiful and mysterious girl who has just moved in next door. Despite his shyness, he manages to strike up a conversation with Danielle, who in turn, seems just as interested in him.
Matthew is quickly drawn into Danielle's world, where he discovers that she is a former porn star who has run away from her abusive ex-boyfriend, Kelly (Timothy Olyphant). For Danielle, Matthew is a breath of fresh air, and the two begin to fall in love.
As their relationship develops, Matthew discovers the truth about Danielle's past, and his world is turned upside down. He is forced to confront his fears, challenge his own values, and ultimately make a life-altering decision.
The film portrays a story of love, struggle, and self-discovery in a refreshing and candid way. The character development of both Matthew and Danielle is done particularly well, and the chemistry between the two actors is palpable. The relationship between the two main characters is genuine, and the audience can't help but root for their love story to succeed.
In addition to the relationship between the two main characters, the film also explores themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the impact of the media on young people. The supporting characters, including Matthew's best friend, Eli (Chris Marquette), and Kelly, Danielle's abusive ex-boyfriend, add depth to the story and provide different perspectives to the issues at hand.
The film also boasts a strong soundtrack, featuring artists such as The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, and Nada Surf. The music perfectly complements the tone of the film, adding to the overall cinematic experience.
Overall, The Girl Next Door is a well-balanced film, managing to blend comedy and drama in just the right amounts. The story is engaging, the acting is superb, and the themes are thought-provoking. It is a film that is enjoyable to watch, while also making the audience reflect on the complexities of growing up and falling in love.
In conclusion, The Girl Next Door is an entertaining and heartwarming film that manages to be both lighthearted and poignant. It is a coming-of-age story that will resonate with audiences of all ages and is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a great romantic comedy.
The Girl Next Door is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 47.