Watch The Joy of Sex

The Joy of Sex is a racy 1984 film from director Martha Coolidge with writers J.J. Salter and Kathleen Rowell. The movie itself is loosely based on the manual of modern human sexuality from Alex Comfort. The Joy of Sex is humorous, yet aimed to reach the teenage mindset and younger film audiences. The Joy of Sex follows the life of high school senior Leslie Hindenberg, played by Michelle Meyrink. Leslie goes to see her doctor for a simple mole examination, but soon becomes convinced that she is going to die in six weeks time. When confronted with her own mortality, Leslie embarks on the goal of losing her virginity before dying. This is not as easy as it sounds, as her father is the physical education coach at her high school that year. The role of Coach Hindenberg is one of the bright shining spots in The Joy of Sex, since it is a part assumed by actor Christopher Lloyd.

Leslie is not alone in her quest to give away her virginity. Another student named Alan Holt is equally desperate to prove his manhood to his friends, by losing his status as a virgin also. Alan has numerous things to overcome in his quest for sexual maturity, but actor Cameron Dye does everything in his power in the role of this young male character.

The Joy of Sex has great moments. The film stays true to the typical teenage comedy film format, as it is so well known in the comedy movie genre today. The film jumps from hyperactive teen humor to something more unexpected, but actually tries to stick to a love story plot.

The Joy of Sex sits someplace between a teenage coming of age film and the more mature adult themed flick. It also is a movie full of puns, one line jokes, and is edgy with an adolescent flair for the dramatic. The Joy of Sex attempts to teach adults a few things about being young, that the parents may have forgotten since high school.