: The attractive girl next door has long been a source of inspiration for men and filmmakers for ages. Countless films have chronicled the exploits of young men who become infatuated with a sexy girl in the neighborhood who helps them discover the ups and downs of romance and becoming a man.

While many of the films in this genre often have a ribald quality to them, there are the rare gems such as “American Pie” and “Risky Business” that are able to blend the adult content with a solid coming of age story.

The latest such film in the genre is “The Girl Next Door” a surprisingly entertaining and enjoyable film that stars Elisha Cuthbert as Danielle who moves into a nice suburban neighborhood and catches the attention of Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch), who is a pending graduate with a very bright future. Danielle and Matthew soon start to spend a lot of time with one another and the lively Danielle soon gets Matthew to start opening up and enjoying life.

In all stories of this sort there has to be an obstacle to be overcome and this film actually has a few. It is discovered by Matthew’s friends that Danielle used to start in X-rated films and this matter is further complicated by the appearance of her old manager Kelly (Timothy Olyphant), who wants to get Danielle back into the business.

Danielle is a good girl who is eager to put her past behind her and move on. She has finally found a guy who likes her for who she is; yet her past surfaces again threatening to destroy the new found happiness that she has always sought. Matthew on the other hand, finally finds a sexy and intelligent lady who makes him feel confident and allows him to dream of having both the great future and the girl of his dreams, yet both run the risk of losing everything they desire.

In many ways the film is an updated version of “Ricky Business” with the porn starlet substituting for the prostitute and Olyphant’s character filling in for Guido the killer pimp. There is also the similar storyline of the lead characters college future possibly being hampered by actions resulting from the relationship. While there is also a love scene that draws comparison to the classic train scene between Cruise and De Mornay but to call this a Risky Business clone would be doing this film a disservice.

The film more than stands on its own merits, thanks to the solid work of the cast. Cuthbert shows that with the right part she could easily be a starlet on the rise as she combines a sexy energy with youthful innocence to her character that underscores the kind hearted girl Danielle really is. Olyphant is good in a role that requires him to walk a thin line between being the heavy yet also showing humor and compassion.

While the film does drag in the middle the ending is satisfying and wraps up the tale nicely leaving you happy. Easily one of the nicest surprises of the year, check out “The Girl Next Door” as it will leave you smiling.

4 stars out of 5

gareth@nwlink.com

Rating Scale: 1 Star: Dismal Little to no Entertainment.

2 Stars: Fair Has issues, but does have its moments.

3 Stars: Good Entertaining with some nice moments.

4 Stars: Very Good Solid, well made, and entertaining.

5 Stars: Outstanding Very entertaining, well made, or a classic in the genre.

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