Thought I had seen all the teen movies that I needed to. Particularly those ranging from the boom period from around 1999 to 2003. I was wrong. Extremely. While watching Match Of The Day, I went over to Radio Times web site to see what was on later. To my surprise there was a late movie on BBC2 starting at 11pm. Boys and Girls starts Freddie Prince Junior and one of those actress you only recognise and never by name (Claire Forlani). Before this blog turns into a FPJ appreciation page, let me explain a few things. The appeal of teen movies, aside of the outrageous comedy is to see first hand some aspects of American college/high school life, something I envy. From the opening scene, you could tell that this movie was more intelligent than say, American Pie and the entertainment was centred around minor cast characters. A fantastic job by Jason Briggs whom just walked across from his last job on a semi-successful movie franchise. Amanda Detmer, whom I recall from her previous film, Final Destination. They provide the laughs while we see Jennifer and Ryan play a painful (to watch) game of catch and mouse. They say this is a teen remake of When Harry Met Sally but as I have not seen that particular movie I am not really in a position to comment. You will get the idea of the movie and though it was different from all the other teen movies I have seen before, it was different enough to keep me watching. (Does that makes sense?) Plus there was a kicking soundtrack, which I will touch on later. Freddie Prince Jnr. appears to be the nerdy outsider while Claire Forlani is the popular college ‘it girl’. Personally there are 100 other leading ladies I would have cast in this role, but it is not all about looks. Forlani gives the character the depth it requires but is hardly the best on screen presence. The whole will they or won’t they premise keeps you guessing for the whole course of the movie, until the last scene, which takes the movie full circle and returns us to the opening. Okay it is a generally predictable and the comedy is limited due to the circumstances, but is still a watchable and entertaining movie. It would never make on my list of must watch Saturday night movies, but for something simple and not to taxing on those brain cells on a Sunday evening, this is perfect.

With almost all teen movies there is always a soundtrack, a great soundtrack which contains original songs from a range of artist. Just look back to July last year, when I found over 30 odd tracks from one movie. On this point, Boys and Girls does not disappoint. Of the many songs on the album, the ones of particular note for me where, Get You Off My Mind by Chloe and the romantic ballad If I Don’t Tell You by Brett Lawrence although only the Ronan Keating version is available. A nice mixture of pop and indie as you would expect but an emphasis on some of the more light hearted romantic songs.

Continuing the music theme, as you will already know I am a singles person. I rarely buy albums if they are not Greatest Hits or Best Of packages. However in recent weeks I have obtained five albums and not listened to them in their entirety at all. If I am truly honest I have not listened to any of the tracks on the majority. They are, in order of purchase, In My Own Words by Ne-Yo; Director by Avant; The Way It Is by Keysha Cole; Everytime We Touch by Cascada and finally Todd Smith by LL Cool J. Originally I would get these albums based on the strength of one (occasionally two) single. However I never get the chance to listen to them and appreciate the artist and the music. Instead preferring to mix and match my favourite songs. Cascada as a dance trio fill the album with covers and their now signature base line but still put together a ballad for Truly, Madly, Deeply and candlelight remix of their most successfully track and title of the album. I think I need to make time to listen to these albums. Perhaps I will get the chance on some long distance drives in the coming months.