"Hammerharte Jungs" is a weird teen comedy, even by German standard. "American Pie" it is not, but it might be an almost worthy German version. Almost.
The Good: Lacking an ensemble cast, instead we get childhood buddies Paula and Charly, two high schoolers with talking genitals. Yes, it's weird. Lacking in sexual experience, they are egged on by their eager talking organs to lose their virginity. Somewhat comedic moments ensue.
The Bad: And that's the main problem with this movie. Moments and situations that should have been played for comedy somehow got too serious and suddenly very unfunny. The end result is something much less than "American Pie," and instead just another teen drama.
And then there's a strange side story about Charly's parents.
Probably this movie was misclassified as a comedy. As a drama, however, it is not bad. Real-life situations and problems of high school life are worthy subjects and had the "comedic" talking genitals been cut out, "Hard Feelings" would have earned more stars.
8 stars for tackling real issues minus 2 stars for misplaced comedy.
The Good: Lacking an ensemble cast, instead we get childhood buddies Paula and Charly, two high schoolers with talking genitals. Yes, it's weird. Lacking in sexual experience, they are egged on by their eager talking organs to lose their virginity. Somewhat comedic moments ensue.
The Bad: And that's the main problem with this movie. Moments and situations that should have been played for comedy somehow got too serious and suddenly very unfunny. The end result is something much less than "American Pie," and instead just another teen drama.
And then there's a strange side story about Charly's parents.
Probably this movie was misclassified as a comedy. As a drama, however, it is not bad. Real-life situations and problems of high school life are worthy subjects and had the "comedic" talking genitals been cut out, "Hard Feelings" would have earned more stars.
8 stars for tackling real issues minus 2 stars for misplaced comedy.
