Reviews

This is a somewhat interesting idea - if it really went anywhere. I enjoyed the first act as the young man becomes obsessed and I hoped the film would go further and to more mature places. The film just feels like a very long excuse to watch the gorgeous young man who plays the lead with no clothes on - and he's nude constantly for those who are interested in that.There's nothing wrong with making a hot film but honestly, this goes nowhere and manages only to raise a few interesting questions and then do zero with them.

I can't help but feel it's a protracted excuse to see this 18 year old beauty in his all his narcissistic glory. The filmmakers seem confused in their own descriptions of the action on the commentary track and seem to think that "Shocking Images" equals a strong film. Nah, not by a long shot. It's hardly the hard-hitting exploration of intense obsession it tries to be and succeeds only in being a pictorial of a this guy.

One need only to see the "special features menu" where it lists "eye candy" and each scene of the young man in his glory is featured for added pleasure. Come on now gentlemen... who are the filmmakers and anyone who seriously watched this film kidding? I'm all for a serious, dark explorations of taboo but this is not it.

Generally pointless, often asinine, sporadic rip-off of 80's conservative/yuppie wet dream flick, Risky Business finds the enterprising teens moving from using women as prostitutes to get into college to using women in porno videos to get into college. Ahh, to be young, affluent, white and American! The storyline is largely far-fetched as are the irritatingly clichéd characterizations which include the clueless and zany parents, clueless and irritating teachers, horny and supposedly funny friends and a squeaky clean "looking for love only" leading man.

Barely saving the film from its smirking self awareness (it seems to think it has a clever script) and gross commodity fetish politics are the curiously charming and sexy performances of the two leads, handsome Emile Hirsh and gorgeous Elisha Cuthbert. Both of them really should be lending their talents elsewhere as should the always dependable heel Timothy Olyphant (standing in for Guido the Killer pimp from Risky Business). They keep you interested in the nonsense unfolding which is more than this cheap, self important and finally vulgar teen comedy deserves.

A word to those who think that excessive use of 1980's music (which truly most of these characters wouldn't know) and using key plot devices from Risky Business are somehow HOMAGE to 80's teen films... it's not homage.. it's called RIP OFF or as they say in L.A. a "re-imaginging of a hit".

In spite of the leads charms, neither her curves or his handsome backside can save this tiresome rubbish.