Boys and Girls MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -2

Thrown together on an airplane as pre-teens, Ryan (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and Jennifer (Claire Forlani) are opposites that definitely do not attract. And as they meet briefly in high school, sparks fly again. But as they attend the same college, a strange friendship begins to form between the uptight, plan everything Ryan and the free-spirited spontaneous Jennifer. Adding to the humor, Ryans roommate, Steve Hunter (Jason Biggs) will say, do or become whatever it takes to get a date and still manages to strike out. Jennifers roommate Amy (Amanda Detmer), spends a lot of time with her therapist and agonizing over her love life. While dating Ryan, Amy even has Jennifer stand in for a surrogate break-up with him. But when Ryan and Jennifer get serious about each other, attraction may be the last thing they need. Aimed at older teens and college-aged young adults, the dating crowd will initially check out this romantic comedy, but may find it too predictable in the long run.

While there may be a few good messages, the majority of material deals with sexual content particular inappropriate for young teens attracted by the PG-13 label. At their first meeting, thirteen-year-old Jennifer talks about her menstrual cycle and sex. By college, she lives with a musician and her conversation still frequently refers to sexual subjects. Ryan seems appalled at Jennifers promiscuity and believes sex is a serious step into a committed relationship. But Jennifer sees it as a step towards breaking up, since her sexual relationships usually fail. Along with frank sexual comments, a sexual act occurs between Jennifer and Ryan which redefines their relationship. Although the act is implied, sensual kissing leads to partial disrobing. A scene shown during the credits features lingerie models, including one in thong underwear. The dialogue also includes a few obscenities, numerous crude terms and irreverent uses of Gods name. While the film explores the contradictions in relationships, BOYS AND GIRLS sends the wrong signals about pre-marital sex, love and friendship.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Dimension Films/Miramax (Disney) 375 Greenwich, NY, NY 10013