The Bottom Line
"The Girl Next Door" carries on in the tradition of sexy coming-of-age comedies such as "Risky Business" and the "American Pie" franchise. One of 2004's smartest young adult comedies, "The Girl Next Door" is packed with laughs and features a talented cast of rising young stars.
Pros
- Sexy comedy with a compelling young cast
- Elisha Cuthbert is terrific as the porn star who wants to get out of the business
- Loaded with bonus features
Cons
- None worth noting
Description
- 16 Deleted/Extended scenes (including an alternate ending)
- Short gag reel
- Scene specific commentary by Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert
- Feature commentary by director Luke Greenfield
- "The Eli Experience" Featurette - Follows Chris Marquette's character as a porn director
- "A Look Next Door" Featurette - Behind the scenes interviews with the cast and crew
- "Revealing the Girl Next Door" - Trivia track
- Still photo gallery
- DVD Release Date: August 24, 2004
Guide Review - "The Girl Next Door" DVD Review
When gorgeous, sexy Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert) moves in next door to hard-working, studious high school senior Matthew (Emile Hirsch), it's a combination of lust/love at first sight. But things take a weird twist when Matthew's good buddy Eli (Chris Marquette) figures out where he's seen Danielle before. Matthew had no clue his hot next door neighbor is actually a popular porn star, but after Eli shows him the proof, Matthew's orderly life takes a "Twilight Zone"-ish turn.
I was surprised this one wasn't more of a hit at the box office. The acting is great from Elisha Cuthbert as the beyond beautiful reluctant porn star, to a newcomer to comedies, Emile Hirsch, to supporting players Chris Marquette and Paul Dano. All are first-rate and really sell this high school/buddy/coming-of-age film.
As far as bonus features, "The Girl Next Door" has more than you'd expect and most are worth checking out. One of the more interesting added features is the trivia track which accompanies the feature film. Interesting facts pop up throughout the film - bet you didn't know watching "The Girl Next Door" was going to be an educational experience, did you?
