RETRO MOVIE REVIEW: THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN, 1982

THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN, 1982, written and directed by Boaz Davidson. Starring Lawrence Monoson (FRIDAY THE 13^TH: THE FINAL CHAPTER, 1984 and MASK, 1985) and Diane Franklin (BETTER OFF DEAD, 1985 and BILL & TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE, 1989).

THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN is what I like to call the anti FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, 1982. Just at the start of the 1980s, these two teenage romp films were released only a month apart and were quickly followed by a flood of films of the same genre. Oddly, or maybe not, the two films are similar in content and spirit, but vastly different in attitude and mood. Both films were not a success theatrically, but because of video and cable television, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH ultimately caught on with a massive cult following and launched the careers of many a performer, a writer, and a director. If that isn’t enough, it has a killer soundtrack, and has secured a spot in the library of congress.

I could go on and on about FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, but in my opinion THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN is not only a legitimate rival that fell by the wayside, but in some instances it creatively surpasses the light-hearted mood of FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. Although both are considered high school comedies, THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN takes a couple of story development turns that are quite unexpected and unique for its time.

Looking back to 1982, (remember, the so-called “teensploitation/sexploitation” formula for the 80s high school romp film was still in its infancy) THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN starts off about as typical as you can get. Three teenage pals ultimately have one goal and that’s to get laid. Do they achieve their goal? Yes, but the road to and the act of their achievements are comically uncomfortable to watch. At times, it’s barley comical at all, it’s more disturbing with only the three pals left to suffer because of their stupidity, which leads to more uncomfortable comedy. On top of all the teenage sexual angst, add a love triangle that involves a pregnancy and an abortion, which leads to an ending that will blindside any viewer. Cinematically the story is rather genius because it’s not typical or what audiences have become conditioned to expect for a teenage high school romp film.

THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN is a poignant 80s high school romp film that just didn’t catch on. When I mention it to those of my generation, (we who grew up in the 80s) sadly, most do not recall the film. With a decent script, brave performances (but not creating any real break out star), memorable moments, and an absolutely killer soundtrack, the film hasn’t reached any kind of significant cult status. I believe because it is not truly typical for its intended genre, which to me makes it a great film.