TROJAN WAR (1997)

Directed By: George Huang Written By: Andy Burg & Scott Myers Cinematography By: Dean Semler Editor: Ed Marx CAST: Will Friedle, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Marley Shelton, Danny Masterson, Jason Marsden, Eric Balfour, Anthony Michael Hall, Lee Majors, Wendie Malick, Kathy Griffin, Danny Trejo, Allen Graf, Jennie Kwan, Charlotte Ayanna , David Patrick Kelly, Lobo Sebastian, Chauncey Leopardi Brad thinks he has found the girl of his dreams with Brooke. On the night when he thinks all his dreams will come true he runs into a problem...No condom. On his search to find a trojan he realizes that maybe it isn't worth the trouble. Brad is robbed, beaten up, arrested and everything else imaginable trying to get just one condom. His best friend Leah is disgusted at his behavior because she wants Brad all to herself and can't see why Brad would want someone like Brooke. Will Brad find what he wants or will Leah get what she has always wanted - Brad? Will Friedle has a lot of Charisma and energy in the lead role, But not much depth of character. Not that the script really helps him out. This teenage set AFTER HOURS has a good premise, but lots of loose ends and weak situations The hero finds himself in are odd for being weird’s sake. Like the Screenwriter is sitting there saying wouldn’t it be kooky if? Where as this film might have worked as a sitcom episode or short film. It doesn’t quite work as a film. Even one that was released straight to home video. It just seems to run out of steam at various points. One of the only notable things in the movie is Anthony Michael Hall’s demented cameo that is both funny and terrifying. He is one of many celebrity cameos in this film. That don’t entirely make sense. In fact Hall’s is the only cameo that makes sense since this is a teen movie and he isa veteran of them. Seeing the odd cameos through out the film reminds one of a love boat episode wondering who will show up next. The film does remind the audience of the John Hughes type of teen films, Not in filmmaking quality or depth more in material and presentation. The film is a little bit racy. Though it does have a certain innocence and isn’t as raunchy as the material could have gone. How the mighty have fallen. This film was directed by George Huang. Who previously made the excellent film SWIMMING WITH SHARKS Which was his directorial debut. Loosely based on his time working as an assistant to a so far unnamed producer. That film was a biting satire with pitch perfect performances and dialogue. This seems to be his sophomore slump resembles it not in the least. Then again he didn’t write this film. In fact if I didn’t see the credits I never would have thought he made the film. It’s not totally his fault that the film is almost a failure. This seems more of a for hire job. It was when teen films were making a comeback and it starred two hot teen stars of television at the time. I hope he comes back with something more personal or at least something more planned. As this seems like it was filmed fast and with no regard for quality. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays his angry best friend who is obviously in love with him and she plays the part like a Alanis Morissette album come to life or a impression of the singer during her jagged little pill period. There is not much going for this film or really that much to remember after it is done. This is could have been film. That maybe someday, Someone will take the premise and do something wildly better and different with it. Structure it more. Make it more entertaining. as it stands watch on cable only if there is nothing better on. Watching this film which feels like a prequel to the other star studded teen film CAN'T HARDLY WAIT. Though when watching that film it reminds you of good filmmaking and howmuch better that film is then this. GRADE: C-