Going Steady

I might as well admit this early on: I am NOT a fan of sex comedies. I didn't like American Pie, and have never had any interest in Porky's. If that doesn't convince you, then consider that those are the only two sex comedies I can name off the top of my head aside from Going Steady (originally “Yotzim Kavua” and sometimes mentioned as part of the “Lemon Popsicle” series – part 2 I believe).

What makes Going Steady different from the others I mentioned is that it takes place and was filmed in Israel rather than America. Though it was filmed in the 70's it appears to take place in the 50's and features a lot of the rock'n'roll music from the time.

The story revolves around 3 friends: Benjy, Bobby, and chubby Huey. They are sex crazed teens who will do virtually anything to get into the pants of any girl they deem hot despite having girlfriends. Benjy meets and falls for Tammy, so he sets out to win her over (apparently eating vegetables it all it takes). At first she's just another potential sexual conquest, but as he falls in love the drama of romantic entanglements begin. It's a back and forth of misunderstandings and awkward situations that drive them apart and bring them back together.

I guess the biggest problem with the movie is that it's just not funny. I suppose it comes close a few times, but I found most of the comedic bits to be more on the side of lame than entertaining. Without that all that's left is the dramatic impact of the relationship problems which is dull rather than engaging.

I suppose the acting isn't the worst I've ever seen though some of it is comically bad. The twins are awful. Maybe it's partially due to the English overdubbing? What's weird though, is that sometimes the words appear to match the mouth movements normally while other times not so much. I noticed a couple of times when someone appeared to be speaking but nothing came out of my speakers.

MORALITY:

There is a lot of sexual content from perverted dialogue to scenes of people getting busy. It is a sex comedy after all. There are several nude scenes. The female nudity is typically sexual while the male nudity is generally played more for the comedy. The main characters are shown to be thieves, bullies, and perfectly happy to take advantage of a girl (including tricking a girl into having sex with multiple people without realizing it).

There is plenty of strong language.

The violence amounts to a couple of guys throwing punches.

SPIRITUALITY:

While the irresponsible sex causes issues in the lives of these kids I still feel like the attitude towards it is flippant. Tricking a girl into having sex with multiple partners is an amusing antic rather than a disgusting manipulation.

Aside from my dislike of the attitudes over these kinds of matters there's not actually anything spiritual to discuss.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I'm not going to recommend this one. I don't like the genre, but even if I did there is nothing interesting about this particular one. Stay away!

#GoingSteady #LemonPopsicle