Calendar Girl MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: -2 1/2

In a small town in Nevada in the 1950's, three young boys are inseparable friends. When their leader, Roy, shows them a semi-nude photo of Marilyn Monroe, all three develop an obsession for Marilyn. One of the boys even keeps a collection of her photos in a fake book cover marked "Holy Bible." When the three grow to be 18 years old, Roy (Jason Priestly) persuades the other two, Ned and Scott (Gabriel Olds and Jerry O'Connell) to go with him to Hollywood to meet Marilyn. All sorts of comical incidents unfold, starting with their first attempt to see Marilyn by knocking on her front door. As the boys continue their efforts to get a date with her, they are harassed by two loanshark thugs to whom Roy owes some money. Surprisingly, all their antics come to a rather gentle, satisfying ending. CALENDAR GIRL is an implausible, not too original, slapstick comedy aimed at teenagers. On the other hand, that's probably about all it's meant to be.

If this coming of age comedy had been produced in the 1950's, it would probably not include all of its sexually suggestive elements, nudity and offensive language. A number of crude remarks are made concerning intercourse, genitals, breasts and virgins, and it's quite clear that the boys want to have sex with Marilyn. Even so, there is no sexual activity shown, although sex is implied in one brief scene with a man and a woman in bed. In one gratuitous scene, the boys go looking for Marilyn at a "nude beach" where much rear nudity is shown, along with brief glimpses of side breast nudity. Also, many crudities and obscenities are included in the dialogue. On the positive side, the boys' loyal friendship is admirable, and they are all sensitive, caring and largely non-violent youths. The story ends on a particularly touching note when Roy succeeds in getting a date with Marilyn, but sacrificially lets Ned take his place. CALENDAR GIRL almost redeems itself, but is ultimately overwhelmed by its off-color sexual content, nudity and foul language.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232