Opposite Sex, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

National Lampoon meets the Dating Game in this comedic look at dating in America. David (Arye Gross) finds the girl of his dreams, Carrie (Courteney Cox), in a bar. They start dating, much to the chagrin of their respective best friends, Eli (Kevin Pollack) and Zoe (Julie Brown). Eli believes that Carrie will destroy David's independence and therefore his ability to "score" with other women. Zoe, on the other hand, is convinced that David is a chauvinist pig who only wants to use Carrie. The movie deals with all the stages of dating such as meeting the other's friends and parents, moving in together, the fight, and the marriage. THE OPPOSITE SEX tries hard to inject some original humor into this overworked theme. The result is largely vulgar and, at its best, hit and miss. In one clever scene Kevin Pollack impersonates Ted Koppel in order to discuss the couples' problems on Nightline. However, most jokes fall flat. Stay away from THE OPPOSITE SEX if you're looking for a clever comedy.

To make matters worse, the filmmakers must believe an enjoyable movie about dating requires a lot of sexual references and stereotyped behavior. A commentary on theories about sex, the film contains strategies on how to have intercourse and many other references to it. Any deeper relationship between David and Carrie is scarcely developed, especially from Eli's point of view. At the bachelor parties bare-breasted strippers entertain guests. When David and Carrie finally decide to get married, each wonders if it is the right thing to do. That's not surprising given the past behavior of both of them. Sexual intercourse is implied a few times between David and Carrie, but there is no nudity in these scenes. Alcohol forms a big part of the friendship between David and Eli, who frequently discuss getting drunk. Offensive language includes the f- and s-words 9 times each, along with some regular profanity. For its assumptions that premarital sex is an integral ingredient for dating and commitment, as well as its offensive language, THE OPPOSITE SEX earns a negative rating.

Preview Reviewer: Greg Wilson
Distributor: Miramax Films, 18 E. 48th St., Ste. 1601, NY, NY 10017