American Virgin

American Virgin is a 2009 comedy film directed by Clare Kilner. The film stars Jenna Dewan, Bo Burnham, Brianne Davis, and Rob Schneider, among others, and is written by Jeff Seeman. Serving as an exciting entry into the sex-comedy genre, the movie offers a blend of humor, romance, and drama.

American Virgin follows the life of Priscilla White, played by Jenna Dewan. Priscilla is a young, energetic college freshman, who is committed to celibacy and saving herself for marriage. Universally acknowledged for her purity pledge in college, she is a model student that many people look up to for upholding her conservative values.

A major challenge arises for Priscilla when she lands the opportunity to be part of a reality show sponsored by a large corporation. The show called "Virgin Territory" strives to unite a couple of virgins on national television. However, things spiral out of control when she gets intoxicated at a party and then wakes up the next day, losing her memory of the previous night. Fearing the worst - a violation of her pledge - she embarks on a frantic journey with Kevin, portrayed by Bo Burnham, a sweet and sarcastic production assistant on campus, to figure out what transpired.

This film explores the practicality of "purity pledges" in contemporary society and their relevance to the dynamics of a college student's life. It satirizes the concept of reality TV and anonymity, addressing complex issues within a breezy, comedic frame, all the while maintaining the exciting pace of the narrative. The mix of drama, humor, and exploration of issues makes American Virgin a film that can resonate with many.

Jenna Dewan provides an excellent performance as Priscilla. Demonstrating her versatility as an actress, Jenna superbly conveys the emotional arc of a girl grappling with judgments around her values, the complexities of college life, and her own beliefs. Complementing Dewan's acting is Bo Burnham's character, Kevin, providing the perfect balance of wit, charm, and insight that fuels the plot as it unravel. The blend of their excellent performances drives the movie's authenticity.

Brianne Davis's character, who is involved in Priscilla's life on campus, delivers a solid performance as she provides a contrasting perspective on Priscilla's chosen values and belief system. Rob Schneider, who plays the role of a film documentarian, adds another level of comedic flair to the film. The supporting cast works well in their respective roles, creating a vibrant college atmosphere that complements the narrative very well.

Director Clare Kilner deserves appreciation for bringing forth a wonderful take on a sensitive subject with American Virgin. She gently maneuvers the narrative through various themes, drawing amusement, empathy, and introspection from the audience at various times. The script by Jeff Seeman is filled with situational comedy and snappy lines that keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

The cinematography contributes significantly to the authenticity and charm of the film, creating a pleasant campus atmosphere. The film also boasts a catchy soundtrack that perfectly aligns with the story pacing and helps to synchronize the audience's mood with the narrative flow.

American Virgin isn't just about a single night's misadventure, but it addresses a broader issue of societal pressure, the quandary of one's beliefs and most importantly, one's control over her own reality, all while wrapping it up in the package of delightful humor. The film invites the audience to think about society's expectations and the superficiality of reality shows while thoroughly entertaining them.

All in all, American Virgin is a well-rounded, enjoyable film that humorously navigates the tricky subject of virtue and the pressure of belonging in a modern society. The film, with its enjoyable comedy scenes, memorable performances, and underlying life lessons, makes for an amusing watch. It's a film that many can relate to, especially those navigating the complexities of college life and personal values.