My Tutor

My Tutor is a 1983 coming-of-age comedy film that brings together a charming combination of teen anxiety, lurking adulthood, and unexpected romance. Set in the sun-soaked backdrop of Southern California, the movie stars Matt Lattanzi, Caren Kaye, and Kevin McCarthy, who deliver memorable performances and captivate the audience with the edgy, heartwarming narrative that's representative of the early 80s cinema.

The plot of My Tutor centers around Bobby Chrystal (played by Matt Lattanzi), a recent high school graduate on the brink of adult life. Yet, despite his wealth and privilege, the gifted teenager is entangled in the challenge that many youths undergo – the struggle with identity and adulthood. With an important foreign service exam looming and the fear of not getting accepted into Yale (his father's alma mater), Bobby's life takes an unexpected turn.

Unexpected, because help comes in the form of an attractive woman, Terry Green (Caren Kaye), a free-spirited, empathetic, and educated individual who is hired as Bobby's tutor as he prepares for the upcoming exam. Terry, a UCLA grad, is exceptionally skilled at French, however, her influence on Bobby's life extends beyond the French language sessions.

What ensues is a unique bond between the two as Terry takes on the personal project of turning Bobby into a matured adult while tackling his academic shortcomings. Here, the paradox of age and maturity comes to light as youthful Bobby with his mature thoughts and Terry, an older woman with a free-spirited, youthful demeanor, form a connection that's both astonishing and subtle.

On the surface, My Tutor might appear as a casual teen flick, yet it carefully addresses the angst, desires, and confusions young adults experience - the quest for identity, the pressure of expectations, and the dynamic of relationships. The director, George Bowers, tactfully steers away from being overly dramatic, hokey, or sleazy. Instead, he focuses on unfolding a comedic narrative that's sensitive, respectful, and engaging.

Also remarkable is the role of Bobby's father, Mr. Chrystal (Kevin McCarthy), who represents a typical '80s high-societal figure, a man of charisma and clout, who wants his son to follow in his prestigious footsteps. Mr Chrystal's old-school beliefs and expectations serve as the backdrop against which Bobby's life and choices find meaning. His character adds an intriguing layer, showing the generational gap and the clash of ideologies between father and son, giving the movie depth.

The movie also makes brilliant use of supporting characters to add humor and light-heartedness. Bobby's best friend Jack, played by Crispin Glover, delivers an unforgettable performance as the stereotypical, fun-loving teenager adding layers of hilarity to the narrative. The inclusion of diverse characters such as terminally sulky Billy and Ana-Maria, the steamy foreign housemaid, also spice up the storyline, bringing in variety and unexpected quirks to the plot.

No discussion of My Tutor can be complete without mentioning its nostalgic 80s charm. The movie is replete with vintage cars, brilliant pop tunes, and throwback fashion which creates a beautiful timewarp for the audience. The production design, cinematography, and Bob Alcivar's catchy musical score all come together to present an aesthetic that’s clearly representative of the early '80s, and that's one of the reasons for the film's enduring appeal.

While the performances are artistically brilliant, perhaps the most poignant feature of My Tutor is its narrative which, through a captivating storyline, provides a compelling commentary on the challenges of adolescence, the issues associated with stereotyping, the burden of parental expectations and the complexity of romantic relationships.

Comedy, drama, and romance are all exquisitely woven into this film, making it a treat to watch. My Tutor is undoubtedly a compelling and captivating movie that provides you with a dose of nostalgia for the '80s, and an engaging story that will keep you hooked till the end. With its excellent performances that come with a heightened sense of realism, emotional nuance, and humor, it's no surprise that My Tutor has become an emblematic film of the era.