It’s probably safe to say that the teen-sex comedy is dead. Was there really a need for an “American Pie” trilogy? Remember “The Real Cancun?” What about “Euro Trip?” These films simply lacked innovation and character depth while trying too hard to raise laughter. “Wild Roomies” is certainly no exception. This movie is an explosion of pretty much every teen and college sex comedy ever made. Not only does it use every component and formula of this genre, but also the characters mannerisms are blatantly reminiscent of those from “American Pie” or the “Porky’s” films.
After being cheated on by his girlfriend and fired from his job, Reno (A.J. Buckley) discovers his uncle is dead and left behind a mansion for him out in Hollywood. With his new girlfriend Holly (Holly Fields), he packs his bags and heads to sunny California. But problems arise for young Reno and Holly when they discover that his uncle spent his whole fortune on a stripper, leaving no money behind to pay for the rest of the mortgage of this colossal manor.
Since Holly wants to be a singer and Reno is attempting to sell a schematic for some revolutionary new punching bag (that was inspired by a corndog) to a sports company, no real means of income is attempted by either of them. The couple decides that roommates are needed to help share the financial burden. During a tiresome (for both the characters and the movie going public) interview process, they choose both a male and female roommate. This new lifestyle with roommates brings a burden, and a reality show atmosphere, for the couple where the sanctity of the relationship goes through the ultimate test when they both become jealous of how the other acts around these new houseguests.
The screenplay of this film (written by three individuals mind you) is full of dull and stagnant dialog, that no matter how the actors try and deliver it, the jokes misfire and conversations go nowhere. You can see A.J. Buckley actually trying his best with the role handed to him, whereas the other thespians do nothing with this tired storyline and would probably perform the same with any script handed to them.
Oliver Robins’ direction is also limp and undistinguished. For those of you not familiar with that name, it may be interesting for you to learn that Robins is a former child star. This guy was Carol Anne’s older brother in “Poltergeist.” The first film in that series had direction from both Tobe Hooper (original ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’) and Steven Spielberg, due to a troubled production and creative differences. Now, you’d think that Robins would have picked up a thing or two from those directors. Hooper was still in his prime then and Steven just finished up “E.T” and “Raiders.” Alas, the boy was obviously too young to remember the skill and technique of these fine directors and his craft in “Wild Roomies” just exemplifies this fact.
If someone does attempt this genre again (which they will), at least try and find something new. The “Jim” character was starting to get old even before it was Jim. The only thing that separated him from the pack was the fact that he enjoyed sexual intercourse with Mom’s homemade apple pie. Was that even that funny? Well, obviously to some people, since two sequels have spawned since.
