When it was originally released in 1983, the teen-oriented comedy "Risky Business" was considered pretty racy. Not that the film wouldn't still get an R rating by today's standards, but content-wise it certainly pales in comparison to its modern-day equivalent, "The Girl Next Door."

This raunchy but surprisingly warm and funny sex comedy's sensibilities are more in line with those of the "American Pie" movies. However, it relies more on what can be termed the "embarrassment humor" of "Risky Business" instead of gross-out gags. It just takes it to a different level.

As a result, the film may appeal to fans of those films or others who aren't immediately put off by its preoccupation with the porn industry.

By the way, "Risky Business" comparisons aren't meant to suggest this film's star — up-and-coming actor Emile Hirsch — is the next Tom Cruise; it's a bit early in his career to suggest that.

Hirsch stars in "The Girl Next Door" as Matthew Kidman, a California high school senior and honor-roll student who's hoping for big things in his post-high school career. Instead, he quickly finds himself enamored with Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert, from TV's "24"), the beautiful blonde who's just moved in next door.

Their relationship gets off on the wrong foot almost immediately, however, when she catches him spying on her. Fortunately for him, she lets bygones be bygones, and, soon enough, they're inseparable. That is, until he discovers that Danielle used to be Athena, an adult-film star. When he angrily confronts her about her questionable past, she tells him she's trying to get away from it and go straight. But given Matthew's obvious disgust with her past, when Danielle's former "producer" (Timothy Olyphant, in his usual sleazy persona) shows up, she decides to leave with him.

This is obviously familiar and predictable material. But the fresh-faced cast helps a lot, especially Hirsch — and Cuthbert, whose television work has never really allowed her to show this sexy edge. The supporting cast is terrific as well, especially Olyphant — and Chris Marquette, who steals the show as Matthew's porn-obsessed pal.

"The Girl Next Door" is rated R for crude sexual humor (sight gags about and references to sexual functions), occasional use of strong sexual profanity, simulated drug use (ecstasy and marijuana), violence (fisticuffs and some slapstick), simulated sex, some male and female nudity, and use of some racial epithets. Running time: 109 minutes.

---

E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com