Just One Of The Guys

After the success of Tootsie, it didn't take Hollywood long to try and repeat that formula. Most of the attempts, like He's My Girl, were pretty forgettable. One movie, however, got it right, 1985's Just One Of The Guys.

This time around, it's a teenage girl named Terri, Joyce Hyser, who pretends to be a male. When she is snubbed for a summer internship at a local newspaper, Terri thinks it's because she is a woman. To prove her theory true, she dresses like a boy and chops off her locks and enrolls at a rival high school to submit her writing. She get's a wake up call however when they tell her that her writing is somewhat dry. This in turn, inspires her to write a new article about her life as a teenage boy. She soon finds out that it's not smooth sailing pretending to be the opposite sex. Especially when dealing with bullies, gym class, and a crush on a new friend, Clayton Rohner.

This is a funny and sweet film. The screenplay, by Dennis Feldman and Jeff Franklin, could have easily been just another teen sex comedy. But it has a lot of heart. I think it also helps that this was directed by a woman, Lisa Gottlieb, who probably has a deeper appreciation for the material since she works in a male dominated business.

It also helps that the movie has a really likable cast. Hyser is terrific as Terri. She finds the right balance of humor and sympathy. She makes it easy to root for her. Rohner is great as well at playing the likable outcast. He brings a geeky cool to the proceedings. And I have to mention Billy Jacoby, who is a hoot as Terri's sex obsessed brother. This could have easily come off as an obnoxious character, but Jacoby plays it just right and earns some of the biggest laughs.

Just One Of The Guys is a fun, and sweet, gender bender.

It's available on dvd.