So, What Exactly ISN'T *Not Another Teenage Movie* Based On?
We all know *Not Another Teenage Movie* makes fun of teen movie tropes. But sometimes, I wonder... what movies *didn't* they poke fun at? Buckle up, this might get controversial.
Maybe *The Breakfast Club* Wasn't Really on the Menu?
Hear me out. Sure, there's a 'criminal' character. And a 'weirdo' character. But the movie doesn't really hit on the core themes of John Hughes' classic.
No deep, tearful confessions about parental pressure. No shared understanding through detention. Just mostly... boobs and fart jokes? Seems a little different.
I'm not saying it's a *bad* thing. It's just... different. Maybe my expectations were too high.
*Pretty in Pink* Gets a Pass (Mostly)
Again, the social outcast is present. Andie Walsh, anyone? However, *Not Another Teenage Movie* doesn't exactly nail the angst. Nor the socioeconomic divide.
There's no heartbreaking prom dress alteration scene. No Duckie stands up to Blane, showing a deeper, more sensitive side.
I think Molly Ringwald would approve of me thinking this. Or maybe not, I don't know her.
Hold on, Did *Sixteen Candles* Even Register?
Okay, this one's tough. There's definitely some awkward virginity humor. But where's the blatant racism of Long Duk Dong? Thankfully, absent.
I'm glad they didn't try to recreate that. Some things are better left in the past.
So, while there's teenage embarrassment, the blatant insensitivity is gone. This might be a point in its favor.
Could It Be Missing the *Clueless* Vibe?
Admittedly, there's a makeover scene. But it lacks the genuine sweetness of *Clueless*. Remember Tai's transformation? It was... kind of heartwarming, right?
Whereas in *Not Another Teenage Movie*, it's more about... making someone conventionally hot. Less about inner beauty, more about outer "wow".
Still, Brittany Murphy was great. We miss her!
The *American Pie* Question: Is It Too Obvious?
Okay, this might be my most controversial take. While *Not Another Teenage Movie* has raunchy humor, it doesn't quite capture *American Pie's* specific brand of cringe.
Jim's apple pie incident? Iconic. The band camp story? Unforgettable. *Not Another Teenage Movie* opts for broader, less specific jokes.
Is that a good thing? Debatable. But it makes me think it wasn't a primary target.
So, What *Is* It Based On Then?
Maybe it's less about specific movies and more about the *idea* of teen movies. The cliches. The stereotypes.
It's a parody of the genre itself. Not just specific titles.
Or maybe I'm just overthinking it. Either way, it's a fun flick! Don't @ me.
One thing is for sure: Not Another Teenage Movie delivered on the laughter. Even if it skipped some key inspirations. So maybe it really is just inspired by the zeitgeist of its time and it's tropes.
Now, time to rewatch it and overanalyze it even more. You should to.
