These movies have more in common than their demographics. Each of these movies falls into the trend of films devoted to the minds of teenagers. But where did it all start? When did movies start to focus on the sexual drives and awkwardness of teens? The answer can be found in Bob Clark's Porky's. Set in the early 1980's, this movie follows a group of teenagers through a slew of adventures and practical jokes. Naturally it's laced with sex and spotlights one kid's quest to lose his virginity. There is more nudity in this movie than those of today, and male nudity is included, while in today's films it is more often avoided. Although the time and the details are different, the basic story of coming of age was the same then as it is now. With very few socially redeeming qualities, Porky's paved the way for all of the teenage "trash- of today. .
The opening scene of Porky's starts out very much like that of American Pie. The lead character, a slightly geeky teenage male, is involved with penile activities. It introduces the audience to the theme of the movie as a commentary on life as an average teenager. However this movie is far from the truth. The goal of the movie Porky's, as well as that of all its successors, is to exploit certain characteristics in a teenagers mind. Instead of trying to enrich the movie going experience, these films create cheap laughs and keep your attention for 90 minutes. They use the age-old fact that sex sells to their full advantage. Sex becomes passé. These movies also make it seem that sex is the only thing that a teenager thinks about. Although sex is on the teenage mind, it is hardly life consuming. But these directors stuff as much innuendo and jokes to keep your attention long enough to fulfill the required length. Once you exit the doors, the experience is over. There are no thoughts or discussions about events that occurred. They were not trying to make you think.