WITH a title like “Young People
F – – – ing” – yes, those missing three letters are up there on the screen – you might expect another hard-core, full-frontal romp like “Nine Songs.”
In the interests of truth in reviewing, I have to report what you actually get is a mildly raunchy comedy that might be more accurately titled “Love: Canadian Style.”
It’s a series of relationship vignettes spiced up with a couple of bare female breasts, a couple of well-toned male and female buttocks, and some brief, tastefully simulated copulation – and lots and lots of talk of variable quality.
Director Martin Gero cuts back and fourth between four gym-toned 20- and 30-something heterosexual couples – and one awkward threesome – during six chapter headings: prelude, foreplay, sex, interlude, orgasm and afterglow.
The usual suspects include platonic friends (Aaron Abrams, who co-wrote with Gero, and Carly Pope) who decide to take things to the next level, a couple (Diora Baird and Callum Blue) who take the plunge on the first date, and exes (Sonja Bennett, Josh Cooke) trying to rekindle the flame.
Less yawn-worthy is the tale of a sexually frustrated woman (Kristin Booth) who tries to persuade her very reluctant boyfriend of a year (Josh Dean) to submit to the use of a sex toy on him.
Easily the funniest is a sketch about a couch potato (Peter Oldring) who persuades the buff roommate he disdains (Ennis Esmer) to fill in with his girlfriend (Natalie Lisinksa) while he watches – with a mildly homoerotic twist.
“YPF” caused a minor sensation at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, but I guess the chance to see Canucks even partially disrobed is a selling point up there.
YOUNG PEOPLE F – – – ING
There’s racier stuff on HBO.
Running time: 90 minutes. Not rated (simulated sex, partial nudity, profanity). At the Village East, Second Avenue and 12th Street.