Cockblockers: A Hilarious Take on Parental Panic
The 2018 comedy film, Cockblockers, directed by Kay Cannon, is a refreshing take on the classic teen sex comedy genre. The movie follows three parents who discover their daughters’ plan to lose their virginity on prom night and embark on a wild adventure to stop them. The film stars Leslie Mann, John Cena, and Ike Barinholtz as the concerned parents, and Kathryn Newton, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Gideon Adlon as their daughters.
The Parents’ Perspective
One of the most interesting aspects of Cockblockers is the way it portrays the parents’ perspective on their daughters’ sexuality. The film tackles the topic of teenage sex in a way that is both humorous and thought-provoking. The parents’ reactions to their daughters’ plans range from panic to disbelief, and their attempts to stop them are both hilarious and heartwarming.
Leslie Mann’s character, Lisa, is the most vocal about her concerns and goes to great lengths to prevent her daughter from having sex. John Cena’s character, Mitchell, is initially hesitant to get involved but eventually joins in on the mission. Ike Barinholtz’s character, Hunter, is the most laid-back of the group and often provides comic relief.
The film also explores the double standards that exist when it comes to teenage sexuality. The parents are quick to judge their daughters for wanting to have sex, but they themselves have had sexual experiences in their youth. This hypocrisy is highlighted in a scene where Lisa confronts her husband about his past sexual encounters.
The Daughters’ Perspective
While the parents’ perspective is a major focus of the film, Cockblockers also gives us a glimpse into the minds of the teenage girls. The three friends have different motivations for wanting to have sex on prom night, and the film does a good job of exploring their individual stories.
Kathryn Newton’s character, Julie, is the most determined to lose her virginity and is the one who comes up with the plan. Geraldine Viswanathan’s character, Kayla, is more hesitant but eventually agrees to go along with it. Gideon Adlon’s character, Sam, is the most conflicted and is dealing with issues related to her sexuality.
The film also touches on the pressures that teenage girls face when it comes to sex. The girls are constantly bombarded with messages about what they should and shouldn’t do, and they struggle to navigate their own desires and expectations.
The Humor
Cockblockers is first and foremost a comedy, and it delivers on that front. The film is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and clever one-liners. The humor ranges from slapstick to witty, and the cast does an excellent job of delivering the jokes.
John Cena, in particular, shines in his role as the overprotective father. His deadpan delivery and physical comedy are a highlight of the film. Leslie Mann also delivers a strong performance, balancing humor with emotional depth.
The film also features some memorable supporting characters, including Gary Cole and Gina Gershon as a couple who are also trying to stop their daughter from having sex on prom night.
The Message
While Cockblockers is primarily a comedy, it also has a message about the importance of communication between parents and children. The film shows the consequences of not talking openly about sex and relationships and highlights the importance of trust and understanding.
The film also challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The parents’ reactions to their daughters’ plans are often based on outdated ideas about gender and sexuality, and the film shows the negative effects of these attitudes.
Conclusion
Cockblockers is a hilarious and heartwarming film that tackles the topic of teenage sexuality in a refreshing way. The film’s strong performances, clever humor, and thought-provoking message make it a must-see for anyone who has ever been a teenager or a parent.
