A fun little film in the mould of the great 1980's teen comedies which used to star the likes of Rob Lowe, John Cusack and Ally Sheedy!! This film is enjoyable from the off, although the subject may be a little touchy as it centres on a High School youth (Will Friedle) who desperately fancies the school beauty (Marley Shelton)and somehow manages to arrange a study date with her at her house. After a while things progress well enough until he finds himself without a condom!. Where can he get one from at this time?, can he get back while she is still interested?, his journey takes him all over the city and gets him in to some side-splittingly funny situations and scenarios along the way. Stand out is Jennifer Love Hewitt as Friedles best friend who is madly in love with him without him realising!
50 Reviews
Pretty Good
GrahamsSN1910 February 2004
IF your looking for like a short teen oriented comedy this one is good, it some of the jokes are kind of stupid but still funny its basically about Brad played by Will Fridele, and he finally gets to hook up with the girl he's had a crush on for a long time, but it turns out she's really using him to mess with her real Boyfriend, and of course there's the "Best friend girl" played by JLH. Normally with these kinds of plots the guy after wooing his dream girl chooses the best friend with the whole brains over beauty scenario, and it usually annoys me but this time so the best friend is played by JLH so it's really a win-win situation for Brad. So in short I really liked this movie especially with the comedic plot if your looking for like a serious movie this isn't for you, but if you like just want to hang out and watch a teen comedy with some over the top humor(yet still funny) this movie is a great choice.
Entertaining for what it is ! A nightmare? I don't think so.
insomniac_rod13 December 2008
Oh this was one of my favorite guilty pleasures! I've never been a huge fan of teen sexy comedies like this one, but I have to admit that it totally got my attention when it first came out.
Sure, the situations are very similar if not identical to many Hughes' classics from the 80's but you can't help but feel the late 90's vibe. I mean, the music, the clothing, the vibe.
The lack of the condom in the most important scene is displayed as a problem but be honest guys, who wouldn't like to be in the exact same situation?! Be honest!
Also, the movie displays a battle of morality but it's something I wish would've happened to me back in the time. I mean, having a super sexy but shy love interest, plus having the chance to bang the hottest sexy slut of high school...
Enjoy and remember your funny moments at high school. Don't watch this one otherwise you were a 90's pubert.
Sure, the situations are very similar if not identical to many Hughes' classics from the 80's but you can't help but feel the late 90's vibe. I mean, the music, the clothing, the vibe.
The lack of the condom in the most important scene is displayed as a problem but be honest guys, who wouldn't like to be in the exact same situation?! Be honest!
Also, the movie displays a battle of morality but it's something I wish would've happened to me back in the time. I mean, having a super sexy but shy love interest, plus having the chance to bang the hottest sexy slut of high school...
Enjoy and remember your funny moments at high school. Don't watch this one otherwise you were a 90's pubert.
Better than I expected.
Kektokio15 October 1999
What could be more entertaining than watching a teenage boy running around looking for a condom. I quite enjoyed this movie much more than I thought I would. Maybe it's because I expected it to be crap. Even though there were parts of this movie that were somewhat cheesy, I never for a second wanted to end the experience.
Quite Enjoyable
bh_tafe31 July 2014
This unambitious, well executed teen comedy got a little lost amongst the other teen films that came out around this time. While Scream and its various clones, and crude teen comedies like American Pie were big hits, and ensemble pieces like Empire Records and Can't Hardly Wait developed cult followings, this inoffensive little charmer was widely ignored, which is a bit of a shame as it is far from a bad movie.
Trojan War stars Will Freidle as Brad Kimble, a sex starved teenager who is completely oblivious to the feelings of his best friend Leah Jones (Jennifer Love Hewitt), due to his obsession with scoring with Brooke Kingston (Marley Shelton). Right when it looks like he is finally going to get his chance, he has Brooke on the bed ready to go, when suddenly he realizes he doesn't have a condom. So now he has to leave her lying there so he can go and buy a packet of Trojan condoms. Not highbrow stuff by any means, but the journey Will takes on his "Trojan War" is reasonably engaging with some good spontaneous laughs and the obvious love story between he and Leah developing in the background.
Jennifer Love Hewitt was known by this stage, as she had been in Part of Five for a couple of years, and in this one she really shows her credentials as a teen love interest. Freidle is great in several scenes, while most of the rest of the cast fade into the background. This is Hewitt and Freidle's film, and they are a likable duo.
While hardly one of the great movies of the 90s, this one was OK. And if you happen to be sitting down and see it coming up on cable, give it a go. It's quite a fun little film. Hardly a classic, but still worthwhile.
Trojan War stars Will Freidle as Brad Kimble, a sex starved teenager who is completely oblivious to the feelings of his best friend Leah Jones (Jennifer Love Hewitt), due to his obsession with scoring with Brooke Kingston (Marley Shelton). Right when it looks like he is finally going to get his chance, he has Brooke on the bed ready to go, when suddenly he realizes he doesn't have a condom. So now he has to leave her lying there so he can go and buy a packet of Trojan condoms. Not highbrow stuff by any means, but the journey Will takes on his "Trojan War" is reasonably engaging with some good spontaneous laughs and the obvious love story between he and Leah developing in the background.
Jennifer Love Hewitt was known by this stage, as she had been in Part of Five for a couple of years, and in this one she really shows her credentials as a teen love interest. Freidle is great in several scenes, while most of the rest of the cast fade into the background. This is Hewitt and Freidle's film, and they are a likable duo.
While hardly one of the great movies of the 90s, this one was OK. And if you happen to be sitting down and see it coming up on cable, give it a go. It's quite a fun little film. Hardly a classic, but still worthwhile.
been there (12 years ago) done that
JimF299 November 1998
For all practical purposes,a remake of 1985's Secret Admirer with the beautiful Jennifer Love Hewett in the Lori Lauglin role,and two unknowns in the C Thomas Howell and Kelly Preston roles. Made for video quickie dealing with a guy an intelligent dark haired woman friend who has the hots for him,and a dumb blond he wants to get.
Not as good as I expected
sonicflare2119 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The film opens up strongly, but then quickly descends after the "practice" scene. Leah's obviously in love with him, her movements and reactions couldn't express that any louder. Yet, Brad somehow ignores the fact that the girl who's leg he was holding was an inch away from passionately kissing him.
From there on out, it became incredibly predictable until the end credits. The small problems become major problems, the "funny" bad guy (or girl, in this case) becomes reoccurring, the girl he's after turns out to not be the girl he truly wants, and the bad guy gets taken out by the good guy doing barely anything. What really bothered me about the final "climatic" scene was that the dog that he's had a problem with since leaving Brooke's house obeyed him in attacking Brooke's boyfriend, instead of attacking Brad. There was absolutely NO logic behind that.
The movie then ends with him realizing that the entire quest was pointless, as his prize has been right there in front of him the whole time. Then they kiss for a while, and movie's over. We don't know what happens to the gang members he befriended, we don't know what his parents do after finding out what happened (especially him losing their car), we don't know if Brooke and Kyle get back together, nothing is solved in the end except Leah's want for Brad.
There was a few solid laughs, but with it's 85 minute run time, a few isn't anywhere close to cutting it. I stared at the screen with a blank face for most of the "jokes" that were seemingly written by 10 year olds that try too hard to be funny. It wasn't very entertaining, but it did keep a "I still wanna see how this ends" type of vibe on me the entire time. Long story short, watch it if you want, but there's plenty other high school, sex comedies that do the job a hell of a lot better.
From there on out, it became incredibly predictable until the end credits. The small problems become major problems, the "funny" bad guy (or girl, in this case) becomes reoccurring, the girl he's after turns out to not be the girl he truly wants, and the bad guy gets taken out by the good guy doing barely anything. What really bothered me about the final "climatic" scene was that the dog that he's had a problem with since leaving Brooke's house obeyed him in attacking Brooke's boyfriend, instead of attacking Brad. There was absolutely NO logic behind that.
The movie then ends with him realizing that the entire quest was pointless, as his prize has been right there in front of him the whole time. Then they kiss for a while, and movie's over. We don't know what happens to the gang members he befriended, we don't know what his parents do after finding out what happened (especially him losing their car), we don't know if Brooke and Kyle get back together, nothing is solved in the end except Leah's want for Brad.
There was a few solid laughs, but with it's 85 minute run time, a few isn't anywhere close to cutting it. I stared at the screen with a blank face for most of the "jokes" that were seemingly written by 10 year olds that try too hard to be funny. It wasn't very entertaining, but it did keep a "I still wanna see how this ends" type of vibe on me the entire time. Long story short, watch it if you want, but there's plenty other high school, sex comedies that do the job a hell of a lot better.
I shamefully laughed...
drumk11 July 2003
I found myself watching this film not too long ago, and I actually laughed quite a bit. But, on the other hand, I wanted to hate this movie for its unoriginality. Perhaps the reason I was drawn into it is because it is just like one of my favorite films, _After Hours_ (1985, Martin Scorcese), and it's a bit like _Better Off Dead_ or _Sixteen Candles_, which are much better pictures. This movie is enjoyable at times, but I still wish that the production budget had gone to something a bit more creative.
Strictly For JLH Fans
aimless-4614 May 2007
The Trojan War (1997) starts with a pretty good premise, even if it was stolen wholesale from 1987's "Some Kind of Wonderful". Semi-geek virgin, desperately in love with the schools unattainable beauty who has become disillusioned with popular guy she has been dating. Protagonist's gorgeous (anywhere but in this school) tomboyish best friend is secretly in love with him? Cut to climatic party scene at which all this is sorted out.
Unfortunately they stole only the premise and not the actual script (or the cast with the exception of Marley Shelton who makes a fine "dream girl" replacement for Hewitt), so the production falls far short of its predecessor. It also falls far short of its 1998 successor "Can't Hardly Wait", also featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt-this time as the unattainable beauty. In fact the writers of that film appear to have taken the script from "The Trojan War" and re- written it for an audience with IQ's about 30 points higher. So my advice (unless you are a mega JLH fan) would be to stick with the predecessor and the successor and leave "The Trojan War" for its intended audience of wiggers and drones. The soundtrack is much better in those two films as well.
"The Trojan War" was pulled from its scheduled 1997 theatrical release because of poor projected audience numbers and filed away in the hope that Jennifer Love Hewitt's skyrocketing popularity (insert "Can't Hardly Wait", "Party of Five", and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" here) would change the equation and justify the promotional expense of releasing the movie. Even that was not enough for distributors to take a chance on the film and after a year of deliberation it went direct to video. And even with Hewitt's continued success in "Ghost Whisperer", the sales projections for a DVD release of "The Trojan War" has not excited anyone in the industry.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Unfortunately they stole only the premise and not the actual script (or the cast with the exception of Marley Shelton who makes a fine "dream girl" replacement for Hewitt), so the production falls far short of its predecessor. It also falls far short of its 1998 successor "Can't Hardly Wait", also featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt-this time as the unattainable beauty. In fact the writers of that film appear to have taken the script from "The Trojan War" and re- written it for an audience with IQ's about 30 points higher. So my advice (unless you are a mega JLH fan) would be to stick with the predecessor and the successor and leave "The Trojan War" for its intended audience of wiggers and drones. The soundtrack is much better in those two films as well.
"The Trojan War" was pulled from its scheduled 1997 theatrical release because of poor projected audience numbers and filed away in the hope that Jennifer Love Hewitt's skyrocketing popularity (insert "Can't Hardly Wait", "Party of Five", and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" here) would change the equation and justify the promotional expense of releasing the movie. Even that was not enough for distributors to take a chance on the film and after a year of deliberation it went direct to video. And even with Hewitt's continued success in "Ghost Whisperer", the sales projections for a DVD release of "The Trojan War" has not excited anyone in the industry.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Starts off perfect - then steadily slides downhill
contorty7 March 1999
Since she plays my favorite character in "Party of Five", I rented this movie to see Jennifer Love Hewitt in another role that I thought might be similar to her role of Sarah. However, the plot of this movie does not center around the character Leah, but Will Friedle's character named Brad.
The movie begins with some great work by Jennifer but then she really isn't seen again until the end of the movie. Those first few scenes are wonderful as they develop the character of Leah, but from that point she plays a small as the focus swings to Brad's adventures.
It is a good story and is definitely entertaining, but don't expect to get too familiar the character Leah!
The movie begins with some great work by Jennifer but then she really isn't seen again until the end of the movie. Those first few scenes are wonderful as they develop the character of Leah, but from that point she plays a small as the focus swings to Brad's adventures.
It is a good story and is definitely entertaining, but don't expect to get too familiar the character Leah!
Aggressively Unfunny
jfgibson7314 March 2021
Need a light teen comedy? Don't bother with this one. Even if you like the actors in it, you will be disappointed. Their talents are wasted on uninteresting story with zero laughs. Just because it got made doesn't mean it deserves to exist. Want some lighthearted fun that doesn't make you think too much? Look elsewhere.
Cute little JLH vehicle
Criz17 June 1999
This cute little film had one primary purpose: provide more exposure for Jennifer Love Hewitt, and encourage folks to watch her disappointing "Last Summer" flicks at the multiplex.
Well, something went terribly wrong with that simple plan, because along the way an amazingly enjoyable film got made. Will Friedle (of TV's "Boy Meets World, and at the time JLH's real-life boyfriend) plays a likable high school student who lucks out when the adorable little blonde he's tutoring (the sadly underexposed Marley Shelton) decides to give him a break.
As he frantically takes Los Angeles apart searching for a condom (yes, that's what "Trojan" in the title refers to) his best bud JLH is realizing she wants to be more than just friends. Aside from the horrible case of envy I developed (Will Friedle got to kiss JLH both on and off-screen!) I had a lot of fun watching the result.
If you're a parent, the additional good news is that this is one of the few flicks out there (surprisingly) in which the characters don't jump into bed without practising safe sex. That shows that at least there's SOME hope for Hollywood.
Well, something went terribly wrong with that simple plan, because along the way an amazingly enjoyable film got made. Will Friedle (of TV's "Boy Meets World, and at the time JLH's real-life boyfriend) plays a likable high school student who lucks out when the adorable little blonde he's tutoring (the sadly underexposed Marley Shelton) decides to give him a break.
As he frantically takes Los Angeles apart searching for a condom (yes, that's what "Trojan" in the title refers to) his best bud JLH is realizing she wants to be more than just friends. Aside from the horrible case of envy I developed (Will Friedle got to kiss JLH both on and off-screen!) I had a lot of fun watching the result.
If you're a parent, the additional good news is that this is one of the few flicks out there (surprisingly) in which the characters don't jump into bed without practising safe sex. That shows that at least there's SOME hope for Hollywood.
American Crapfitti
NoDakTatum10 October 2023
Will Friedle is Brad, a typical high schooler in love with the typical untouchable blonde goddess Brooke (Marley Shelton). Brad has been in love with Brooke for years, and finally gets his chance when she invites him over to tutor her in biology. Things get heated during the study session, but Brad isn't packing any protection and must leave to go find condoms. This triggers a series of unfunny catastrophes along the lines of "American Graffiti," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "After Hours," "License to Drive," and any teen sex comedy the screenwriters saw before penning this.
"Trojan War" isn't just unfunny, it's unbearably sad. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Leah, Brad's best friend. We know Brad and Leah are best friends because Leah mentions it HALF A DOZEN times, and I am not exaggerating. Leah also harbors a secret love for Brad, who is too taken with Brooke's beauty to notice. Wow, you've never seen that before, have you? How about Danny Masterson and Jason Marsden as two horny dweebs who think they are real ladies' men, even though they keep striking out? Or John Finn as Brad's dad, who lets Brad borrow his 1972 Jaguar, a car he loves more that life itself? Hey, Lee Majors is here! He plays a cop named "Austin"- a joke you might get if you were born before 1969. All of these stock characters and situations have been done, yet the cast goes through the motions and gets zero laughs. George Huang's direction is better than the script, which is a patchwork of teen angst and racism. Every Latino featured here is either a Salsa-dancing horny bimbo or a tagging gangbanger who steals cars. Brad just wants a condom, but having the entire state of California stand in his way gets real old, real quick. It is fun to see cameos and small roles featuring Wendie Malick, Anthony Michael Hall, Danny Trejo, and even the spectacularly unfunny Kathy Griffin, but nothing helps. The normally reliable Friedle, who was the funniest thing about the sitcom "Boy Meets World," flounders, never finding a consistent Brad. The soundtrack features some cool names (does Hewitt have to sing in every film she does?), but the songs themselves are barely-heard background noise. "Trojan War" bombed when it came out, and with good reason. War really is hell.
"Trojan War" isn't just unfunny, it's unbearably sad. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Leah, Brad's best friend. We know Brad and Leah are best friends because Leah mentions it HALF A DOZEN times, and I am not exaggerating. Leah also harbors a secret love for Brad, who is too taken with Brooke's beauty to notice. Wow, you've never seen that before, have you? How about Danny Masterson and Jason Marsden as two horny dweebs who think they are real ladies' men, even though they keep striking out? Or John Finn as Brad's dad, who lets Brad borrow his 1972 Jaguar, a car he loves more that life itself? Hey, Lee Majors is here! He plays a cop named "Austin"- a joke you might get if you were born before 1969. All of these stock characters and situations have been done, yet the cast goes through the motions and gets zero laughs. George Huang's direction is better than the script, which is a patchwork of teen angst and racism. Every Latino featured here is either a Salsa-dancing horny bimbo or a tagging gangbanger who steals cars. Brad just wants a condom, but having the entire state of California stand in his way gets real old, real quick. It is fun to see cameos and small roles featuring Wendie Malick, Anthony Michael Hall, Danny Trejo, and even the spectacularly unfunny Kathy Griffin, but nothing helps. The normally reliable Friedle, who was the funniest thing about the sitcom "Boy Meets World," flounders, never finding a consistent Brad. The soundtrack features some cool names (does Hewitt have to sing in every film she does?), but the songs themselves are barely-heard background noise. "Trojan War" bombed when it came out, and with good reason. War really is hell.
great fun
rangostarr542 June 2003
This is a great movie filled with tons of fun and excitement. Will Friedle is the highlight of the movie with his goofy quirkiness. J-love Hewitt wasnt too bad either. It is a close cry to Hewitts other comedy soon after "Can't Hardly Wait" as far as a cute teeny comedy. But, the plot does not resemble really. I really recommend it to anyone who wants a good laugh.
For want of a condom
bkoganbing30 March 2017
I've always been a fan of Will Friedle, I think he's a very funny comic actor and at the time Trojan War was made he was just coming off years with Boy Meets World as Eric Matthews. He was the best one in the cast of that show.
Trojan War is a film that's a decade behind the times, it's something that the 80s brat pack would have done. In fact a refugee of said pack Anthony Michael Hall has a small role as a psychotic bus driver. It reminds me a lot of Tom Cruise's Losin' It.
Friedle plays this slightly nerdy kid who's funny in his own way if people actually listen to him. He's tutoring the teen dream girl of his life Marley Shelton when because she wants to make jock boyfriend Eric Balfour jealous she offers herself to him. But alas no protection so poor Friedle spends an adventurous night trying to get an elusive condom.
Some funny scenes, but it really has been all done before. Especially by Tom Cruise and Anthony Michael Hall in their salad days.
Trojan War is a film that's a decade behind the times, it's something that the 80s brat pack would have done. In fact a refugee of said pack Anthony Michael Hall has a small role as a psychotic bus driver. It reminds me a lot of Tom Cruise's Losin' It.
Friedle plays this slightly nerdy kid who's funny in his own way if people actually listen to him. He's tutoring the teen dream girl of his life Marley Shelton when because she wants to make jock boyfriend Eric Balfour jealous she offers herself to him. But alas no protection so poor Friedle spends an adventurous night trying to get an elusive condom.
Some funny scenes, but it really has been all done before. Especially by Tom Cruise and Anthony Michael Hall in their salad days.
A good commercial for Trojan
=G=21 May 2003
"Trojan War" is a reasonably entertaining teen flick about a guy and tomboyish girl (JLH) who have been best friends since "sperm" (as she puts it). However, he has his sights set on another babe and has to go though the night from hell in search of protection before his conquest only to find that...well, you know. On the upside, this flick is a fun teen romp and tame enough for most parents with some good messages about the importance of responsible, meaningful sex. On the downside, "Trojan War" is a par watch at best and way below the standard for teen films set by John Hughes and Chris Columbus. (C+)
Pretty Bad actually, even for its type
Meredith-79 July 1999
This film is so bad that it is funny. Exactly how stupid do film makers think we are to serve up this kind of trash time and time again? Its like a try hard After Hours for the teen audience. Firstly, the acting is really bad, with the exception of Anthony Michael Hall and David Patrick Kelly. The premise is absolutely ridiculous, not to mention incredibly superficial. Just because its a comedy does not mean that it has to be totally brain dead. The film would have worked much better as a five minute skit, but with better actors. The only thing going for the film is that its short, but even that is no excuse to waste your time on this junk.
You want a sophisticated look at teenage life?
Loz827 October 2000
*ahem* Don't look here :) This movie is for all of those who don't want to have a serious in-depth discussion 'ever'. I've read through all the comments and some of them are pretty fair. Others are umm.. well.. If you are going to rent a movie called "Trojan War" with Will Friedle and Jennifer Love Hewitt on the box, it's not gonna be about 'Helen of Troy' is it? I found this movie delightfully ridiculous. It made me laugh at the idiocies of Brad. Sympathise with Leah. And how come no-one has mentioned the absolutely brilliant *yet terrible* pick-up attempts of Jason Marsden (oh, there are so many.. try Step By Step) and Danny Masterson(now of "That 70's Show" fame)?? Josh and Seth, I think, are the funniest *and most stereotypically true* characters in the movie! But I honestly can't believe that a hottie like Jason would have trouble chatting a girl up. Good actor? Ahuh! Yes, the 'lunatic bus driver' Anthony Michael Hall was very funny. Lee Majors was wicked :) And Marley Shelton was brilliant as the popular 'bitch' that everyone in the 'lower ranks' of high school hates. If you are willing to suspend intelligence of any kind *it's ALL spelled out for you in this movie* This is the flick for you.
You want some REAL protection? Don't watch this movie!
mattymatt4ever10 October 2001
"Trojan War" is the typical fluffy teen fare with as much subtlety as an ice cream cone. And worse off, it's not funny! Silly, yes. Stupid, very. Funny, seldom. Original, scarcely.
Come on, this is a funny premise! A great premise with great potential! "Booty Call" wasn't the smartest comedy, but it had enough charm, originality and wit to pull it off. It used the condom-chasing premise wisely, for the most part. "Trojan War" is simply a cartoonish farce that flings one goofy situation after another, all of which is over-the-top--sometimes obnoxious--but rarely funny. Wow, I'm surprised it went direct to video!
Will Friedle is not a bad actor, but he's resorted to bumbling around like an ape. Let's face it, he has little comic talent. With his previous experience in the biz mainly being the lamebrain sitcom, "Boy Meets World," what do you expect? Who can pick up a great sense of timing and delivery on a sitcom aimed at pre-teens? All his dialogue delivery seems forced and artificial. Bad writing and half-assed acting? Not a good combo. Of course, we have the beautiful Jennifer Love Hewitt to keep our eyes open. I liked how she performed a few songs for the soundtrack. I think I'm about the only one who bought her CDs, so I'm probably the only one who recognized her singing in the background in two scenes. One of which she's driving in her jeep and listening to her own song on the radio! That I found hilariously ironic. She's a good actress, and has a really good voice. You go, girl! The few funny moments are mostly thanks to the (adult) cameos. Lee Majors plays the local officer. You can't get much cooler than Lee Majors! Anthony Michael-Hall plays a psychotic bus driver who REALLY makes sure his customers pay "exact change only!" Kathy Griffin has a brief cameo as a convenience store clerk. In a juvenile teen flick like this, you just want to applaud and applaud when grown-up actors like these make their appearances. It almost adds a touch of class.
As for the plot, faggedaboudit! You can't get any more predictable! One thing that always bugs me out about these movies: The girl who the guy is chasing is always a lot less prettier than the girl (usually his best friend, like in this case) who had the hots for him all along. Marley Shelton is a pretty actress, but that dumb blonde floozie facade should've turned him off from the get-go. Meanwhile, we have the extremely beautiful JLH who has known this guy (Friedle) all his life, and he didn't once consider hooking up with her? Yeah, right! It's just another cheap cinematic conceit that filmmakers abuse to the bone. And the Shelton character is so unappealing, while JLH's very likeable, that you wonder why he went on this whole condom-chasing journey in the first place! It makes no sense.
The disappointing thing is George Huang directed this piece of crap! This is the guy who wrote and directed the underrated dark satire "Swimming with Sharks" featuring one of Kevin Spacey's best performances. How did he make the transition from hilarious, biting satire to utter garbage? I think the two films bare no similarity whatsoever, and it's almost impossible to believe they were made by the same director.
If your day consists of sitting on the couch watching marathons of "Saved By the Bell" and "California Dreams," this is the film for you!
My score: 3 (out of 10)
Come on, this is a funny premise! A great premise with great potential! "Booty Call" wasn't the smartest comedy, but it had enough charm, originality and wit to pull it off. It used the condom-chasing premise wisely, for the most part. "Trojan War" is simply a cartoonish farce that flings one goofy situation after another, all of which is over-the-top--sometimes obnoxious--but rarely funny. Wow, I'm surprised it went direct to video!
Will Friedle is not a bad actor, but he's resorted to bumbling around like an ape. Let's face it, he has little comic talent. With his previous experience in the biz mainly being the lamebrain sitcom, "Boy Meets World," what do you expect? Who can pick up a great sense of timing and delivery on a sitcom aimed at pre-teens? All his dialogue delivery seems forced and artificial. Bad writing and half-assed acting? Not a good combo. Of course, we have the beautiful Jennifer Love Hewitt to keep our eyes open. I liked how she performed a few songs for the soundtrack. I think I'm about the only one who bought her CDs, so I'm probably the only one who recognized her singing in the background in two scenes. One of which she's driving in her jeep and listening to her own song on the radio! That I found hilariously ironic. She's a good actress, and has a really good voice. You go, girl! The few funny moments are mostly thanks to the (adult) cameos. Lee Majors plays the local officer. You can't get much cooler than Lee Majors! Anthony Michael-Hall plays a psychotic bus driver who REALLY makes sure his customers pay "exact change only!" Kathy Griffin has a brief cameo as a convenience store clerk. In a juvenile teen flick like this, you just want to applaud and applaud when grown-up actors like these make their appearances. It almost adds a touch of class.
As for the plot, faggedaboudit! You can't get any more predictable! One thing that always bugs me out about these movies: The girl who the guy is chasing is always a lot less prettier than the girl (usually his best friend, like in this case) who had the hots for him all along. Marley Shelton is a pretty actress, but that dumb blonde floozie facade should've turned him off from the get-go. Meanwhile, we have the extremely beautiful JLH who has known this guy (Friedle) all his life, and he didn't once consider hooking up with her? Yeah, right! It's just another cheap cinematic conceit that filmmakers abuse to the bone. And the Shelton character is so unappealing, while JLH's very likeable, that you wonder why he went on this whole condom-chasing journey in the first place! It makes no sense.
The disappointing thing is George Huang directed this piece of crap! This is the guy who wrote and directed the underrated dark satire "Swimming with Sharks" featuring one of Kevin Spacey's best performances. How did he make the transition from hilarious, biting satire to utter garbage? I think the two films bare no similarity whatsoever, and it's almost impossible to believe they were made by the same director.
If your day consists of sitting on the couch watching marathons of "Saved By the Bell" and "California Dreams," this is the film for you!
My score: 3 (out of 10)
This movie would've been better 10 years ago.
OddJob-67 March 1999
If this movie was supposed to be a typical plotline 80's teenage throwaway film, it missed its audience. The "Austin" nametag on Lee Major's police uniform went over the heads of anyone who wasn't born before 1974. I caught this flick on HBO about three months ago. I thought Lee Majors as a cop was funny (named Austin a.k.a. Steve Austin from the "Six Million Dollar Man"). But I'm sure it didn't register with those who actually cared to see this film with the very attractive Jennifer Love Hewitt.
The First Worst Summer Movie I've seen
blazesnakes919 October 2013
During my summer vacations over the years of seeing and reviewing movies, I was always happy and delighted to some movies that I'll always remember that particular summer vacation. Well, recently, during my summer vacation this year, I have to say that I've seen my first worst movie during the summer. And, it was not the last one I thought was terrible. In August of this year, I've seen another horrible movie. That movie was Harlem Nights, with Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. At the end of my summer vacation, I had to ask myself one question: What movie would I not want to see again? My answer? Trojan War. And, if you're asking what's Trojan War is about, let me tell you what exactly Trojan War means in this movie. A high-school senior, played by Will Friedle, wants to woo the girl of his dreams. The girl in his dreams is a beautiful blonde, who's also friends with a high-school jerk. One night, he sees his chance to make out with her. One problem stands in his way: he doesn't have protection. In other words, he doesn't have a condom. So, he goes to a convenience store and buys the condoms, all right. But, once he's outside the store, his parents' car is stolen by a group of Hispanic thugs. Movie stereotyping being seen here. Throughout this whole movie, the poor kid tries to get one condom and in the midst of the madness, he embarks on a series of misadventures. Those misadventures includes: walking into a nightclub and having to be forced to dance with a voluptuous Hispanic woman, having to take a wild ride in a city bus, driven by a insane bus driver, who doesn't like it when the riders don't pay for their ride on the bus, and we see the young man being taken hostage by the same Hispanic thugs that took his parents' car. Now that I explain to you what's the movie about, you can see that the title of this movie is misleading. People might think this movie is about the legendary story of the Trojan War that was fought in the B.C. era. Wrong. To me, this story is ridiculous. Why do we care about this young kid, who want to love this blonde? The only thing I have to say before I forget again is the supporting character, played Jennifer Love Hewitt. What is she doing in a movie like this? She's a young actress, who has the talent to express to the audience. Here, her character goes nowhere fast. The movie is also predictable and the elements of this story are burrowed from other teenage romances. We have the kid who's in love with the blonde in the movie. He should love the brunette. I mean, if I was this kid, I would've went with Jennifer Love Hewitt. I'm again ready to forget this movie once again. But, just because I've seen my first and worst summer movie, I didn't miss out other good or great movies as well. If I had to pick the worst summer movie of 2013, Trojan War would be my choice. I would leave this one in the heat for good. ★ 1/2 1 1/2 star.
Disgusting teen comedy should have stayed on the shelf.
emm18 April 1999
You think a movie like this would help raise awareness for unlucky high school boys to go out and buy some Trojans? Or would TROJAN WAR grab the undivided attention over Jennifer Love Hewitt? It's common to sell any movie starring ONE popular actor / actress, but Warner Bros. decided to cash in on the "PARTY OF FIVE" phenomenon and release it! (Where are WB's past obscurities MEDICINE BALL CARAVAN or THE COOL ONES?) This is the worst excuse for a teen comedy (or any comedy), judging by the script that fails to deliver a swift sense of humor. It's so poor and obnoxious that it should have been put on moratorium like the two titles I've just mentioned! Comedy is typical WB fare running amuck, and doesn't blend with the 90s alternative drift. Adding to the further disgust is the theme about rubber covers and how a geek has to journey through a series of mishaps in search of the ultimate ending. Not very original and satisfying, and why must we care? The only thing worth watching is having a sick mind! Real life is better with love sitting next to you on the sofa, but this poor movie is definitely no dream fantasy!
More Of The Same... no, really!
jj-mcblaze25 September 2009
Hey, Like some of the other reviews say, the movie is fully based in the '80's style of comedy. And that about wraps it up. It's one big cliché. Jennifer Love-Hewitt makes it all worthwhile.
I am wondering, though. Why is it that a good actress like JLH always ends up in cheap rip-offs??? Trojan War, I Know What You Did Last Summer... the list goes on and on. And now, after we've had Charmed and stuff like that we get Ghost Whisperer... I rest my case.
I do really hope to see her in an authentic role that will define her character and strengths because, and we can all agree, I think, she most definitely has 'em. Maybe... just maybe... we can persuade some people in reviving Party of Five?
Latez
I am wondering, though. Why is it that a good actress like JLH always ends up in cheap rip-offs??? Trojan War, I Know What You Did Last Summer... the list goes on and on. And now, after we've had Charmed and stuff like that we get Ghost Whisperer... I rest my case.
I do really hope to see her in an authentic role that will define her character and strengths because, and we can all agree, I think, she most definitely has 'em. Maybe... just maybe... we can persuade some people in reviving Party of Five?
Latez
One of the better "teen movies" out there
ForReal8410 April 2003
It's a shame when there is a good movie and it never makes it in theaters. That's what happened with TROJAN WAR, it's a charming movie about a guy who is in love with a living, breathing barbie doll. Since the very day he first laid his eyes on her, his breath was taken away. Trying to achieve the one thing he has wanted to do forever, the movie centers on Brad's wild adventures all to get a condom. Along the way he encounters some of the strangest people ever to walk the face of the earth. In this some times over the top film, BOY MEETS WORLD funny man, Will Friedle plays Brad. He is very funny in this role. It is a stretch from his role on WORLD. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays the role of his best friend, who is in love with Brad. This is one of her best movies. Love's acting ability has never been a question, but this performance is one of her best, while it is not Oscar worthy, she embraces the character and took a simple role and owned it. Marley Shelton gets throw in the mix as the "eye candy", her role as Brooke has been done before. Although she is a good actress, this part could be played by anyone. The same has to be said for Eric Balfour, who is supposed to be the "Big" man on campus. There is nothing great about his performance. To add some comic spice, Danny Masterson and Jason Marsden play two strange teenagers trying to find that one special girl. Kathy Griffin has a small, but funny role. All of the acting is good. It could be worse, example Drive Me Crazy. The music only adds to the movie. All of the songs in some way find their place in the movie. TROJAN WAR is a fun film with laughs and even some touching moments. It's a story about wanting more, but not seeing what's right in front of you. Like the tagline say's, she has 24 hours to convince the guy of her dreams that she's the girl of his. It's a story for anyone who has been in love, a story about growing up, and a story about finding yourself and losing your head along the way. All in all it gets 3.5 stars out of 4.
Lee Majors
BandSAboutMovies22 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Trojan War cost $15 million to make, played one theater for a week and made $309 dollars.
Yes. $309 dollars.
It's also a movie that features Jennifer Love Hewett as the geeky friend, which seems like casting that most boys in 1997 would not agree with. It's kind of an extended version of the condom story in Amazon Women on the Moon, as Brad (Will Friedle, Boy Meets World) is finally getting the chance to aardvark with Brooke (Marley Shelton, Planet Terror), yet she demands he get a condom, which is where the title comes from.
There are a few moments that 80's comedy fans will like, such as a homeless man demanding two dollars and it ends up being David Patrick Kelly, who was Luther in The Warriors. Or Anthony Michael Hall not being a geek but instead being a bullying bus driver, driving the bus from Speed. Seriously. The exact same bus, which is Santa Monica bus #2525.
For those enjoying Lee Majors week on our site, he shows up as Officer Austin and ends up giving Brad a condom, which makes a bionic sound effect as the rubber sails toward our hero. His call sign is also Seven Mary Three, which fans of CHiPs will recognize.
Of course, this being a teen comedy, our hero will find the right girl and all will work out. Along the way, there are appearances by Danny Masterson, Wendie Mallick (I never miss the chance to make a Dream On reference) and, as all 90's movies must, a cameo from Danny Trejo.
This was directed by George Huang, who put up Robert Rodriguez when he was new to Hollywood. He also directed Swimming With Sharks and How to Make a Monster.
The soundtrack to this is pretty interesting, with a mix of 90's stuff like Letter to Cleo, Star 69, Everclear and Imperial Teen mixed with unexpected artists like Fu Manchu and Peter Murphy.
All in all, it's not the worst teen movie comedy I've seen.
Yes. $309 dollars.
It's also a movie that features Jennifer Love Hewett as the geeky friend, which seems like casting that most boys in 1997 would not agree with. It's kind of an extended version of the condom story in Amazon Women on the Moon, as Brad (Will Friedle, Boy Meets World) is finally getting the chance to aardvark with Brooke (Marley Shelton, Planet Terror), yet she demands he get a condom, which is where the title comes from.
There are a few moments that 80's comedy fans will like, such as a homeless man demanding two dollars and it ends up being David Patrick Kelly, who was Luther in The Warriors. Or Anthony Michael Hall not being a geek but instead being a bullying bus driver, driving the bus from Speed. Seriously. The exact same bus, which is Santa Monica bus #2525.
For those enjoying Lee Majors week on our site, he shows up as Officer Austin and ends up giving Brad a condom, which makes a bionic sound effect as the rubber sails toward our hero. His call sign is also Seven Mary Three, which fans of CHiPs will recognize.
Of course, this being a teen comedy, our hero will find the right girl and all will work out. Along the way, there are appearances by Danny Masterson, Wendie Mallick (I never miss the chance to make a Dream On reference) and, as all 90's movies must, a cameo from Danny Trejo.
This was directed by George Huang, who put up Robert Rodriguez when he was new to Hollywood. He also directed Swimming With Sharks and How to Make a Monster.
The soundtrack to this is pretty interesting, with a mix of 90's stuff like Letter to Cleo, Star 69, Everclear and Imperial Teen mixed with unexpected artists like Fu Manchu and Peter Murphy.
All in all, it's not the worst teen movie comedy I've seen.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
