Loser

_Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari in college in Lower Manhattan_ This is not a raunchy sex comedy like the “American Pie” flicks (thankfully), nor would I describe it as a romantic comedy, although there’s some of that; it’s really a college-oriented drama with some amusing touches, aka dramedy. Biggs is likable as the protagonist who’s coming-of-age as a young man whilst Suvari is, needless to say, winsome as the love interest. For anyone who condemns the movie for unpalatable elements, such as Dora foolishly sleeping with the charismatic professor (Greg Kinnear), it happens at every university. Let’s face it, most beautiful young women are taken advantage by some smooth-talking arrogant piece-of-sheet before (hopefully) learning their lesson. As for the three annoying frat boys who like to put roofies in the drinks of coeds (Zak Orth, Thomas Sadoski and Jimmi Simpson), these types exist in real life. They’re just slightly exaggerated here. Besides, every good story has to have its antagonists. The veterinarian hospital subplot is a highlight, particularly the freshly birthed kitten sequence. This reveals a warm heart underneath. It’s not great like “Clueless” but, if you like that one, you’ll probably appreciate this. It runs 1h 38m and was shot from Nov-Jan 1999-2000 in Toronto with some bits in Manhattan. GRADE: B