Humble beginning, not really

Many of us still remember the 1980’s as the decade when Hollywood actually opened up to kinkiness, raunchiness and vulgarity. This era witnessed the rapid ascent of sex comedies especially those involving teens. Most fans credit this rise of one of the most popular genres to the excessive flaunting of triple B’s (Breast, Bush and Butt) in the weirdest situations, as well cracking of those witty and crude jokes. Many a newbie also became overnight stars just by being an integral part of these ventures, displaying assets and making stultified appearances.

However, this genre does deserve its credit not only for shaping careers but also for producing unparalleled entertainment in the form of out of the world hilarious movies. Many of these movies have attained a cult status and many have spawned similar flicks like the American Pie series or the Van Wilder series. In spite of the central theme being the same, all of these movies had different variations around them and catered to the hormonal needs of a motley crowd. In fact, I will go so far as to say that for an omnivorous audience this is the perfect genre to follow. Also, such films have revolutionized the concept of premarital sex thus helping a regular viewer become more open and vocal about his private fantasies.

What is a sex comedy?

Sex comedy is a film involving hilarious situations and funny instances essentially revolving around sexual content both theoretical and practical. It is believed that the precursor to sex comedies was What’s good for the goose produced by Tony Tenser in 1969. This was followed by the ‘Carry On’ series among which Carry On Dick and Carry On Emmanuelle are noteworthy.

The Confessions series consisting of four sex comedies and released during 1970’s was another substantial effort in this direction. Its comedy centers on erotic adventures of Timothy Lea and has been adapted from novels. The movies released during this period acted merely as bench setters because the paragon of sex comedies came a decade later followed by similar films that met with stupendous success.

The Popular ones, movies and stars

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The list starts with the blockbuster Fast Times at Ridgemont High featuring Jennifer Jason Leigh and Judge Reinhold but remembered for Phoebe Cates’ topless act by the pool and Sean Penn’s dazed and perplexed role (see the pic above). It is indeed the Citizen Kane of the 80’s sex comedies. The two other heavy weights are Risky Business, which catapulted Tom Cruise to the status of teen icon, and Bachelor Party that I dare say is the Bachelor Party paradigm. Another fantabulous film making it to the list is Revenge of the Nerds that effaced the misconceptions surrounding the nerds and highlighted the fact that even the misfits and outcasts can have their share of the pie when it comes to girls. Some other very popular movies that literally made the male audiences drool or go nuts over them are Animal House, Porky’s, Private Resort(marking the arrival of Johnny Depp), Private School and Class.

Before moving on it should be pointed out that many of these flicks were responsible for jumpstarting the careers of stars like Tom Cruise, Phoebe Cates (in pic), Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, Nicolas Cage and others.

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