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The To-Do List Was Done Right

I decided to watch "The To-Do List" but I had pretty low expectations for it. The reviews were very mixed and I'm not usually into raunchy "American Pie-esque" movies. I was gladly surprised that this movie is not as shallow as it seems. It is about a teenage girl exploring her sexuality and dealing with pressure from her peers and family. She is a valedictorian and an overachiever, but she realizes that she underachieved in the romantic and sexual part of her life. She writes a list of sexual fantasies to fulfill before going to college.

There were a few stereotypes brought up in the movie that irked me, though. The biggest misconception that this movie triggers is that smart girls don't get action. The main character, Brandy, is also called a "bitch" and "uptight" simply for being smart and successful. In truth, it's possible for a woman to be both intelligent and sexually experienced. Also, the sex scenes get a little ridiculous at some points in the movie, erasing the link between sex and emotion completely. It is unrealistic that a young, virgin girl could go through so many new encounters and not feel an ounce of attachment to the men she's exploring with. Then again, each individual has their own reasons for having sex, and maybe emotion doesn't always come into play.

My favourite part of the movie is when Brandy finally loses her virginity and is sadly disappointed with the quick performance. Her temporary lover asks her if she regrets having sex with him, but she replies that young people don't have regrets. In many ways, this is absolutely true. Young people are often irrational, confused, and in the process of learning new things, sex being one of their main concerns. The main message of the film is that whether you're a prude or a tramp, there is just no winning the game of sex. Society doesn't let you rest no matter what you do, so in the end you must do what you're comfortable with.

All in all, "The To-Do List" hits many true, raw facts about teenage sexuality and presents it in a comedic, but often over the top, manner. It both emancipates and ridicules the teenage girl. The message is double-faced- it's okay for a woman to have sex with whomever she wants and she has the right to enjoy it, but at the same time if she does so, she will be deemed slutty. If the main character were a teenage boy instead, would he be called the male equivalent of a slut (like jerk or player)? And isn't being a male "player" a much higher esteemed status than being a "slut"? Although the movie tries to eradicate this double standard, it only propagates it.

Sex has many different meanings to different people. It can be done for love, for experience, for fame, for pleasure, or just for fun. It is both taboo and overrated in our sex-crazed society, leaving many young people in confusion and hopelessness. As with all other aspects in life, sex needs to be learned, acquired, and practiced before it is done right. I don't regret watching this movie. At least I learned a lot of new terminology.


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