The French Kissers (France)

The French Kissers is initially mostly an aspirational title as the film follows two boys in Junior High as they seek to achieve their first "french kiss" (or just kiss since they are in france?). The teens are best friends and in a social position clearly outside the gang of cool kids. One's a bit gawky, prone to saying the wrong thing, with apparently undesirable hair and braces. The other has a mullet (though he does play guitar). 'nuff said.

The boys spend a lot of time doing what you'd expect.

• Trying to figure out to get girls to make out with them.
• Giving and trying some seriously poor advice on how to achieve their aims. 
• Lying about their success to friends while possibly seriously messing things up when against all reason one of their female classmates does like them. 
• And of course abusing themselves (and their socks) at every opportunity.

The main character (the boy sans mullet) lives with his divorced Mom in a high rise apartment that's often the victim of leaky toilets from planes passing overhead. The mom is a well meaning if occasionally unbelievably overly intrusive character who provides some of the film's comic relief.  In some ways the story is about their relationship as well.  You can probably take multiple views away from this film as technically it's more a slice of life coming of age piece than one that's strictly goal driven.

One of the things I liked about the film is that neither boy as presented is entirely likable. As 14-15 year olds they can be extremely self involved and casually mean.  At the same time they're not bad meaning kids and I was able to root for him enough to care about the outcome.  For me an important part in enjoying a coming of age film. This approach to not sugar coat the protagonist gave the film a more natural/authentic feeling even though the storyline is pretty standard for this type of tale.  Because of this (and some other plot points I won't disclose) the film is considerably more honest than Hollywood teen sex seeking comedies that one is tempted to compare it to (such as American Pie). While it's not in the same league of enjoyment for me as a French for Beginners or Lila Says it is good raw portrayal of the young male mind and fun enough to recommend to anyone who likes the coming of age comedy/drama and doesn't shy away from a bit of raunch.

While you may have to wait for the movie the soundtrack is available right now. :-)