Herve (Vincent Lacoste) is 14. He lives in a Parisian apartment with his mother (Valeria Golino) and his pubescent hormones are peaking. Worse for him, his social skills are just a notch above those of Damien from The Omen. At school his best mate is mulleted Arab Camel (Anthony Sonigo), who loves playing electric guitar. So when Herve somehow wins the attention of hip girl Aurore (Alice Tremolieres), he's instantly thrust into the confusing world of teenage romance and sex. But now his first girlfriend, his massive sex drive and his best friend are all set to clash, presenting him with an ultimatum.
The French Kissers reminds us that nobody knows romance better than the French. In his directorial debut, graphic novel author Riad Sattouf offers his own American Pie-esque coming-of-age tale with a refreshingly European spin. Obviously echoing the tradition of the French kiss, Sattouf keenly explores youth sexual exploration from the eyes of two ill-mannered but relatable klutzes, along with nailing their emotional and intellectual development (Herve's idea of a school history class report is one on 50 Cent). His and Marc Syrigas' screenplay also provides some witty one-liners and realistic characters, which the young cast all bring very smoothly to life.
Throw a fun soundtrack, well-judged photography and solid comic timing in, and you have a genuine shot in the arm for teen sex comedies. Even as a fellow male, these French Kissers are ones I'll happily pucker up for.
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