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Betrayal and Redemption in:
SIXTEEN CANDLES (part II)

page 2 of 2

His naïve bravado culminates in a foolhardy wager with his two friends. Amid unbelievable claims of sexual congress with "Sam", "Geek's" two companions issue him a challenge to provide proof of his claims. He must present them with a pair of "girl's underpants" an artifact equally as mysterious and powerful as the Holy Grail. And so "Geek" sets off on a miniature Odyssey of his own, searching like a rogue Argonaut for the Golden Fleece that resides inside "Samantha's" pants.

When he finally discovers her hiding in the high school's auto shop recovering from a humiliating encounter with the object of her secret desire, "Jake", the impression he makes is, again, one of disturbance (toppling a shelf of auto parts and creating a tremendous cacophony). But soon after, we see the gentle, heroic side of his character start to emerge as he puts aside his personal lusty obsession to comfort "Sam" in her time of distress; even going so far as to give her secret information relating to her romantic interest. The fact that this would ultimately close the door on his chances with her for good doesn't seem to bother "Geek". This selfless sacrifice is an act, which enables him to move on in his own life, eventually becoming involved with "Jake's" girlfriend. This naughty bit of "wife swapping" between "Sam" and "Geek" further serves to bond them as "friends" and erase whatever awkward sexual tension existed between them.

Our final image of "Geek" is the complete antithesis of our initial glimpse of him as "predator". He awakens in the arms of Jake's girlfriend after a night of sexual "action" not as a sleazy "Casanova", but as an innocent yet willing passenger on a sexual journey; a babe in the arms of Carolyn (the classic Madonna/Whore figure in this film), with headgear and a "clean, close shave" symbolizing his "rebirth" as a sympathetic, loving character ready to make his way in the world as a "man" not a "geek"...

Kittenpants: All New Pirate Stories - With Photos!
PAGE ONE
INTERVIEW: Lee
INTERVIEW: Harlow
FEATURE: Two Rock Nerds Talk About BOC
COLUMN: Betrayal + Redemption in: SIXTEEN CANDLES (part II)
COLUMN: Tales of Wonder
COLUMN: Snack Monkey
MUSIC: news + reviews
COMICS: Li'l Stinker