Sun Nov 17 02:30:00 UTC 2024: ## “The Crusades”: A Teen Comedy That Breaks the Mold, Despite Critical Backlash
**Los Angeles, CA** – Leo Milano’s 2023 teen comedy, “The Crusades,” starring Rudy Pankow, Khalil Everage, and Ryan Ashton, is defying its low Rotten Tomatoes score (22%) with a surprisingly high audience rating (89%). While not groundbreaking in plot, the film is lauded for its refreshing take on the genre, moving away from the problematic tropes of its predecessors like “American Pie” and “Superbad.”
The film centers on three teenage boys facing the merger of their school with a rival, bringing them into the crosshairs of a notorious bully. Instead of focusing on the typical virginity-obsessed narrative prevalent in earlier teen comedies, “The Crusades” prioritizes the boys’ anxieties and their attempts to enjoy a final carefree weekend before facing their bully. While sexual humor is present, it’s secondary to the core theme of adolescent friendship and overcoming challenges.
The film cleverly subverts classic problematic tropes. A subplot involving a teacher’s crush on a student, instead of ending in a comedic “seduction,” results in the teacher’s arrest for child molestation, a stark contrast to similar scenarios in older films. Further, characters echoing the obnoxious, sexist persona of Stifler from “American Pie” are portrayed as cringeworthy and socially inept, highlighting the evolution of societal views on masculinity and consent.
One particularly lauded scene features a fight between one of the main characters and a deaf student. The film avoids offensive jokes, instead using the situation for humorous and heartwarming moments that showcase respect and inclusivity.
“The Crusades” demonstrates that raunchy teen comedies can be edgy and funny without resorting to harmful stereotypes. Its high audience score suggests that viewers appreciate this shift, highlighting a refreshing evolution within the genre and leaving critics’ negative reviews seemingly at odds with audience reaction.
First Piper 