The Jerk Theory

Never miss

Director: 
Stars: Josh Henderson, Jenna Dewan, Tom Arnold, Lauren Storm
Year:  2009 Running Time:  90 mins Rating: 2 out of 5 CERT: 12

High school romcom with Beverly Hills 90210's Josh Henderson as Adam, an impossibly good looking bad boy rocker who acts like a jerk to score with the girls. Step Up's Jenna Dewan is the sweet, innocent object of his affection, playing hard to get. Can Adam ditch his tried and tested "jerk theory" in order to win the girl? Tom Arnold provides comic support as the school's bumbling priest.

Review

The cast are pushing 30, but according to trusty Hollywood Logic they are still young enough to play high school seniors. 

Stung by a heartbreak the previous year, Adam lives by his "jerk theory; the old "treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen" philosophy.  And with girls gagging to be his Eve, even coughing up gas money for the privilege, the theory seems to hold Adam's ale.

But, the stud meets his match when targeting his sights on the virginal Molly (Dewan, Mrs Channing Tatum), who refuses to fall his routine.  

What starts as a simple test of his seduction skills soon turns into a bona fide infatuation, forcing Adam to locate his inner-gentleman.

Amidst all this Rom, Tom Arnold and Jesse Heiman provide the Com, as the Catholic school's resident priest and the chubby best buddy.

The Jerk Theory is John Tucker Must Die's younger, sillier brother.  Teens will appreciate the Josh Henderson factor, while older viewers can enjoy a brief Danny Bonaduce cameo.
 

Dawn Fox

Find a Movie