Little Darlings

Setting out as a rough edged youthsploiter (factions at summer camp take bets on whether Tatum O'Neal or Kristy McNichol will lose her virginity first), it soon becomes apparent that the real message is that 'growing up' is not to be achieved by the simple act of defloration. Little Darlings proceeds to hammer the point home, till you emerge from its setting of woods, handy boathouses and the boys' camp across the lake, head ringing with the maxim, 'At 15, sex is bad, friendship good, and clean fun the answer.' If you can get over the moralising, there's a treat from Kristy McNichol as the rough talking, Marlboro-smoking kid who can deliver a kick to the cobblers to rival Paul Newman, while Matt Dillon as her 'gentle giant' initiator and the soundtrack (Blondie, Bonnie Raitt) also provide welcome relief.