Class of '44 (1973)

A lousy comedy sequel that dispenses with the romance and artsiness of its predecessor and instead settles into a more conventional teen narrative, set against the backdrop of college life. It's mostly forgettable and unfortunately fritters away the goodwill from the original. Hermie seems a lot more adjusted and upbeat here, which of course means I can't relate to his plight anymore.

2 wartime threats out of 5

Summer of '42 (1971)

Poor Hermie is a frustrated virgin and hopeless romantic who desperately tries to get laid alongside his horny friends Oscy and Benjie. He develops an interest in the mysterious but sad looking older woman who has recently appeared on the beachfront, where he attempts to strike up a conversation with her. This classic coming-of-age film encapsulates the awkwardness of youth and the tender, deep-seated longing of unrequited love. It manages to perfectly encompass that raw feeling of growing up, even if you weren't alive in this era. The themes of this film feel timeless across the board.

5 innocence lost out of 5