MovieChat Forums > The Last American Virgin (1982) Discussion > Gary's Loss

Gary's Loss

posted 9 years ago by moondoggiedaddy2007
3 replies | jump to latest

The only thing about the ending that upset me was that Gary had lost $330. Yes, he had a crush on Karen, was taken advantage of, and royally screwed over by both the girl and his former best buddy Rick. But he'll eventually get over her, find a new girl and get a new best friend. But let's face it...he's not gonna get back that $330.

When Gary took Karen to his deceased Grandmother's house, he told her that he loved her. She didn't reply back but only smiled at him. THAT should have indicated to Gary that Karen did NOT love him, and never would, despite all that he had done for her in the past as well as future events forthcoming. Unfortunately, Gary's hormones and sex drive overtook his brain and logical thinking.

[–] NewWaveBassist1 9 years ago

Of course Gary was stupid. There's no disputing that. I think the point of his character was to show he was so in love, he didn't care what stupid decisions she made... And right in front of his face even! He was so in love he was stupid to the point of lacking logic. We as viewers are supposed to sympathize for Gary.

To a degree I'll admit I'm capable of falling like Gary. Of course I would never be anywhere near as stupid, but yes I am capable and the fact he lost the girl despite how badly he pined for her, made the movie so much better for me. Let's face it. In the 80s, movies like this, the good guy always got the girl. In this film, it's the opposite.

[–] misskaren2016 9 years ago

But let's face it...he's not gonna get back that $330.

That's true, but he learned a valuable lesson. IMO, it was good for him to go through this when he was young instead of doing something like this in his 30s or 40s. I think if he didn't go through something like this in his youth the cost for mistakes like that would have been much higher and much worse.

BTW, I think every teenage boy should see this movie. I have a 19 year old son and I told him about this not so he can be stingy, but because I want him to be careful.

[–] jayhn1111 9 years ago

What do you mean by the cost for mistakes being much higher? In what way would his age have made a difference?