Take Me Home Tonight

I really like this movie. Set in the 1980s, and boasting an incredibly well curated soundtrack, we meet Matt Franklin, a brainy twenty something who works well below his station at Suncoast, when in walks his long lost crush Tori Fredkering. Will he get the courage to ask her out? The cast has great chemistry, and this film so well written. Excellent comic support from Dan Fogler as his best friend Barry Nathan. The period consumes are also in point. Without divulging any more plot, this will speak to many who find themselves unsure of what to do with their life, and who concern over past regrets. In that way it's uplifting, and a whole lot of fun. Kudos to everyone involved.

'TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

This 80's movie homage actually is just that: a tribute to the youth films of the 80's and it does a pretty good job. It actually feels like a film from that decade (like something John Hughes might have produced) and not just a send-up or satire of it (like the advertisements sort of implied). Topher Grace stars in the film as well as executive produced and co-wrote it (with Gordon Kaywin and Jackie and Jeff Filgo). Michael Dowse (who also directed the popular 'headbanger' film 'FUBAR' and it's sequel) directed. Teresa Palmer, Dan Fogler, Anna Faris, Chris Pratt and Michael Biehn (one of my all time favorite actors) co-star in the flick.

The film is set in the summer of 1988 after Matt Franklin (Grace) just graduated from MIT. Instead of pursuing a high paying career like his education entitles him to he takes a part time job as a video store clerk at the local Suncoast Video store in the mall, much to the disappointment of his father Bill (Biehn) who's also a local police officer. Matt is scared and completely unsure of what he wants to do with his life, all until his old high school crush, Tori Fredreking (Palmer), comes back into town and into the store where he works. Matt lies to Tori and tells her he works for Goldman Sachs. Tori is impressed and invites him to a Labor Day party hosted by his twin sister Wendy's (Faris) boyfriend Kyle Masterson (Pratt). Matt goes to the party with Wendy and his best friend Barry (Fogler) and all hell breaks loose when Barry steals a car from the dealership he was fired from the same day.

The movie really does have a classic 80's nostalgic feel to it and like I said it feels like a movie out of that time period rather than just a comedic reference to it. The script is somewhat smart and emotional and the characters are really well developed. Topher Grace is very fitting as the film's lead, Palmer looks beautiful and is equally fitting and Fogler is actually good for a change (he's still not really that funny but he gives a decent performance). Faris isn't bad as well and Pratt and Biehn (who's the perfect 80's icon touch, with nerds) give nice supporting performances. The soundtrack adds a nice touch as well. The film does a good job of pulling off a classic 80's throwback feel and definitely accomplishes what it set out to do. If it had actually came out in that decade though it probably wouldn't have been much of a standout but it could have been a mildly loved looked over gem (much like it is now).

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This movie started out slowly, but about 20 minutes in really started to kick off.

To start, the plot was way better than what the commercials revealed, and it was just a feel good fun movie.

Although it wasn't non stop laughter through the whole movie, it was great humor and the right times.

We've been spoiled by some comedies lately that have you laughing when you enter til you leave, and the newest movies that are coming out are trying to replicate that and usually fail by going way over the top. For example, the other guys, get him to the Greek.

Take Me Home Tonight went back to just being a simple good comedy that NEVER went over the top. Topher Grace does an awesome job, and Dan Fogler is absolutely hilarious in it. It only gets an 8 because nothing ever gets a 10 and 9's are impossible. I would give it an 8.5 if I could though. Very pleased. Go see it!

If you didn't know any better, you'd actually think you were watching an 80s movie with Take Me Home Tonight. While not delivering the strong emotional depth of a John Hughes film, it still possesses the same qualities in its zany humor, incredible retro soundtrack and at its heart as Matt Franklin (Topher Grace) leaves his position at a lab and much to his father's disapproval begins working at a video store where Matt's young life crisis takes a bigger turn when his twin sister (Anna Faris) gets engaged, his best friend (Dan Fogler) gets fired from his job and Matt's high school crush, Tori Frederking (Teresa Palmer), comes back into his life. In true, hilarious 80s fashion, the ensemble is thrust into a crazy night of partying, mischief and self-discovery. It is a simple, unoriginal story that seems almost contained, but yet is this great adventure with characters you feel a connection to. With what seems like the perfect cast, it is only a movie of this styling (a homage to the great films of the 80s) that can have absolutely no point and still be enjoyable. From the awkward moments to those that are more sentimental, this film is just a fun time that is more or less forgettable but you have a great time with it!

Clearly they went all out at just trying to be an all-round 80's flashback. Fairly straight forward story of a nerd in high school with a huge crush on the prettiest girl in school, but never makes a move until now. Imagine the 'Superbad' crew in the 80's, but instead don't get their big break at the party until just after college. Which brings up another point.. I thought it was a little odd that an entire graduating class from high school are still having huge bashers even after college.

Music was of course good and very 80's, as was the clothing, though I did wonder whether it was trying too hard at times. Showing the pompous bankers was a neat touch.

The cast all seemed to do well enough. It wasn't hilarious throughout or anything, but definitely had its funny moments, mostly stemming from Dan Fogler. Micheal Biehn was a highlight in his limited role. At times it was extremely awkward, which I guess is what it was going for, but even so, somewhat painful. The final act was its best in my opinion.