Stay Cool

For Winona Ryder fans, this could be a nice movie. This is the story of a successful novelist, who returns to his home to give a graduation speech. Even when none in his town (including his parents and friend) actually read the book. He still obsessed with his old high-school crush Scarlet (Winona Ryder) who is separated from the aggressive Gym Class Coach (Marc Blucas). A 17 years old, and daughter of fellow classmates, student Shasta (Hillary Duff) is attracted to him. And every thing gets wrong. This could be a wonderful comedy. Winona Ryder shines in every appearance and supporting roles by TV stars John Cryer, Frances O'Connor, Marc Blucas and Josh Holloway helps a lot. Even Duff is convincing. And John Austin could be hilarious if he could share some chemistry with the co-producer, co-writer and co-director Mark Polish.

Unfortunately Polish performance is the big main flaw of the movie. It's a pity that with many good Americans comedian this uncharismatic and grey guy has the lead.

The script is not that bad, and the last part of the movie is actually very good, touchy, very nostalgic, very 80s. With a better comedian like Paul Rudd or Jason Bateman could be an indie smash hit.

Chevy Chase should be replace also by another TV comedian in his 60s.-

This a particularly dreary Rom Com from the days of endless awful Rom Coms. The lead/writer is pathetic, its like everyone feels sorry for him. Otherwise, this is the sort of project agents get their struggling has been clients, like Chevy Chase, Winona Ryder, Sean Astin, etc.,

Was this a tax write-off?

I thought I give this a try since it's a retro back to the 80s type movie but a lot of it doesn't make sense. First who in their mid 30s goes back to their high school to give a commencement speech. Also what principal is allowing an adult to go to classes/hang out with kids; creepy idea. Weird that he goes to prom and takes a prom photo with an 18 year old and her parents are ok with it? I get the idea but it was sloppy written and he gets beat up an gym coach & does nothing? Seems like this should of been written better & keep the focus on Winona relationship. Also why is there this time away after their major kiss? She never rejected him but there's this "thing that he has to get over"? Also they're both in love with each but he just going back to NYC? Seems like somethings were missed in the ending.

A fairly enjoyable film, something some of the older generation can relate to (even more recent generations if the events felt close to home) being at school, and not fitting in, or not getting the girl and reminiscing about what if.

And yes the likely hood of a high school sweetheart, one still having the same phone number she wrote in a book nearly 20 years previous, and two, being single at the perfect moment you decide to ring are pretty high odds believe me!

In general this is better than the review score average would lead you to believe, it's no classic for sure, but has plenty of chuckle worthy moments amongst the various characters, and it's worth a watch or two for sure!

Which could be a description of the main character ... not. There is quite a bit of suspend of disbelieve here, but there is also quite a bit of realness in it too. The mix is done pretty good and the actors are amazing too. It's nice to see Wynona in a decent role again (if you don't count the short Star Trek thing).

Then again, after watching the TV show Lost, I can't help but seeing those guys everywhere. And there is actually one of them here. I guess he did the movie in-between, as a relaxing exercise. Next for this Dude? Mission Impossible (4), if IMDb has it right on his site. The main actor is not really that engaging, but he does a good job portraying the man he is supposed to be. A decent effort and a movie that will "click" with a few people more than it does with others (no that's not a Lost reference!)