Stay Cool

Being a Winona Ryder fan, I saw this listed in her credits but had never heard of it. A cute concept for a movie is destroyed by a non-charismatic, lifeless and dull performance by Mark Polish. DULL! And when he speaks you can't even hear him! The actors around him (Winona, Hilary Duff, Sean Astin) are hilarious but can't save the movie. Hilary is a little too old now to play the High School dreamboat, but she pulls if off anyway. Too bad it's a bore, because the film has nice production values and decent writing. Who knows what really happens when a movie is made, but I'm sure Polish's lack of anything other than arriving on the set is the reason this wound up in Red Box and Netflix without ever being in theatres.

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.-

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.

I rented this movie with on the expectation that it might be an intelligent comedy with some good actors. Unfortunately it turned out to be badly written garbage. And what is it with this North American obsessions with high school?! If you're 15 and you're obsessed with high school that's... I guess kind of normal, especially if you're of limited mental capacity and rather self-obsessed. But if you're 40 and you're still obsessed with high school, then I'm sorry, but there's something seriously wrong with you! The point of high school is to help young people connect with their own abilities, and to help make them aware of aspects of the world beyond their immediate existence. The point of high school is NOT to serve as a paradigm for the rest of the students' lives. And, as I say, if you're well into the middle years of your life, and you still are mainly focused on self-image and relationship issues left over from high school, then you seriously need to do something about your problems. And DON'T watch this stupid movie.

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!