La Mejor Noche De Tu Vida

80s teen/young adult comedies remain so popular that it's natural to think Hollywood would try and mine the genre for nostalgic purposes. Unfortunately most attempts to recapture the spirit of those films have failed.

Unlike many such films, which often lapse into parody, 'Take Me Home Tonight' is clearly made as a loving tribute to the comedies of the era. As a result, it does a better job of recreating the unique spirit and feel of the 80s.

The cast is appealing and clearly game, the script is serviceable and the attention to detail is good despite a few glaring anachronisms. If you're a fan of the genre and you're looking for something fresh, yet familiar, 'Take Me Home Tonight' should suffice.

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.

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!

'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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I saw this at a screening today and I enjoyed the movie.

I thought that all the leads did a good job, especially Topher Grace and Teresa Palmer.

They had some good chemistry, and Topher does a good job of playing an uncomfortable guy at times in the movie... Its fun and engaging, so you don't notice the time passing.

Also, it has an excellent 80s soundtrack, and even a message, which I won't give away so nothing is spoiled.

All in all, a good time will be had by all who go who like these kinds of movies!