Stay Cool

Henry (Mark Polish, who also wrote this movie) was a shy geek in high school. Now, many years after he left his small city, he's a mildly famous author. His most recent novel chronicled his own teen years, thinly disguised, especially his love for a fellow student, Scarlet (Winona Ryder). Quite unexpectedly, Henry finds himself traveling back to his roots when the current high principal (Chevy Chase) asks him to speak at the latest class graduation. No matter that HE doesn't even remember Hank, head educator wants FAMOUS. Reluctantly, Henry agrees to do it. But, all his old horrors come rushing back. First, his parents treat him like he's still a kid, needing to know where he's going and what time the car will be returned. Then, his old, grouchy English teacher (Frances Bay) insists on seeing Henry's speech beforehand, so she can evaluate it. Next, one of his oldest pals (Sean Astin) has come out of the closet and runs the local hair salon. Finally, Scarlet is now a pharmacist, beautiful still, but going through a messy divorce from the bully who used to make Hank's life miserable. Yet, will anything truly stop Henry from trying, once and for all, to get close to Scarlet? Even as a darling senior (Hillary Duff) makes a play for Henry, too? This pleasant film will please romcom fans; its totally cool for this crowd. But, it apes other films such as Romy and Michelle or any comedy about class reunions. From what I understand, the Polish brothers, one writes, one directs, have made some unique movies, beginning with Twin Falls Idaho and going on to The Astronaut Farmer. However, this one, despite its small charms, great cast, nice scenery, lovely costumes, polished script, and worthy direction is nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps the Polishes wanted to do something more "normal" this time around. And, they should be commended for joining forces to write, direct, and act in their own films. Yet, unless you truly like romantic comedies, this movie is probably not their definitive collaboration.

There was very little to like about this movie. The two biggest problems were the main character, who had zero charisma, and the cringy relationship between a 37 year old man and an 18 year old high school student.

Mark Polish might be a fine actor, although I can't think of anything he's done that I remember seeing. But in this movie he was dull. I didn't feel anything for his character and I honestly couldn't care about him or his problems. His performance was the acting equivalent of watching grass grow.

The second problem was his relationship with Hillary Duff's character. First of all, why was he hanging out at the high school every day? He was just there to give the commencement speech. Does that require you to go to class when you graduated 20 years ago? Anyway, the whole "high school girl falls for an inappropriate older man" could have been entertaining and funny. Instead, even though he never acted on it, you get the feeling that he would have been happy to, if he wasn't worried about the scandal. The whole thing was creepy!

Winona Ryder was pretty bad as well, and Sean Aston's take on a gay character was far from Oscar worthy. In fact, nearly the entire cast was uninspiring, which is sad because this movie had some well known actors.

I would have rated this a 1 star movie, except that Hillary Duff actually did a good job. Her character stole the show. The music was also good, but there's no way I could give this turd more than 3 stars!

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.

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.-

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.