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.

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.

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?

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.-

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!