Stay Cool (2009)

An author who returns to his hometown to deliver a commencement address to a class of graduating high school students has to deal with his feelings for an old flame as well as the advances of a student who has the hots for him.

Director:

Michael Polish

Writer:

Mark Polish

Stars:

Winona Ryder, Mark Polish, Sean Astin

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Winona Ryder	...	Scarlet Smith
Mark Polish	...	Henry McCarthy
Sean Astin	...	Big Girl
Hilary Duff	...	Shasta O'Neil
Josh Holloway	...	Wino
Jon Cryer	...	Javier
Chevy Chase	...	Principal Marshall
Jessica St. Clair	...	Darcy Portola
Frances Conroy	...	Mrs. Leuchtenberger
Marc Blucas	...	Brad Nelson
Joanna Cassidy	...	Mrs. Smith
Dee Wallace	...	Mrs. McCarthy
Michael Gross	...	Mr. McCarthy
Ken Johnson	...	Mr. O'Neil
Jessica Schatz	...	Mrs. O'Neil

Storyline

The film centers on a successful author who is forced to confront an unrequited high school crush when he returns home to deliver a commencement address to graduating seniors. Shasta O'Neil, a sexy high school senior flirts with the visiting author and invites him to the prom. The film is described as a "knowing-your-age comedy".

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Taglines:

Shoulda. Coulda. Woulda.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, language including some drug references, and for some underage drinking

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 September 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

E Se o Amor Acontece...

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$4,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Initiate Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the opening narration, the writer refers to past acquaintances by category. He refers to "...soon to be out of the closet gay guys" as the picture focuses on a high school photo of a "Phil Morris". Phil Morris is the name of Steven Russell's (Jim Carrey) male love interest & titular character in "I Love You Philip Morris".

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Quotes

Scarlet Smith: I think I've made just as bad every bad decision if there is to make, every.
Henry McCarthy: We don't stop making them. You're gonna making one a minute from now that's gonna affect you life. The minute you start realizing that every decision, as amount to something, then we'll have to start making them to count.

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Connections

References A Clockwork Orange (1971)

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Soundtracks

"Everybody Have Fun Tonight"
Written by Nick Feldman Peter Wolf and Jeremy Rider
Performed by Nina Storey
Produced by Ryan Franks and Scott Nickoley

User Reviews

Could be cool but it isn't

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.-