Take Me Home Tonight

Take Me Home Tonight was much better then I thought it was going to be, now don't get me wrong, from seeing the trailers I wanted to see this film and was excited to. The film itself has much the same feel as Superbad, two friends on an epic one night quest and one focusing on "the girl". The film has a great, tight script that stays focused throughout. Topher Grace gives an awesome performance, I really enjoy him as an actor and think he's kind of overlooked. Dan Fogler also gives an awesome performance as the crazy friend. This also has a good amount of heart, especially right when it needs, Anna Faris and Topher Grace give great performances as twins, and the ending won't disappoint, it leaves a very John Hughes feeling at the end, which I think is what they were going for. Now the reason I gave the film an 8 is because it's not an instant classic, for instance American Gangster or The Departed gets a 10/10 for me. Also you might think from the commercials that this is going to be a parody of the 80's. Yeah, everyone wears their crazy 80's clothes and there's ton's of 80's references and a kick ass soundtrack, however if 5 years from now someone were to sit down and not know when the film was released and not recognize any of the actors as being from the late 90's/00's they would definitely think that this was made in the 80's. If they had tried to make this a parody of the 80's it would have been terrible, it would have had more of Wedding Singer feel to it, and I'm glad that that's not what they went for. The fact that it's set in the 80's and everyone is wearing the cloths and their hair like that, it's almost more like a they're saying "this is how people dressed", not "THIS, is how people dressed", that said this was a pretty good movie, if you enjoyed any 80's movie made by John Hughes and more recent films like Superbad, you'll really enjoy "Take Me Home Tonight"

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!

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.

"Matt, take a shot at something, don't think about it too much. Just take the shot." When the girl that Matt (Grace) has had a crush on since high school comes in to the video store where he works he decides its finally his chance to make a move. Matt's best friend and sister decide to help him in any way they can. I enjoyed this, but it wasn't what I expected. Judging by the preview for this I was expecting more of a straight comedy, while this had funny moments, it was a little more dramatic then I expected. This movie was set in the 80's, and I think that was to add a little something different to the over done plot, since the 80's aspect was not really discussed at all. This movie had the feel of a John Hughes movie, and was very fun to watch. Not really anything new, but Topher Grace and Anna Faris are a good pick for brother and sister, and the guy who plays Matt's best friend is really funny and over the top in this. Overall, a really good movie that is fun to watch, but the type of movie that has been done over and over, not usually as good as this one though. I give it a B+.

Would I watch again? - I might.

*Also Try - Sixteen Candles

There was an attempt to follow up That 70s Show with a disastrous and thankfully short lived That 80s Show. This should have been it.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High is the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of the 80s movies about kids in high school/college. Take Me Home Tonight takes it a step forward going for 'what next?'. And it succeeds, while not going too serious and keeping it feel-good in the lines of the aforesaid movies. Topher Grace, one of the co-writers of the story, naturally fits into the character drawing from the perfection with which he fitted Eric Foreman of That 70s Show. You can't help feel this i exactly Eric in the 80s (apart from the fact that the character's apparently an MIT grad). One can't help notice the resemblance of Teressa Palmer to Kristen Stewart, but thankfully, she can act a bit. Rest of the cast fit their roles perfectly, with a huge cry to Chris Pratt and Dan Fogler.

Saw this movie at a free screening (woot!) followed by a Q&A session with Topher and Teressa where Topher said the first thing they did was make a mix-tape of 80s classics and then set on doing the story and henceforth. You totally get that, with some pretty rad soundtrack which brings a smile to all 80s fans.

All in all, went in expecting a no-brainer to get a good relief from the lab-work, got out pretty satisfied and rejuvenated. Sure it still is a no-brainer, but seeing it once in a while will bring a smile to the face. And I'm always up for reruns on headcramped days.