Une soirée d'enfer

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.

This movie started out slowly, but about 20 minutes in really started to kick off.

To start, the plot was way better than what the commercials revealed, and it was just a feel good fun movie.

Although it wasn't non stop laughter through the whole movie, it was great humor and the right times.

We've been spoiled by some comedies lately that have you laughing when you enter til you leave, and the newest movies that are coming out are trying to replicate that and usually fail by going way over the top. For example, the other guys, get him to the Greek.

Take Me Home Tonight went back to just being a simple good comedy that NEVER went over the top. Topher Grace does an awesome job, and Dan Fogler is absolutely hilarious in it. It only gets an 8 because nothing ever gets a 10 and 9's are impossible. I would give it an 8.5 if I could though. Very pleased. Go see it!

"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

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!

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.