The whole obsession with the ‘80s has never really appealed to me, especially in the context of a movie that takes the most memorable aspects from the decade and selectively forgets the rest. Take Me Home Tonight does that, selecting the songs and fashions that stand up the best in 2011. Luckily the film resolves to accomplish more than ‘80s clichés and develops some characters well. Topher Grace stars as a college graduate afraid to commit to a career. When he runs into his high school crush (Teresa Palmer), he lies about his job in order to impress her. A big Labor Day party provides the backdrop of an impromptu four-year reunion, where the former classmates get together and try to impress.
The bulk of the film is at the party with all the stereotypical class splits present, jock, nerd, prom queen etc. The generic party moments weaken the character development and create a general lull in pace. Take Me Home just can’t get away from the clichés. But once the script gets past establishing the party, the characters develop into mostly likeable and funny players. In addition to Grace and Palmer, Anna Faris and Dan Fogler each give one of their funniest performances and Chris Pratt contributes, as well.
After his flat performance in Spiderman 3, many critics questioned Grace’s ability to carry a movie. The risk was never taken in an action blockbuster setting, but he handles this campy comedy with ease. In order to prevent him from partaking in any of the ridiculous material, he is teamed with Fogler, who plays his best friend. But did Fogler’s character need to be on drugs the whole movie? No, in fact I thought it hurt the performance. Not only did he have to attempt to be funny, he had to simulate the effects of cocaine. I guess the writer thought there might as well be another party movie cliché in there for good measure. (7.5 out of 10)
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