Take Me Home Tonight (2011) [Review]

"Put a little relish on your hot dog!"

PLOT SYNOPSIS

1988. Matt Franklin has always been afraid of taking risks. Career choices, parties, friends… he’s always opted to play it safe. On this September night, however, all that will change as he and his best friend Barry embark on a journey to rectify his biggest mistake ever: letting Tori Frederking, his high school crush, get away.

REVIEW

Ah, the 1980’s. The decade where the music was playful, the clothes were colorful, and the films were simplistic yet meaningful. It’s no wonder so many people, including myself, are obsessed with the era. Yes, I was born in the 80’s, but I “grew up” during the 90’s; a decade whose contributions to pop culture pale in comparison. There's something magical about the heyday of music videos, video games, and synthesizers that makes all your worries disappear. It’s a unique period in time whose “feel” is near-impossible to recreate, which is why Take Me Home Tonight is worth seeing. It’s as close as you will ever get to reliving it all in today’s day and age. The hair, the shoulder pads, the finger-less gloves, the cars, the music, the neon… it’s all here and lovingly respected. Yes, there are a few moments where items from the future accidentally slip in, such as a song or corporate logo, but they’re few and far between. For the most part, this is a great tribute to the wackiest part of the 20th century.

Now, it must be said that the movie is little bizarre. I’m not talking about the film itself, though. No, its scenes and situations are standard comedic fare and, although a little underwhelming at times, hit the target when needed. What I mean is that you’ll watch the movie, the credits will roll, and you’ll be left with a strange feeling inside. Your mind will immediately think the film was quite average, but, over the next few hours, your heart will slowly overtake those feelings and make you want to watch it again. Your gut will then chime in and tell you that the film can only get better with repeat viewings. It’s difficult to pinpoint what it is about the title that causes this. Is it the feeling that the cast and crew’s love of spandex and keytar rivals the greatest of hair bands’? Or maybe it’s the classic, sure-fire “boy chases girl” plot device? How about the simplicity of its “slice of life” story?

Certainly, the great cast has something to do with the film’s allure. They’re convincing as tweens living it up in 1988 Los Angeles. From the various slang terms to the carefree swagger, you really feel like they were ripped from the annals of time. Topher Grace is perfect as Matt, the lovable, socially awkward guy who only wants to make his father (80’s screen legend Michael Biehn in a criminally underused part) proud. I know he essentially played the same role on That 70’s Show, but it’s a slightly different spin on the archetype, so it works. Anna Farris plays his sister, Wendy, who is a “popular” girl with a “popular” boyfriend, and does a good job of making us feel for her when the need arises. I’ll admit, however, that I found her character’s story arc to be a little superfluous and distracting to the main character’s story. She is essentially a supporting character, and should have been used as such, but for some reason the writers felt she needed her own dilemmas to struggle with and these end up watering down the final act. Also, I’ve got to complain about how plain (no makeup) she looks in this film. Don’t get me wrong, her performance was good and cosmetics wouldn’t change that, but this is supposed to be the 80’s. Women covered themselves in pinks and blues, and teased the crap out of their hair, in order to be cool. It’s hard to convince me she landed a popular jock when she looks like the weirdo chick from The Breakfast Club.

Teresa Palmer (who looks really similar to Kristen Stewart in my opinion) does a great job as Tori, Matt’s love interest. She looks good, delivers her lines with the appropriate amount of cuteness, and, overall, is a great portrayal of the typical 80’s girl. I’d love to comment on her performance more, but there really wasn’t anything else to take in. She was the pretty girl the guy was after, nothing more. Last but not least, we’ve got Dan Fogler. Good ol’ Dan Fogler. As in every film, he plays the lovable, loud-mouthed loser with a weight problem. This time around, though, his character Barry actually gets some development time (where we find out he’s been fired for being too… well, Dan Fogler-like), and he’s a bit more three-dimensional for it. This results in a person we can actually feel somewhat sympathetic towards, and it helps his jokes land more solidly than in his other films. Granted, most will only make you crack a smile, but there are a few guffaw-inducing gags throughout the adventure.

There is one other important character in this movie that I can’t overlook: the music. It’s just as vibrant, alive, and in your face as the human beings on screen, and is single-handedly responsible for immersing the viewer in the 1980’s. Sure, the outfits and hair are great, but visuals aren't enough when the modern cinematography risks reminding viewers they’re watching a 21st century film. The music, however, has no competition and takes center stage every time a classic from Men with Hats, Wang Chung, or Duran Duran is heard. The song selection is so incredibly vast that you can tell the crew lovingly handpicked their favorite nostalgic tunes for this. You can also tell they had a lot of favorites, because there’s always something playing in the background. It’s perfect. You couldn't ask for a better soundtrack. The only gripe I have with it: where the hell is Eddie Money’s Take Me Home Tonight? It’s the TITLE OF THE FREAKING MOVIE. It was in the trailer… why isn’t it here? Would’ve been perfect for the title or end sequences!

As a film, Take Me Home Tonight is quite average. It isn’t overly funny, the characters are pretty cookie-cutter, and the plot seems recycled. As an experience, however, it’s an undeniably fun love letter to the 1980’s that will lift your spirits and leave you smiling. It exudes charm and has a certain je ne sais quoi that will make you return for repeat viewings. If anything, it will make you whip out those old Devo records and seek out your copy of Weird Science. Anything that can do that must be a good thing, right?

SUMMARY

A lighthearted comedy that succeeds not only in recreating the 1980’s look and feel, but also the feel-good vibe the era’s films are known for.

VERDICT

GOOD

PROS

Recreates the 1980’s very well (not perfectly, mind you)
Topher Grace is perfect as the lovable, socially awkward guy
Dan Fogler doesn’t flat out suck in this film! I actually laughed at some of his stuff!
Feels very close to an actual 80’s tween comedy
Michael Biehn. ‘Nuff said.
Great 80's pop soundtrack

CONS

Teresa Palmer looks (and acts) a lot like Kristen Stewart. It’s a little unsettling.
The plot is very by-the-numbers
Anna Farris’ character felt useless
Anna Farris’ character is supposed to be popular, but her look screams “plain jane nerd”
The film is set in 1988, but observant folks will notice items and logos from the future. Most people won’t care, but it might be a deal breaker for some.

YOU'LL ENJOY THIS IF

You're in the mood for a simple movie. You just got home from work and you don't want anything complicated! Using your brain sounds like a bad idea right now.
You like 80’s films. This is clearly a love letter to the decade and its tween films.
You like romantic comedies. It isn’t a full-blown romcom, but the whole thing ends up being a “quest for love”. Expect many “awwwwwww” moments.
You like 80’s music. Goes without saying.
You like your lighthearted comedies to have a slightly raunchy side. Boobs are shown and genitals are referenced. Oh, and lots of swearing.