A college graduate (Topher Grace, center) chases after the girl of his dreams in this late-1980s-set coming-of-age comedy. (Relativity Media)
'Take Me Home Tonight" screams DVD rental.
You know, for one of those brain-dead nights when you want to see a period coming-of-age romantic comedy that's a whole lot like other period coming-of-age romantic comedies you've already seen, starring some pretty talented people who seem to be having a good enough time making a movie.
Understand: This is not a high school period coming-of-age romantic comedy. It's more mature than that. It's about people who have just graduated from college and apparently missed their coming-of-age high school moments.
The film is also set in the '80s, although it's hard to see why. It doesn't really factor into anything except a few outdated outfits.
Topher Grace (winning as always) stars as Matt Franklin, a graduate of MIT who is aimlessly working in a video store. When he runs into Tori (Teresa Palmer), the girl he secretly pined for in high school, he lies about being a stockbroker, then arranges to meet her at a party later.
Of course, Matt has a wacky, windbag friend (Dan Fogler). For reasons unclear, there is also his older sister (the brilliant but virtually unused Anna Faris from "The House Bunny").
Other talented people pop up throughout the movie, including Lucy Punch (her exact role is indistinct), Michelle Trachtenberg as a punk hottie, Michael Biehn as Matt's cop dad and Chris Pratt as the designated obnoxious rich kid.
Drinking jokes. Sex jokes. Wild antics. Sincere looks. Nothing goes on here that hasn't gone on — and gone on better — in other movies.
Really. Pizza. A bottle of wine. Saturday night with nothing better to do. "Take Me Home Tonight" will cut it. But that's about it.
(313) 222-8879
Review: 'In the House' offers a twisted tale of voyeurism
Review: Gerwig sparkles as a glorious mess in 'Frances Ha'
Review: 'Fast and Furious 6' is dragged down by lousy lines and lazy characters
It is still a man's world, at least in today's Hollywood
Review: 'Black Rock's' not-so-happy campers fight for their lives
Review: 'Kon-Tiki' an inspiring voyage to the endless beyond
Review: Classic villain gives ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ a big boost
Review: ‘The Great Gatsby’ goes big but comes off too cool to connect
Review: ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ falls apart after culture clash
Review: ‘No One Lives’ makes good use of a psycho killer
Summer movies full of high anxiety
Review: 'Iron Man 3' follows the man behind the mask
Review: Robert Redford's ‘The Company You Keep’ is a solid tale of two generations
Review: Brilliant ‘Upstream Color’ paints a bizarre, stirring picture
Review: Stupidity takes seriously wrong turns ‘Pain & Gain’
Join the Conversation
The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.