Take Me Home Tonight

Before transforming the universe with 'Star Wars,' George Lucas gave us 'American Graffiti,' which was a slice-of-life about high school kids in the early 60s. With its famous tagline, "Where Were You in '62?" the flick was all about the sights, sounds, attitudes and music of the 1960s, pre-American involvement in Vietnam. The audience that made the film a hit was largely made up of those who grew up in the 60s, faced a crushing Vietnam war era and the domestic hardships that followed, and longed for those simpler times, when Wolfman Jack provided a running commentary on the night while young guys went cruising.

'Take Me Home Tonight' looks to be trying to cash in on the children of the 80s in a similar, though less-profound (and committed) way.

Picking up the mantle where 'Hot Tub Time Machine' and 'The Wedding Singer' left off, 'Tonght' is about a young man played by Topher Grace trying to get the girl of his dreams to fall in love with him, a plan which is summed up by Anna Faris in the trailer's single funniest line.

I'd also like to point out that Topher Grace was the star of 'That 70s Show' which says to me that the poor guy is simply built for a generation passed.

Not that this is a problem, as his comic timing appears to still be in perfect shape. The rest of the cast around him mostly works, as well. Anna Faris can make lemons out of lemonade like no one's business, and Dan Fogler (whose only other recognizable role was in the little-seen 'Fanboys') more-or-less works as the chubby, horny friend who will go to great lengths to receive female attention. You've seen the type. I guess he works it as well as any of them do.

Clearly the 80s love is there in the music ('Straight Outta Compton') the world (Grace works at Suncoast) and in the details (1980's James Cameron-staple Michael Biehn plays Grace's disapproving father).

But despite the cast and the obvious affection for the 80s, the trailer middles, interested more in showing off (kinda) funny set-pieces rather than any real sense of story. At one point, Grace mentions to his female love interest that he has hit rock bottom. How, exactly? Can we get a substantial hint? Something to compel us into seeing the movie?

I also noted that while the title card reports that the film takes place in 1988, at one point the film 'Twins' can be seen on video over Grace's shoulder at Suncoast. This would be cute except that 'Twins' was released in December of 1988, and if you recall the days of early home video, was likely a good 6-8 months away from being on shelves to take home.

Details like that, combined with the wandering trailer make me sad, for I fear the final product will not only fall short on story, but also on truly inhabiting the world of the 80s, thus effectively killing either reason to be interested.

Grace and Faris make me laugh, and look like they will be funny here. And I always like seeing Michael Biehn get work, but based on what is on display here, I have to say this gets no higher than "Maybe on TNT."