Movie Review of Take Me Home Tonight

Synopsis: Four years after graduation, a video store clerk pretends to be a banker so he can finally be with his high school crush.

Who's in it? Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Dan Fogler and Teresa Palmer.

What I liked about this movie: Ever since she first starred in Scary Movie, I have been a big Anna Faris fan and this was the first time I had a chance to see her in a role that didn't have her playing a total ditz just for laughs. Even though her character was a bit more serious this time, she managed to pull it off beautifully.

The movie also managed to have the things I remember about the 1980s (or at least movies set in the 1980s); great music, elaborate house parties and even a pretty entertaining dance off. Those things managed to keep me interested even when the film was dragging a bit.

What I didn't like about this movie: Is it me, or does Topher Grace play the exact same character every time? Going back to his role on "That 70s Show" he always seems to play some sort of socially awkward character pursuing some girl out of his league. In fact, there were times when I could have sworn it was his Eric Foreman character.

Also, while not completely boring, the overall plot of the movie was pretty predictable. When they steal the car, you know it's only a matter of time before they crash it; just like you know the second he hits it off with his high school crush, it's only a matter of time before she finds out he's lying to her. Granted, the movie did manage to throw in one or two twists that kept me from guessing the exact ending but I was pretty close.

Final Opinion: Because of the music and a couple funny scenes, the movie isn't a complete waste of time. But, it wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be.

My Grade: 3 stars out of a possible 5.