Chris Pratt

Film Review: Channing Tatum’s ‘10 Years’ Resuscitates High School For 50 Worthwhile Minutes

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 17:11:40 -0400

CHICAGO – “10 Years” unintentionally backfires by proving that a real-life Hollywood couple – Channing Tatum and his actual spouse of three years Jenna Dewan-Tatum – has less on-screen chemistry than two actors who’ve practically never met.

Rating: 2.5/5.0

Attempting to capitalize on everything we loved, hated and have certainly never forgotten about high school, “10 Years” is a somewhat effective blast to the past that mixes the seemingly authentic moments of various intersecting characters with forced attempts at overly obvious Hollywood screenwriting.

Exploiting nostalgia as its primary sales tool and Channing Tatum as its linchpin casting credit, I watched the progression of some of the characters and their stories indifferently. For others, my life would have been improved without them and the film would have benefited by cutting the bloat they added to the project.

Read Adam Fendelman’s full review of “10 Years”.

But there was one and only one bewitching story – with actual enchantment and intrigue – that I felt like I had to watch. It wasn’t co-leads Channing Tatum (Jake) and Rosario Dawson (Mary). Their characters have moved on to other people since a flame that lasted throughout high school. And it wasn’t even Jake with his real-life wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum (Jess), who played his current lover.

Instead, anyone attempting courtship should have emulated the romance between Kate Mara (Elise) and Oscar Isaac (Reeves). Their backstory was never even realized and, of course, is propelled with titillation because its undertone is infidelity. They’re the only two you actually root for in this film and grow to care about – all while their affair is the most unethical of all.

“10 Years,” which opened on Sept. 21, 2012 in Chicago from Anchor Bay Entertainment and the producers of “Magic Mike,” stars Channing Tatum, Rosario Dawson, Chris Pratt, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Justin Long, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac, Ari Graynor, Daniel Scott Lumpkin Jr., Lily Lumpkin, Scott Porter, Eiko Nijo, Mike Miller, Brian Geraghty, Aubrey Plaza and Kelly Noonan from writer and director Jamie Linden. The film, which has a running time of 100 minutes, is rated “PG-13” for language, alcohol abuse, some sexual material and drug use.

Continue for Adam Fendelman’s full “10 Years” review.

From top left to lower right, “10 Years” high school pictures:
Channing Tatum, Rosario Dawson, Justin Long, Kate Mara, Chris Pratt and Ari Graynor.
Image credit: Anchor Bay Films

Continue for Adam Fendelman’s full “10 Years” review.

Blu-ray Review: Jason Segel, Emily Blunt in Fun ‘The Five-Year Engagement’

BrianTT — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:58:22 -0400

CHICAGO – There’s a great movie buried in the bloated “The Five-Year Engagement,” a comedy that nearly feels like a rough cut at a ridiculous 125 minutes in its theatrical form or 132 minutes in its unrated version. The stars are incredibly charismatic and I like a lot of what Jason Segel & Nicholas Stoller are trying to do with their tale of how life sometimes gets in the way of love but the movie is just too long, making it merely good despite having greatness within.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

The Blu-ray release of “The Five-Year Engagement” is impressive, as are most releases of Apatow comedies in the HD age. Not only does it feature an unrated version but it also offers fans a way to watch the movie on DVD and Ultraviolet (or other digital options). There are deleted scenes, extended scenes, alternate jokes, featurettes, and even a commentary track. It’s one of the most impressive Blu-ray releases for a comedy all year.

As for the movie, the cast is spectacular. Segel has never been this likable or this dramatically engaging. Emily Blunt is one of the most charismatic and charming actresses alive. As a Thursday night NBC comedy fan, I love seeing Alison Brie (“Community”) and Chris Pratt (“Parks and Recreation”) in sizable roles. And there are very funny and even dramatically interesting scenes in “Engagement” that other comedy writers would never even consider. I just wish someone would edit these Apatow comedies, which seem to be getting longer and longer. Given the amazing running time, it’s almost impressive that this is still a good comedy. I just wish it had been a great one.

The Five-Year Engagement was released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 4, 2012
Photo credit: Universal

Synopsis:
From the producer of Bridesmaids and the director of Forgetting Sarah Marshall comes an irreverent comedy about an engaged couple who keep getting tripped up on their long walk down the aisle. Tom (Jason Segel) and Violet (Emily Blunt) seem destined to live happily ever after, but as one hysterical delay follows another, everyone starts to wonder: can they survive the engagement? Co-starring Chris Pratt, Alison Brie, Rhys Ifans, Kevin Hart and Mindy Kaling, The Five-Year Engagement “slaps a goofy smile on your face and keeps it there!” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone)

Click here to buy “The Five-Year Engagement”

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Extended & Alternate Scenes
o Gag Reel
o Line-O-Rama
o The Making Of: The Five-Year Engagement
o Feature Commentary With Filmmakers And Cast

“The Five-Year Engagement” stars Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Chris Pratt, Alison Brie, and Rhys Ifans. It was written by Segel & Nicholas Stoller and directed by Stoller. It was released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 4, 2012.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 40 Pairs of ‘10 Years’ Tix With Channing Tatum From ‘Magic Mike’ Makers

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 21:26:27 -0400

CHICAGO – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 40 pairs of movie passes up for grabs to the advance screening of the new ensemble comedy “10 Years” with Channing Tatum and Rosario Dawson!

“10 Years,” which opens on Sept. 21, 2012 in Chicago from Anchor Bay Entertainment and the producers of “Magic Mike,” also stars Chris Pratt, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Justin Long, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac, Ari Graynor, Daniel Scott Lumpkin Jr., Lily Lumpkin, Scott Porter, Eiko Nijo, Mike Miller, Brian Geraghty, Aubrey Plaza and Kelly Noonan from writer and director Jamie Linden.

To win your free movie passes to “10 Years” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our unique Hookup technology directly below. That’s it! This screening is on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning!

Before entering, make sure you allow pop-ups.
If viewing this on your phone, click “Go to Full Site” at the bottom of the page to enter.
Deadline: Entries can continue being submitted through Monday, Sept. 17, 2012
at 5 p.m. CST. These Hookup winners will be awarded via e-mail that night.
If necessary: To see your entry count on a repeat visit, submit your name and e-mail again.

Here is the synopsis for “10 Years”:

In the ensemble comedy “10 Years,” we follow a group of friends on the night of their high school reunion who – a decade later – still haven’t quite grown up.

Channing Tatum plays Jake – who is deeply in love with his girlfriend (Jenna Dewan-Tatum) and ready to propose – until he runs into his high school flame (Rosario Dawson) for the first time in years. Jake’s friend, Cully (played by funnyman Chris Pratt), married his cheerleader girlfriend (Ari Graynor). Cully has been looking forward to the reunion so he can finally apologize to all the classmates he bullied in high school.

However, after a few too many drinks, the jock-turned-family man ends up reverting back to his old ways. Meanwhile, longtime rivals Marty (Justin Long) and A.J.(Max Minghella) spend the night picking up right where they left off: vying to impress the hottest girl in class (Lynn Collins). The famous one of the group, Reeves (Oscar Isaac), is now a rock star, but is still too shy to talk to his high school crush (Kate Mara).

Written and directed by Jamie Linden and produced by Channing Tatum, “10 Years” also stars Brian Geraghty, Ron Livingston, Anthony Mackie, Aubrey Plaza and Scott Porter.

The movie poster for “10 Years” starring Channing Tatum, Rosario Dawson and Chris Pratt.
Image credit: Anchor Bay Entertainment

The movie trailer for “10 Years” can be watched now below.

This HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple! Just get interactive in our unique Hookup technology above. We will award 40 admit-two movie tickets based on social entry numbers and/or randomly via e-mail for our “10 Years” Hookup. Good luck!

Disclaimer
Winners need to arrive early as seats are consumed on a first-come, first-served basis. Since showings are overbooked to ensure a full house, winners are not guaranteed entrance and must arrive early. We recommend arriving 45 minutes before the showing’s scheduled start time. HollywoodChicago.com LLC is a promotional partner with the studio and its partners and doesn’t assume any liability for this giveaway. Note: Comments are closed in this Hookup.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Film Review: Darkly Comic Jason Segel in ‘The Five-Year Engagement’

PatrickMcD — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:35:38 -0400

CHICAGO – There are some major laughs in “The Five-Year Engagement,” good old fashion you-can’t-breathe laughs. But is it also dark and serious at times, and makes some surprising contemporary statements regarding coupling. Jason Segel and Emily Blunt portray the engaged couple.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Although it has some uneven moments, and is apt to go into the Judd Apatow “dirty laugh” mode (he’s the producer), “The Five-Year Engagement” succeeds because it was unafraid to explore what modern couples go through in setting up – and settling – on the monster decision that is called marriage. It’s about dealing with the other person that will be standing next to you at the ceremony, rather than the trappings of preparing the ceremony itself, which was again surprising considering the title. Jason Segal co-wrote the script with director Nicholas Stoller (“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), and they were unafraid to take it into black comedy territory.

Tom (Jason Segel) and Violet (Emily Blunt) live in San Francisco, and have been dating exactly one year, having met on New Year’s Eve. As they are driving to a party and celebrating that exact anniversary, Tom makes the marriage proposal to Violet, and she accepts. This brings their two families together, which includes Tom’s busybody Dad and Mom (David Paymer and Mimi Kennedy), Violet’s British roots in her divorced parents (Jim Piddock and Jacki Weaver), her wild-eyed sister Suzie (Alison Brie) and Tom’s co-worker and best friend Alex (Chris Pratt). The engagement party includes the emotionally inappropriate toasts, and the couple is on their way.

Or are they? Alex and Suzie hook up at the engagement party, and an unexpected pregnancy gets them married before Tom and Violet. Another wrench is thrown when Violet gets into a desired graduate program in Michigan, and the couple decides to move there and delay the marriage even longer. Tom was an up-and-coming chef in San Francisco, and is forced to take a lower position in Ann Arbor. These circumstances, plus Violet’s work with the head of her graduate program (Rhys Ifan) begin a downward spiral that not only lengthens the process of engagement, but threatens the couple themselves.

“he Five-Year Engagement” opens everywhere on April 27th. Featuring Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Chris Pratt, Alison Brie, Jacki Weaver, Jim Piddock, David Paymer, Mimi Kennedy, Rhys Ifan, Brian Posehn and Chris Parnell. Screenplay by Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller. Directed by Nicholas Stoller. Rated “R”

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Five-Year Engagement”

The Happy Couple: Jason Segel (Tom) and Emily Blunt (Violet) in ‘The Five-Year Engagement’
Photo credit: Glen Wilson for © 2012 Universal Studios

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “The Five-Year Engagement”

Film Review: Anna Faris Falls Flat in Awful ‘What’s Your Number?’

BrianTT — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:17:34 -0400

Rating: 1.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Why can’t anyone figure out how to use Anna Faris effectively? She’s got some of the best comic timing of any actress working today but she can’t find a good script in which to display it. Take her latest venture, the misogynistic, creepy, and just BAD “What’s Your Number?,” a pale excuse for a chick flick that should look even more ghostly in light of the similarly-themed and far-superior “Bridesmaids” earlier this year.

Opening with a nearly-identical scene to the start of “Bridesmaids,” “What’s Your Number?” is another tale of a woman trying to figure out her dating life in light of the impending marriage of someone close to her. In the Wiig film, it was her best friend. Here, the horribly-named Ally Darling (Faris) is shaken up by the nuptial planning for her sister Daisy (Ari Graynor) – yes, her name is Daisy Darling. And that’s one of the funnier things about the movie.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “What’s Your Number?” in our reviews section.

Not only is Daisy getting married, but Ally gets a few more shocks to the system when she’s fired (and later sleeps with her boss played with smarm by the more-talented-than-this Joel McHale) and learns that the average woman has 10.5 sexual partners in her lifetime. Ally does some math and determines that she’s had 20. She first “proclamates” that the next guy she sleeps with will be her husband but then sets an even-better plan in motion when she decides to go back through the 20 and see if she didn’t let Mr. Right get away already. With the help of a cop’s son named Colin (Chris Evans), Ally begins to track down all her former lovers. Of course, Mr. Right happens to be right next door. Duh.

Everyone in “What’s Your Number?” is more talented than the awful script by Gabrielle Allan & Jennifer Crittenden allows them to be here. It’s sad to see actors and actresses as talented as Blythe Danner, Graynor, McHale, Chris Pratt, Martin Freeman, Anthony Mackie, and even Andy Samberg in roles where they doing nothing but fall flat. With the one-scene, cameo-driven nature of most of the film, it’s like watching an all-star stand-up night where each supporting actor is given five minutes and every single one of them bombs. It just gets depressing. “Ooh, Chris Pratt, I like him. Too bad.” “Yeah, Martin Freeman. Dammit.” “Anthony Mackie rules. Awwww f**k.” The structure of the movie forces it to be not unlike Ally’s sex life – a string of disappointments.

Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “What’s Your Number?” review.

“What’s Your Number?” stars Anna Faris, Chris Evans, Ari Graynor, Blythe Danner, Joel McHale, Chris Pratt, Martin Freeman, Anthony Mackie, Andy Samberg, and Eliza Coupe. It was written by Gabrielle Allan & Jennifer Crittenden and directed by Mark Mylod. It opens on September 30th, 2011 and is rated R.

What’s Your Number?
Photo credit: Fox

TV Review: ‘Parks and Recreation’ Makes Case For Best Comedy

BrianTT — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:58:23 -0400

CHICAGO – “Modern Family” may have just won the Emmy and “Louie” & “Curb Your Enthusiasm” both had very strong summer outings, but the fourth-season premiere of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” (and the equally-hysterical episode that follows it) makes the case that the Amy Poehler vehicle is the best comedy on television right now. With incredibly smart writing and increasingly impressive performances from the entire ensemble, “Parks and Rec” just keeps getting funnier.

TV Rating: 5.0/5.0

The new season picks up right where the last one left off with Leslie Knope (Poehler) mulling a decision to run for office and what that would do to her relationship with Ben (Adam Scott). Meanwhile, Tom (Aziz Ansari) has quit to form his own company, Entertainment 720, with Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz), and a recently-singed Ron (Nick Offerman) is in crisis mode after learning of the return of his ex-wife Tammy 1 (not Tammy 2, as played by Megan Mullally, but Ron’s first ex-wife Tammy, played beautifully by Patricia Clarkson, mostly in episode 2).

Parks and Recreation
Photo credit: NBC

Naturally, the season premiere of “Parks and Recreation” ties up loose ends and answers key questions. Will Leslie run for office? Will she have to break up with Ben to do so? How is Tom doing on his own? How quickly can Ron grow facial hair back? Unlike a lot of comedies, the writers of “Parks and Recreation” don’t waste any time transitioning from last season into this one with a beautifully-crafted 22 minutes that serves as a bridge between the seasons for hardcore fans but is also hysterically funny on its own.

Parks and Recreation
Photo credit: NBC

As Leslie deals with the immediate decision of choosing a career she’s always wanted or staying with a man with whom she seems to be falling in love, the entire Pawnee government gets e-mailed and/or texted a picture of a penis. Where a lot of writers would have gone for easy jokes, the penis-text plotline and how it plays out, especially for Ann (Rashida Jones), is incredibly funny. Its development is one of the smarter sitcom subplots of the year.

Finally, there’s Andy (Chris Pratt) and April (Aubrey Plaza), two characters who have been in the forefront recently through their growing relationship but take a bit more of a back seat in the first two episodes of the new season. That’s not to say they’re not great and there’s a major development for Andy when Tom offers him a job at Entertainment 720. Rob Lowe’s Chris Traeger doesn’t play that major a role in the premiere but gets some incredible moments filming a P.S.A. in episode two.

This cast just continues to get better and better with each passing season. There have been growing pains for “Parks and Recreation.” It started out as a bit too much of a clone of “The Office.” Jones and now-gone Paul Schneider looked uncomfortable. Poehler played her character too broadly. But last year marked a major turning point for the show, one that just got more and more confident as it went along. Now, it’s one of those rare programs in which there is not a weak link. I always say that a show like “Parks and Recreation” is only as good as its weakest supporting cast member and “Parks and Recreation” is perfect from top to bottom.

Offerman has garnered most of the supporting actor praise (and Emmy snub tweets) but the entire ensemble simply rules. And, as they get more comfortable in the shoes of these characters, they seem to be making each other better. The first two episodes of this season feature some of the best comic timing you’ll see on TV all year. Let’s hope they can continue this hot streak through December. If they do, there will be no debate as to what comedy is the best one on TV.

“Parks and Recreation” returns for a fourth season on Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 at 7:30pm CST on NBC. It stars Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, and Rob Lowe.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

DVD Review: NBC’s ‘Parks and Recreation’ is Best Comedy of 2011

BrianTT — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:30:05 -0400

CHICAGO – There’s quite a race for the best comedy of the year and I suspect that “Modern Family” will take the Emmy at Sunday’s awards (which we’ll get into more in-depth with a predictions feature later in the week), but the winner by a nose for this critic is NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” a show that just got better episode by episode as its brilliant third season progressed. See for yourself with the recently-released DVD from Universal.

Television Rating: 5.0/5.0

“Parks and Recreation” is the perfect example of why shows should be given time to grow. At its start, the program seemed to influenced by “The Office” and focused on elements that have been almost entirely discarded now including Leslie’s (Amy Poehler) relationship with the now-gone Paul Schneider and some generally dopey behavior on the part of our female lead. The writers retooled at the end of season two, bringing in the great Adam Scott and Rob Lowe and recognizing that Poehler was a more effective comedienne when she wasn’t playing stupid. Leslie turned into a more likable, believable character and Poehler gave the best lead comedy actress performance of the year.

Parks and Recreation
Photo credit: Universal

The entire ensemble, arguably the best on TV, upped their game with the retooling and the new cast additions. Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Aziz Ansari, Chris Pratt, Rashida Jones — this is a great group of talented comedians and they constantly found a way to keep it fresh this year. This is one those comedies that gets better and better the more you spend time with its characters. And its repeat value is insanely high, which means its a perfect program for DVD.

I wish the program was available on Blu-ray (all current shows should be available in the same HD quality in which most fans are watching it) but the DVD set from Universal is still pretty respectable with 3 extended episodes and a ton of special features, including commentaries and deleted scenes.

I doubt that “Parks and Recreation” will be an Emmy contender on Sunday. This was its first year invited to the party in a major way and there are nominees I expect to just beat it out in the big categories (and a lack of a single supporting nomination hints at a lack of general support). That will change. Within a year or two, multiple supporting cast members of this program will be nominated and it will be a solid contender for Best Comedy. “Parks and Recreation” just keeps getting better. Get on the bandwagon now.

Special Features:
o 3 Extended Episodes!
o Deleted Scenes
o Gag Reel
o Li’l Sebastian Tribute
o And More!

“Parks and Recreation: Season Three” stars Amy Poehler, Rob Lowe, Adam Scott, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Pratt. It was released on DVD on September 6th, 2011.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ Features String of Bad Decisions

BrianTT — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:14:01 -0400

CHICAGO – Most comedies feature a few key decisions or even just a few moments where you, the viewer, know someone made the wrong choice. Whether it’s something as small as thinking that a punchline works when it doesn’t or something major like the wrong casting decision, modern movie goers are smart enough to tell when they’re watching something dumb. “Take Me Home Tonight,” recently released on Blu-ray and DVD is very, VERY dumb.

Blu-Ray Rating: 1.0/5.0

Synopsis:
“A talented ensemble cast delivers laugh-out-loud performances in this “fun nostalgia trip” (Richard Roeper). When Matt Franklin’s (Topher Grace) high-school crush Tori (Teresa Palmer) shows up at his dead-end mall job, he and his buddy Barry (Dan Fogler) devise a wild scheme for Matt to finally win the girl of his dreams. But only time will tell if Matt can seduce this gorgeous goddess at a wild party and survive an outrageous night of seduction, destruction and debauchery. Take this hilarious comedy home tonight!”

On paper, this thing feels like it should work. But movies don’t exist on paper. So, while you can have the best cast, a great nostalgic concept, a killer soundtrack, and a fun premise, you need to make decisions along the way and almost all of the ones surrounding “Take Me Home Tonight” were bad ones. Let’s start with the casting — Topher Grace (generally likable but boring here), Dan Fogler (straight-up obnoxious in nearly everything but worse here than ever before), Anna Faris (perhaps the best comic timing of her generation given NO CHANCE to show it in a thankless role), Lucy Punch (again, too good for the part), Chris Pratt (ditto), and Teresa Palmer (cute girl, zero chemistry with the male lead. Not one of them feels right.

Take Me Home Tonight was released on Blu-ray and DVD on July 19th, 2011
Photo credit: Fox

Bad casting decisions are only half the problem. The idea to make an ’80s “John Hughes movie” twenty-five years later isn’t a bad one but Hughes never made a movie this empty. First, pushing for the R-rating with profanity, heavy drug use, and nudity immediately takes it out of that Hughes world and makes it feel closer to the “Porky’s” rip-offs that went straight-to-video in the early days of VHS. Second, Hughes and his best colleagues knew that character mattered above all else and the characters here simply aren’t interesting. They’re either dull (Grace, Palmer) or trying too hard (Fogler, Pratt, Punch).

But the most important problem with “Take Me Home Tonight” is a simple one — it’s not funny. The worst decision was to green-light a script about one crazy night that really isn’t all that crazy. Sure, there’s a stolen car, a bunch of cocaine, and a bizarre sex scene with Angie Everhart, but it all feels more forced than truly, enjoyably over-the-top. “Take Me Home Tonight” feels much longer than its running time. By the time the sun has come up on this all-nighter, you’ll wish you had stayed home yourself.

Special Features:
o 7 Deleted Scenes
o Cast Get-Together
o Music Boombox
o Take Me Home Tonight Music Video
o Theatrical Trailer & TV Spots
o Digital Copy

“Take Me Home Tonight” stars Topher Grace, Teresa Palmer, Dan Fogler, Anna Faris, Demetri Martin, Lucy Punch, Michael Ian Black, and Chris Pratt. It was released on Blu-ray and DVD on July 19th, 2011.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Film Review: Topher Grace Goes to 1980s in ‘Take Me Home Tonight’

PatrickMcD — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:30:05 -0500

CHICAGO – Nostalgia films need a couple of elements to make them work. First, instant recognition with the era, and second, a reason to go there. “Take Me Home Tonight” lacks both characteristics, and lead actor Topher Grace can’t seem to light a fire under the rest of it.

Rating: 2.5/5.0

This film is set in the late 1980s, although the timeline is quite vague. As in most look-back scenarios, there are a parade of fashions from the era, conveniently set up in a big party scene. Even though the costumes and the soundtrack kept telling us it’s the ‘80s, it never felt that way, and the romantic comedy narrative could have been set in last week.

Topher Grace portrays Matt Franklin, a nebbish post-college graduate still pining for Tori (Teresa Palmer), his high school crush. Despite the background that he is a whip-smart MIT engineering graduate, he still lives with his parents and works at the local video store. As fate would have it, his lost love enters the store, and he proceeds to woo her with an elaborate lie. He tells her he works for Goldman Sachs, an investment banker, the same industry she is in. She then asks him to the Big Party, where he’ll have to keep the subterfuge going.

Meanwhile, Matt’s best friend Barry (Dan Folger) has been fired from his car salesman job, and laments with Matt and his sister Wendy (Anna Faris). They come up with a plan to steal a Mercedes from the car lot, to give Matt further credibility as a financial player. The heist goes off, and Matt pulls up to the Big Party in grand style. Wendy’s boyfriend Kyle (Chris Pratt) is throwing the bash, and even plans to pop the question that very night.

Matt does hook up with Tori at the party, and even goes with her to a fancier gathering with important financial people in attendance, including an actual Goldman Sachs employee (Demetri Martin). With reputation and romance on the line, Matt will take on all challenges thrown at him – including a giant steel ball – to prove that he is worthy of his one true love.

“Take Me Home Tonight” opens everywhere March 4th. Featuring Topher Grace, Dan Folger, Teresa Palmer, Demetri Martin, Chris Pratt and Anna Faris. Story by Topher Grace and Gordon Kaywin, screenplay by Jackie Filgo and Jeff Filgo, directed by Michael Dowse. Rated “R”

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Take Me Home Tonight”

Rewind: Topher Grace (Matt) and Teresa Palmer (Tori) in ‘Take Me Home Tonight’
Photo credit: Ron Batzdorff for © Relativity Media

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Take Me Home Tonight”

TV Review: Save This Show! ‘Parks and Recreation’ Seeks a Second Chance

BrianTT — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:26:02 -0500

CHICAGO – The midseason premiere of season three of “Parks & Recreation” starts by catching us up on what we’ve missed. It details the arrivals of auditors, the “black hats,” played by the non-descript Adam Scott and a goofily-exuberant Rob Lowe, and features a tongue-and-cheek detailing of the budget crisis facing the parks department.

Television Rating: 3.5/5.0

For those who don’t know, art is meant to imitate life here: last spring, rumors flew that NBC was going to cancel “Parks & Rec.” They didn’t but they did postpone it to midseason, a Hail Mary of a network move that often resuscitates ailing shows. And throughout this episode, “Parks” makes self-aware reference to the situation with lines about a hiatus, budget cuts and being happy to get back to work.

Parks and Recreation
Photo credit: NBC

History is repeating itself here. “Parks” star Amy Poehler’s husband’s (Will Arnett) former show “Arrested Development” made this same kind of self-referential cry for audience support years ago when it was on the chopping block. Though that series has a cult following even to this day, its pleas for mercy didn’t save it from cancellation. “Parks & Rec“ is not as well-crafted as “Arrested Development,” but it also isn’t as quirky or nichey.

In fact, tonight’s season three premiere has some some of it’s quintessentially goofy-funny moments in it, so there may be hope for “Parks” yet. Rob Lowe is overly eager but still funny as a dorky, enthusiastic auditor and suitor to Anne (Rashida Jones). And the scene in which Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) and Andy (Chris Pratt) coach dual pee wee basketball teams is great. As Ron tries to coach the boys on how to grow “from boys to men to Swansons,” complete with visual aids, Andy earnestly tells the camera, “When they look into my eyes and call me Coach that’s when I know… I agreed to do this.” And when Leslie (Poehler) puts Anne up to going on a date with Lowe’s character Chris Traeger, her coaching is predictably but amusingly clueless.

Obviously, “Parks & Recreation” is making their second chance count for everything it’s worth. But with some very good moments of goofy humor, maybe it really deserves it.

The third season of “Parks and Recreations” premieres on Thursday, Janaury 20th, 2011 at 8:30 CST on NBC. It stars Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott and Rob Lowe.

By EMILY RIEMER
TV Critic
HollywoodChicago.com
emily@hollywoodchicago.com