Take Me Home Tonight Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

MIT grad working at a video store lies about being an investment banker to impress his high school crush, resulting in a series of increasingly ridiculous 80s-themed shenanigans.

🍿 Take Me Home Tonight: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction

Set in 1988, Matt Franklin, a recent MIT graduate, finds himself working at a Suncoast Video store, much to his father’s dismay. He’s struggling to find his path in life. Meanwhile, his best friend Barry gets fired from his car salesman job, and his sister Wendy is considering her future with her somewhat dim boyfriend, Kyle.

A Chance Encounter

Matt’s high school crush, Tori Frederking, unexpectedly walks into the video store. To impress her, Matt impulsively lies and tells her he works at Goldman Sachs. Tori invites him to a Labor Day party hosted by Kyle. This sets the stage for a wild and eventful night where Matt tries to keep up the charade.

The Party and the Lie

At the party, Matt navigates the complexities of maintaining his lie while dealing with the pressures of his past and present. Barry’s antics, including stealing a car and experimenting with cocaine, add to the chaotic atmosphere. Wendy also faces a crossroads regarding her relationship with Kyle and her potential academic future.

High Jinks and Revelations

The night takes several unexpected turns including Barry leading Matt into partaking in Cocaine usage. Matt takes Tori to an after-party and ends up sleeping with her. Ultimately Matt confesses the truth about his job to Tori, leading to her disappointment and departure. The confession forces Matt to confront his own insecurities and fears.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Matt Franklin (Topher Grace): A directionless MIT graduate working at a video store who lies about his career to impress his high school crush.
• Tori Frederking (Teresa Palmer): Matt’s high school crush who returns to town and becomes the object of his affections and elaborate lies.
• Barry Nathan (Dan Fogler): Matt’s wild and irresponsible best friend who gets fired and embarks on a night of reckless behavior.
• Wendy Franklin (Anna Faris): Matt’s twin sister, contemplating her future and relationship with her boyfriend.
• Kyle Masterson (Chris Pratt): Wendy’s somewhat dim-witted boyfriend who proposes to her at his Labor Day party.
• Bill Franklin (Michael Biehn): Matt’s father, a police officer, who disapproves of Matt’s career choices and tries to give him a push.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matt Franklin: “Shut the f*** up and drive.” – Matt says this to Barry after a night of wild partying and trying to impress Tori.
• Matt Franklin: “I have been so afraid of my life, that I have missed my life.” – Matt confesses his fears and regrets during a moment of realization and self-reflection.
• Matt Franklin: “Tonight, I’m not afraid. Tonight, I got one thing to say to all that bullshit. F*** it.” – Matt declares his newfound courage and willingness to embrace the unknown.
• Bill Franklin: “Matt, take a shot at something, don’t think about it too much. Just take the shot.” – Bill advises Matt to overcome his fears and seize opportunities.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $23,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,928,068
• Worldwide Gross: $7,550,073

💥 Take Me Home Tonight Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this movie in theaters and loving the 80s vibe. The soundtrack was awesome, and it was fun to see Topher Grace in a leading role again after ‘That 70s Show’. The story is pretty predictable, but the characters are relatable, and the whole thing has a lighthearted, feel-good quality. Barry’s crazy antics definitely made me laugh, and I couldn’t help but root for Matt to win Tori over. It’s a fun movie to watch when you just want to relax and enjoy some nostalgia.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s comedies.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories.”
  • “Those who appreciate a good 80s soundtrack.”
  • “Fans of Topher Grace and Anna Faris.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use.”
  • “Alcohol consumption.”
  • “Sexual content.”
  • “Strong language.”
  • “Mature themes.”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the cast is likable, ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ relies too heavily on 80s nostalgia without offering a fresh or funny perspective.
• Entertainment Weekly: “The film is packed with 80s music and fashion but lacks a compelling story or original humor, making it feel like a pastiche rather than a genuine throwback.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “This coming-of-age comedy is a sweet and somewhat awkward look back to the 80’s through a party. Grace and Palmer’s performances are very strong, but the humor, though present, lacks any real depth.

Audience Reactions

The soundtrack is pure 80s gold and makes the movie super fun.: Viewers generally loved the nostalgic 80s setting and the energetic soundtrack.

Topher Grace and Teresa Palmer have great chemistry.: The performances of the lead actors were praised, especially their on-screen chemistry.

Overall Consensus: While critics were mixed, audiences found ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ an enjoyable and nostalgic comedy, thanks to its strong soundtrack and likable cast.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Topher Grace, being a big fan of Michael Biehn from ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Aliens,’ personally called him to offer the role of his father.”
• “The movie’s release was delayed for several years due to financial difficulties and distribution issues.”

🖥️ How to Watch Take Me Home Tonight?

As of October 2024, “Take Me Home Tonight” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check these services for the most up-to-date streaming and purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Take Me Home Tonight, you might like these similar films:

• Can’t Hardly Wait (1998): Features a similar end-of-summer party setting with various characters facing life decisions and romantic interests.
• Dazed and Confused (1993): Captures a nostalgic and somewhat aimless vibe of youth in a specific time period, similar to the 80s setting of ‘Take Me Home Tonight’.
• Sixteen Candles (1984): Reflects the teen angst and coming-of-age themes prevalent in 80s high school comedies.
• Superbad (2007): Similar in the chaotic and humorous journey of a group of friends experiencing one wild night filled with mishaps and self-discovery.

🛒 Take Me Home Tonight Related Products

• Rubie’s Costume Co. 80’s Rocker Adult Wig: Transform into an 80s rocker with this wig. Ideal for themed parties and fan events.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – Ferris: A Funko Pop vinyl figure of Ferris Bueller. Great for collectors and fans of 80’s cinema.
• Nintendo Switch Just Dance 2024 Edition: Enjoy the latest hits and classic tracks from the 80s, 90s, and today with the new Just Dance game on Switch!
• The 80s Pop Music Trivia Quiz Book: Music Trivia for the 1980s: Relive the 80s music scene with trivia questions and quizzes. Perfect for testing your knowledge and reminiscing.

🎧 Soundtrack

Take Me Home Tonight features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Video Killed The Radio Star” – performed by The Buggles
• “Come On Eileen” – performed by Dexys Midnight Runners
• “Don’t You Want Me” – performed by The Human League
• “Safety Dance” – performed by Men Without Hats

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Atomic Tom – Don’t You Want Me

Remember that awesome song from ‘Take Me Home Tonight’? This music video by Atomic Tom is so fun and really captures the vibe of the movie, I still listen to it!

✨ Rate