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Winona Ryder, Mark Polish, Sean Astin, Chevy Chase, Hilary Duff ... see more see more... , Josh Holloway , Jon Cryer , Frances Conroy , Ashley Bell , Joanna Cassidy , Marc Blucas

Henry McCarthy (Mark Polish), the 30-something author of the popular 80s-themed novel How Lionel Got Me Laid, returns to his suburban hometown of Sacramento to deliver the commencement speech at his f... read more read more...ormer high school. Despite his success as an author Henry's return home has sparked all of the youthful dreams, desires and particularly disappointments he's never quite gotten over, specifically his unrequited affection for the girl who is now the local pharmacist: the elusive Scarlet Smith (Winona Ryder). Between run-ins with the outcast friends he left behind Big Girl (Sean Astin) and Wino (Josh Holloway), the school principal (Chevy Chase) and a seductive senior, Shasta O'Neil (Hilary Duff) who clearly has the hots for him, Henry is sent spinning through a time warp that incites all the old emotions and challenges of the world he grew up in. -- (C) Initiate Productions

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29% liked it

1,596 ratings

Critics

20% liked it

5 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 34 min.

Directed by: Ted Smith

Release Date: September 16, 2011

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DVD Release Date: December 20, 2011

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Stats: 84 reviews

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Hilary Duff on the set of her new movie, "Stay Cool". Hilary starring as "Shasta O Neil" in "Stay Cool." Hilary in a recent movie called "Stay Cool". Hilary starring as Shasta O'Neil in Stay Cool. Stay Cool Stay Cool Josh Holloway
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Flixster Reviews (84)

  • fb100000883534329
    January 7, 2012
    fb100000883534329
    This film had it's moments. The characters were enjoyable and the juxtaposation of the audio-book and the situations happening on the screen helped bring a third dimension to the story. The film has it's glitches and problems (such as a 37 year old being so easily manipulated b... read morey an 18 year old.) but it makes up with the connection you have with the lead character. This is my first polish brothers film and it makes me want to look into their films more so Mike & Michael, you got a new fan. P.S.- Wynona Ryder, hottest actress EVER!!!
  • MrsInsomnia
    March 10, 2011
    MrsInsomnia
    If you girls really like prom nights , graduations ,highschool ...etc check it out! As for you guys still can watch it because it is not annoying at all.Well ,I watched it because Josh Holloway was in the cast :) Although he always reminds me of Sawyer (if you have watched Lost ... read moreyou know what I mean!),this was like a sweet version of him!!!
  • romy861
    December 31, 2010
    romy861
    I purchased this one as an ex-rental before seeing it. Reading some of the reviews here, was a bit concerned I had picked up a crap one, but actually I found this not bad.
    It is definitely not perfect, and has it's faults, the main one to me being the ending. (I am not a person ... read morewho always needs a happy ending or a neatly tied up one, but it just felt that this was the type of movie that called for one). It's maybe pretending to be a little deeper than it really is.
    To me, this is just a fun movie about a man, Henry, who goes back to his hometown years later, after having written a book about his high school years and the one who got away (Winona Ryder - lovely here - the best film I have seen her do for years). Some of it is a little far fetched, as others have complained. For reasons to silly to go into, he winds up back in high school, where an attractive young student played by Hillary Duff takes a shine to him and asks him to her prom. It doesn't all make sense totally (then again, I was on 3 days of insomnia when I watched this, so perhaps I was just missing bits. Highly possible), but I think what it was trying to do was draw parallels to his life as it was back then, and how it is now (as it also has a voiceover of bits of his book, and the fictional character of Lauren who is, of course, Winona Ryder's character, Scarlet, thinly disguised). So he does find himself in silly situations, such as Scarlet's boyfriend, (the bully), beating him up.
    The movie itself is quite colourful to look at, kind of reminded me of Romy & Michele in parts (especially the funny scenes with Scarlet and her sarcastic best friend), Sean Astin also plays a funny over the top part as Henry's gay best friend who is a hairdresser. (Yes, stereotype). And Jon Cryer as Henry's sleazy agent. (Another 80's flashback!). Hillary is plastered all over the cover of the DVD (for the Australian release, anyhow), but its not really "her" movie. she doesn't appear in it a lot until around 45 minutes in. I think where this one will fail it is marketed to appeal to the present teen audience when really it is the 80's kids who will get a kick out of this.
    I would say give it a go. Could have been better, but definitely not a fail..
  • fb100000440772572
    April 19, 2012
    fb100000440772572
    Stay Cool is a romantic comedy that has some fun, but doesn't quite know where it's going. The story involves a writer who returns to his hometown to deliver the commencement address at his former high school, and along the way he visits some old friends, including his former hi... read moregh school crush. The film has an interesting cast, which includes Mark Polish, Winona Ryder, Sean Astin and Hilary Duff. And while they all play some pretty fun characters, they don't always seem like they're in the same film. Still, a lot of the film works and it has some interesting things to say about the high school experience and how it affects our lives. Stay Cool has its moments, but has trouble delivering a satisfying story.
  • xas5
    March 18, 2012
    xas5
    With a big cast and Mark Polish taking the writing and acting roles, Stay Cool lands mostly on its feet. About an author who returns to his hometown and revisits old relationships from high school, Stay Cool is slightly above any straight-to-DVD releases in its class, but still l... read moreacks that something special that sells it on the big screen.
  • sykora259517
    January 25, 2012
    sykora259517
    Stay Cool-Comedy with Sean Astin, Josh Holloway (aka Lostâ(TM)s Sawyer) Winona Ryder Hilary Duff, John Cryer, Marc Blucas & Chevy Chase, Michael Gross (Family Ties) & Mark Polish. Author Henry McCarthy returns home as the honoree to give the commencement speech at his alma matte... read morer to the graduating class. Along with this, its like a high school reunion everywhere he goes as he comes across like his feelings for an old crush, his other class mates and then thereâ(TM)s the current student whoâ(TM)s making moves on him. This was a funny movie and well I have to add a few points for the Lost Boys poster in â~Henryâ(TM)sâ(TM) bedroom! However I have to say I LOVED Sean Astinâ(TM)s âBig Girlâ(TM) character. He just cracked me up, and Josh Hollowayâ(TM)s â~Winoâ(TM) was cool too. B

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Critic Reviews

Robert Abele
September 15, 2011
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times

Attempts to pay homage to the '80s oeuvre of filmmaker John Hughes, but its singular lack of emotional logic, charm and humor bring to mind a couple of hours in detention instead. Full Review

Brian Orndorf
September 15, 2011
Brian Orndorf, BrianOrndorf.com

Stay Cool is their most grounded effort, attacking the formulaic discomfort and confusion of an impending high school reunion. It doesn't always convince, but it's the most approachable Polish product... Full Review

Amber Wilkinson
June 22, 2009
Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film

There is much here to find admirable but a whole lot less to genuinely like. Full Review

Marlow Stern
May 6, 2009
Marlow Stern, Manhattan Movie Magazine

like an exercise in calculated nostalgia

Adam Keleman
May 3, 2009
Adam Keleman, Slant Magazine

This is thoroughly a family affair, but with the Polish brothers' upcoming film Manure just around the corner, Stay Cool feels a bit rushed, suggesting nothing more than an homage to Pretty in Pink or... Full Review

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