Stay Cool (2009) User Reviews (21)

Underwhelming.

[Stepper_on_flowers · 5/10 · 7 January 2011]

I watched this movie for the sole reason of hoping against all odds that this might be Winona Ryder's big break. Unfortunately, it turned out to be yet another uninspired drivel she managed to get mired in during the last decade.

As a fellow reviewer mentioned, the movie's premise is believable and actually promising (a revisit of the teenage angst/fitting into society theme but in the context of a grown-up character could have been just right for Ryder, who had success in this field - Heathers, Roxy Carmichael etc.), the casting is reasonable, but the execution is a flop. Both unrealistic and uninspiring is how it came across to me.

*Spoilers below*

The main character's plight is resolved in a disappointing manner.

He gets into a fight with an ex-bully and gets severely beat up right before his appearance on local TV and his speech at high school graduation. WTF was that about? The guy is 38 years old, he's supposed to have at least either brains or brawn by now (preferably both), yet he behaved like a stupid kid. No, getting beat up is not cool, or smart; it shows a complete lack of progress from his submissive school mentality - and such progress apparently was intended as the main point of the storyline.

He "hits" on a teenage high-schooler (played by a girl who's at least 25, as are all the "highschoolers" in this movie). While this topic was poignantly and deeply explored in films like "American Beauty", here it's a pathetic mess. If he doesn't want a relationship with a teenager, why does he allow her to hug and kiss him, goes to the prom with her, and later takes her to an after-prom party? Weird behavior for a 38-old-man who was asked to deliver a speech at the graduation (and is therefore tasked with being a role-model of sorts for the teens). If, on the other hand, he decided to overcome his complexes this way, why didn't he play it to the hilt and have sex with the girl (she is 18)? So, either stupid or cowardly - again, no progress from his high-school persona.

The "book" he wrote is a real "masterpiece": a simple retelling of his high-school failures using aliases instead of real names, it is very uncomplimentary to his former classmates, including one of his best friends. In fact, I was surprised the unflattering passages which flagellate this guy's life choices did not cost the hero his friendship, period.

The "speech" he gave at the graduation was a mish-mash of brainless clichés about how high-school life creates memories and influences you (well, duh!) and apparently nothing more than a passage from his own book (talk about shameless plugs and laziness!) Finally, the big storyline of his relationship with Scarlet (Ryder) was basically left hanging. Yeah, he sleeps with her once, and then leaves town. Was this what all the fuss was about? One single sex event? I'm sure she'd do it just for the fun of it (she's also 38, let's not forget that), so why build up so much expectations only to end it with a meaningless pat on the back and goodbye? The two were shown to be seriously attracted to each other, so why does he run away? Again, this is not an adult solution, it's the way a whiny teenage kid could react, afraid of anything serious.

*End spoilers*

All-in-all, a disappointing movie. Doubly so for me: as a long-time fan of Ryder, it's painful to see her struggling with this kind of low-quality spiritless crap. She's obviously not made for the kind of plain, tasteless, brainless mulch that passes for film like "Stay Cool". I'm sure that, given a powerful unorthodox director who would play to her strengths in a movie that is not afraid to break new ground, she could shine again. Case in point: her small but vicious appearance in Aronofsky's Black Swan (now there's a movie I have no regret of watching!), which was sadly very brief but gave a good taste of how wickedly effective she can be. Someone like Tim Burton or David Lynch could certainly use her well; too bad nothing of the sort is even envisaged at this point. Which is sad because it seems an entire era of film-making is silently retiring instead of pleasing us all with new masterpieces.

Too stupid

[lectureral · 5/10 · 8 September 2010]

I got this movie on the basis of its IMDb score and the one big name - Winona Ryder. I have to say - IMDb voters, you let me down this time. No way is this worth 7.6 (edit - my faith is restored in IMDb voters - the rating has dropped considerably, now) .

The premise is reasonable and could have been made into a really good movie but, oh dear, there are far too many stupid plot lines. Henry McCarthy goes back home to give the commencement speech at his old high school. He is picked up by his two best friends from the airport (one of whom is Josh Holloway - I didn't like him in Lost and I really didn't like him here) and then come the clichés: served coffee by one of his former classmates, stopped by the police while drink-driving - guess what, another former classmate who lets him go with a pat on the back.

The idea that the principal (Chevy Chase with a plaster on his nose (why??? - it wasn't funny)) would treat his former pupil turned important author as a naughty schoolboy was stupid. So too was the fact that Scarlet's boyfriend, the coach, acted like a jealous 18 years old. Stupid, also, was the police involvement after the prom - is there really an offence of having a private party with underage drinking in the States (maybe so, but surely not one of being a 38 year old man in the company of an 18 year old girl). And so it went on (do they leave show houses open at night? If his Dad was so keen on his car why didn't he run it through a carwash before returning it?)

When the commencement speech and dénouement with Scarlet did come they were both underwhelming.

All in all I think this film's rating should languish in the sub 6 territory (my personal watershed for whether a film is worth watching).

Could be cool but it isn't

[hugobolso-1 · 6/10 · 5 December 2011]

For Winona Ryder fans, this could be a nice movie. This is the story of a successful novelist, who returns to his home to give a graduation speech. Even when none in his town (including his parents and friend) actually read the book. He still obsessed with his old high-school crush Scarlet (Winona Ryder) who is separated from the aggressive Gym Class Coach (Marc Blucas). A 17 years old, and daughter of fellow classmates, student Shasta (Hillary Duff) is attracted to him. And every thing gets wrong. This could be a wonderful comedy. Winona Ryder shines in every appearance and supporting roles by TV stars John Cryer, Frances O'Connor, Marc Blucas and Josh Holloway helps a lot. Even Duff is convincing. And John Austin could be hilarious if he could share some chemistry with the co-producer, co-writer and co-director Mark Polish.

Unfortunately Polish performance is the big main flaw of the movie. It's a pity that with many good Americans comedian this uncharismatic and grey guy has the lead.

The script is not that bad, and the last part of the movie is actually very good, touchy, very nostalgic, very 80s. With a better comedian like Paul Rudd or Jason Bateman could be an indie smash hit.

Chevy Chase should be replace also by another TV comedian in his 60s.-

Mark Polish should have been fired and replaced.

[todd-488 · 3/10 · 24 July 2012]

Being a Winona Ryder fan, I saw this listed in her credits but had never heard of it. A cute concept for a movie is destroyed by a non-charismatic, lifeless and dull performance by Mark Polish. DULL! And when he speaks you can't even hear him! The actors around him (Winona, Hilary Duff, Sean Astin) are hilarious but can't save the movie. Hilary is a little too old now to play the High School dreamboat, but she pulls if off anyway. Too bad it's a bore, because the film has nice production values and decent writing. Who knows what really happens when a movie is made, but I'm sure Polish's lack of anything other than arriving on the set is the reason this wound up in Red Box and Netflix without ever being in theatres.

Badly written pointless obsession with high school

[xorys · 2/10 · 6 June 2012]

I rented this movie with on the expectation that it might be an intelligent comedy with some good actors. Unfortunately it turned out to be badly written garbage. And what is it with this North American obsessions with high school?! If you're 15 and you're obsessed with high school that's... I guess kind of normal, especially if you're of limited mental capacity and rather self-obsessed. But if you're 40 and you're still obsessed with high school, then I'm sorry, but there's something seriously wrong with you! The point of high school is to help young people connect with their own abilities, and to help make them aware of aspects of the world beyond their immediate existence. The point of high school is NOT to serve as a paradigm for the rest of the students' lives. And, as I say, if you're well into the middle years of your life, and you still are mainly focused on self-image and relationship issues left over from high school, then you seriously need to do something about your problems. And DON'T watch this stupid movie.

How do Movies Like This Get Made?

[chas437 · 2/10 · 22 January 2022]

This a particularly dreary Rom Com from the days of endless awful Rom Coms. The lead/writer is pathetic, its like everyone feels sorry for him. Otherwise, this is the sort of project agents get their struggling has been clients, like Chevy Chase, Winona Ryder, Sean Astin, etc.,

Was this a tax write-off?

Pleasant film, romcom fans will think its "cool"

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 8 October 2014]

Henry (Mark Polish, who also wrote this movie) was a shy geek in high school. Now, many years after he left his small city, he's a mildly famous author. His most recent novel chronicled his own teen years, thinly disguised, especially his love for a fellow student, Scarlet (Winona Ryder). Quite unexpectedly, Henry finds himself traveling back to his roots when the current high principal (Chevy Chase) asks him to speak at the latest class graduation. No matter that HE doesn't even remember Hank, head educator wants FAMOUS. Reluctantly, Henry agrees to do it. But, all his old horrors come rushing back. First, his parents treat him like he's still a kid, needing to know where he's going and what time the car will be returned. Then, his old, grouchy English teacher (Frances Bay) insists on seeing Henry's speech beforehand, so she can evaluate it. Next, one of his oldest pals (Sean Astin) has come out of the closet and runs the local hair salon. Finally, Scarlet is now a pharmacist, beautiful still, but going through a messy divorce from the bully who used to make Hank's life miserable. Yet, will anything truly stop Henry from trying, once and for all, to get close to Scarlet? Even as a darling senior (Hillary Duff) makes a play for Henry, too? This pleasant film will please romcom fans; its totally cool for this crowd. But, it apes other films such as Romy and Michelle or any comedy about class reunions. From what I understand, the Polish brothers, one writes, one directs, have made some unique movies, beginning with Twin Falls Idaho and going on to The Astronaut Farmer. However, this one, despite its small charms, great cast, nice scenery, lovely costumes, polished script, and worthy direction is nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps the Polishes wanted to do something more "normal" this time around. And, they should be commended for joining forces to write, direct, and act in their own films. Yet, unless you truly like romantic comedies, this movie is probably not their definitive collaboration.

Just not good!

[deepc185 · 3/10 · 11 August 2021]

There was very little to like about this movie. The two biggest problems were the main character, who had zero charisma, and the cringy relationship between a 37 year old man and an 18 year old high school student.

Mark Polish might be a fine actor, although I can't think of anything he's done that I remember seeing. But in this movie he was dull. I didn't feel anything for his character and I honestly couldn't care about him or his problems. His performance was the acting equivalent of watching grass grow.

The second problem was his relationship with Hillary Duff's character. First of all, why was he hanging out at the high school every day? He was just there to give the commencement speech. Does that require you to go to class when you graduated 20 years ago? Anyway, the whole "high school girl falls for an inappropriate older man" could have been entertaining and funny. Instead, even though he never acted on it, you get the feeling that he would have been happy to, if he wasn't worried about the scandal. The whole thing was creepy!

Winona Ryder was pretty bad as well, and Sean Aston's take on a gay character was far from Oscar worthy. In fact, nearly the entire cast was uninspiring, which is sad because this movie had some well known actors.

I would have rated this a 1 star movie, except that Hillary Duff actually did a good job. Her character stole the show. The music was also good, but there's no way I could give this turd more than 3 stars!

I need a hug

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 30 January 2018]

This is a light comedy. Henry McCarthy (Mark Polish) is an author of some renown. He has written a fictional book about his High School years, although in reality it is about his own experiences with some name changes. There is a bunch of first person narration in the film which are actual readings from the book. The names of the characters he reads don't match up with those they refer to making it slightly confusing at first until you realize Lauren is Scarlet.

Henry comes back in town and lives at home with his parents and borrows their car. He is at his old High School to connect with the current senior class so he can be the commencement speaker at graduation. During this time his whole teenage angst returns as he tries to connect with Scarlet. Scarlet is a pharmacist played by Winona Ryder, which is humorous on a different level. Her ex-bf Brad is the gym teacher. He and Henry get into it and are sent to the principle's office, who is played by Chevy Chase. In order to make things more difficult, bombshell student Hilary Duff throws herself at him. Toward the end of the film, some people from his high school finally read his book and realize they are in it. The book Henry wrote was about how Lionel (Ritchie) got him laid, although it was a Kenny Loggins song that inspires him at the end of the film.

Sean Astin was perhaps the bright spot, playing a gay. Except for him, much of the acting was flat. Mark Polish, who wrote the script was dull as the lead. The movie attempted to create those wonderful indie characters, but failed primarily due to the lack of good memorable lines and Polish's flat performance. I could picture Adam Sandler playing that part.

The movie is clever in that it is able to recreate the entire high school scene for Harry as an adult. This is a chick flick written by a guy. It might suffice as a date night rental. I perhaps overrated the film because I enjoy watching Sean Astin, Chevy Chase, Hilary Duff, and of course Winona Ryder can steal any scene.

No f-bombs, sex, or nudity.

Should have been a good movie

[td_username · 3/10 · 3 September 2021]

Main character is awful just looking at his stupid face sucks the life out of me.

17 Again in Reverse

[Rack-Focus · 9/10 · 24 April 2009]

Can the high school geek who morphed into a best selling author finally bury his adolescent angst by retuning home to give the commencement address? And what about the cute cheerleader he was too shy to call after graduation - even though she asked him to? "Stay Cool" offers a fresh re-telling those familiar stories with a cast of quirky characters that will make you laugh and plenty of memorable lines that you'll long remember.

The film does its work by taking "17 Again" in reverse.

In "17 Again" high school king Zack Efron/Matthew Perry becomes a teen again to deal with issues he could not face as an adult. In "Stay Cool," former bottom feeder, Henry McCarthy (Mark Polish), is an adult, but remains trapped in a 20 year time warp because he never really grew up in the eyes of his hometown.

His parents tell him to eat his veggies and eavesdrop on his phone calls – while Principal Marshall (Chevy Chase) even goes as far as to suspend him from school.

Henry soon learns that to find peace he'll have to deal with issues he avoided long ago. The director-writer Polish brothers make Henry learn his lessons the hard way – from getting busted by the cops to attending the prom. At the Tribeca Film Festival premiere, director Michael Polish says he and his twin Mark crammed 20 years of dealing with high school pain into their movie. "Everything is there."

Complicating his quest is high school hottie Shasta O'Neil (Hillary Duff) who has a crush on Henry. And helping him are high crazy pals – gay hairdresser Big Girl and a butch tattoo artist played by "Lost's" John Holloway.

Of course the big unresolved issue is Henry's life is his high school crush Scarlet Smith (Winona Ryder). Weird, too, since the love interest in "17 Again" is also named Scarlett. As their reunion progresses, we learn, as Big Girl (Sean Austin) observes, that Henry "didn't come back to speak to a thousand people, he came back to speak to one."

And as Henry slowly finds his voice – and the words to his speech – he learns, as Scar told him long ago - how to "Stay Cool."

Underrated movie...such a pity!

[francescof86 · 7/10 · 22 November 2011]

Henry McCarthy(Mark Polish)is a successful author who returns to her hometown to deliver a closing speech to a class of graduating high school students while he has to deal with his former object of love(Winona Ryder)and his past as a nerd in search of himself.How this adorable comedy has fought to find a theatrically release is inexplicable to me.It's a beautiful film with some touching moments and funny situations as well.It is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and regret for the lost occasions but at the same time the lead will be able to come in terms with it and to accept it so he could live his future.I think that "Stay Cool"is a really underrated movie given the usual comedies who tries to portray this kind of topics we always see.Mark Polish is good while Winona Ryder gives a very captivating and genuine performance,although her role is not too demanding.The supporting cast varies from really good(Sean Astin,Josh Holloway,Chevy Chase)to merely ornamental(Hilary Duff who plays a pretty version of herself).My vote of the film is 7/10

Stay Away & Stay Fool:Hilary Duff Chooses A Wrong Script

[FilmMan47 · 3/10 · 21 April 2014]

the title says it stay cool i say stay away or stay fool i am a Hilary duff fan as i have seen many of her films she;s not a action lady like Maggie Q she does romantic and comedy films some of her films are bad but many of them are underrated but this time she chooses the wrong script its a Winona Ryder film the story is about high school nostalgia that never ends with young guys in a kids movie someone should do age check before casting.

the plot:an author returns to his home and meets his old crush there plus Shasta O Niel is looking for her chances with the author how things turns out the answer lies in this film.

the cast:Winona Ryded looks nice Sean Austin mark polish and all guys did well but what was Hilary duff doing there here there is nothing written for her character she was just embarrassing herself.

i am not saying its about kids its a film for adults and young guys but the actors were behaving like kids everyone was having Jim Carey effect i guess some of them cant say proper dialog's.

overall if you are a fan of Hilary duff like me then do watch this but be warned this film is extremely annoying.my rating is 3/10.skipp it

Fun but lazy

[jroyals-04341 · 4/10 · 21 August 2021]

This was a fairly amusing movie but some things just didn't make sense. The lead actor was supposed to give a commencement but was for some reason attending class just like a student. Also, the hottest girl in school just happens to be drawn to him. Then there is a scene with him being pulled over by a cop who of course is an old classmate of his (Garden State anyone?). Then the lead gets pummeled outside his girlfriend's house by her estranged husband/ex and she doesn't even look out the window to see how the fight turned out much less call the police? We're supposed to believe that she just stayed inside on her couch as if nothing happened. Again, this gets points for being fun but it could have been so much more.

Movie doesn't go anywhere

[rdbarks · 4/10 · 27 May 2023]

I thought I give this a try since it's a retro back to the 80s type movie but a lot of it doesn't make sense. First who in their mid 30s goes back to their high school to give a commencement speech. Also what principal is allowing an adult to go to classes/hang out with kids; creepy idea. Weird that he goes to prom and takes a prom photo with an 18 year old and her parents are ok with it? I get the idea but it was sloppy written and he gets beat up an gym coach & does nothing? Seems like this should of been written better & keep the focus on Winona relationship. Also why is there this time away after their major kiss? She never rejected him but there's this "thing that he has to get over"? Also they're both in love with each but he just going back to NYC? Seems like somethings were missed in the ending.

Flawed but cool?

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 29 November 2010]

Which could be a description of the main character ... not. There is quite a bit of suspend of disbelieve here, but there is also quite a bit of realness in it too. The mix is done pretty good and the actors are amazing too. It's nice to see Wynona in a decent role again (if you don't count the short Star Trek thing).

Then again, after watching the TV show Lost, I can't help but seeing those guys everywhere. And there is actually one of them here. I guess he did the movie in-between, as a relaxing exercise. Next for this Dude? Mission Impossible (4), if IMDb has it right on his site. The main actor is not really that engaging, but he does a good job portraying the man he is supposed to be. A decent effort and a movie that will "click" with a few people more than it does with others (no that's not a Lost reference!)

We can all dream of what may have been!

[AmigaJay · 6/10 · 8 April 2023]

A fairly enjoyable film, something some of the older generation can relate to (even more recent generations if the events felt close to home) being at school, and not fitting in, or not getting the girl and reminiscing about what if.

And yes the likely hood of a high school sweetheart, one still having the same phone number she wrote in a book nearly 20 years previous, and two, being single at the perfect moment you decide to ring are pretty high odds believe me!

In general this is better than the review score average would lead you to believe, it's no classic for sure, but has plenty of chuckle worthy moments amongst the various characters, and it's worth a watch or two for sure!

Well worth an hour and a half of your time.

[jpnobbs · 8/10 · 8 September 2010]

This film left me liking Henry and Scarlett a lot. Yes its clichéd and yes its unrealistic, but its a comedy, maybe a gentle comedy, but comedy none the less. Everybody has baggage left over from school/college, and this taps into that. Chevy Chase playing the principal was over the top, but thats what he does best. Hillary Duff looked gorgeous and so did Winona Ryder. And they played their parts well. They could easily have got another hour out of this and I would still have wanted more but maybe i'm just a big softy. Its easy to get hung up on details that don't ring true in movies but this does enough right to forgive its faults. Give it a go.

Much Better Than Given Credit

[Hollywood_Yoda · 8/10 · 2 February 2020]

If you read the critics reviews, you'll believe this film is just dribble. In fact, it's a very deep film delving into the high school memories of Henry McCarthy. It's a story about going back to the roots of ones hometown and facing the reality of what time has brought.

It's a very relatable film and story for many who were underdogs in high school. The cast was exceptional, especially Winona Ryder and Chevy Chase who are usually in low rated films nowadays. The story is very well written for an almost unknown underrated film. It's definitely enjoyable and will bring up familiar memories of your own high school days.

Authentic Quest for Identity

[onreact · 8/10 · 13 November 2021]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this Stay Cool - another stupid comedy for teens? Well, luckily it isn't. It's an authentic depiction of dealing with the past and unfinished business.

Successful but unhappy author Henry is meant to deliver a speech at his former high school to motivate and raise the spirits of the students.

Thing is Henry is not feeling it. He still struggles with his high school memories. Labelled a geek and unloved back then the trauma of rejection and being unpopular hasn't gone away 20 years later.

Will he finally get the girl of his dreams, confront the bully and become a cherished celebrity some want him to be?

Will the book he wrote about his problematic youth help or hurt?

There are no simple answers in this movie, just a quest for finding an identity that allows you to stay afloat in this world that is far from perfect despite high living standards.

Much better - and deeper - than what it looks

[bellino-angelo2014 · 8/10 · 25 December 2022]

I only knew about STAY COOL for the cast but I had very scarse expectations about it because of its appalling score of 4,8 and only 18 reviews with mostly negative ones. Yet when I saw it last September I thought I was watching a different movie than most of the users here, it was that good!

Henry McCarthy is a successful writer that at the beginning is called by his old high school because he has to do a speech during a ceremony for former students, and during this time he'll meet his old friends Big Girl (Sean Astin) and Wino and also Scarlet Smith (Winona Ryder), the girl for which he had the hots during high school. Complications arises when new student Shasta O'Neil (Hilary Duff) falls for him and they end up going at the students' prom. And Henry will manage to close his unclosed deals from the past and start all over again.

What I liked about this movie were the performances. Astin, Ryder, Duff and Jon Cryer were very good and even funny, and while Mark Polish never became a big star after this, gives a great performance as a man that wants to close the deals of his past and start a new life learning from his mistakes. The feel good atmosphere was another plus and I nearly loved the ending.

Don't trust the reviews for this one, because you might find a great movie without even knowing it! Highly recommended too.