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Movie Review: 'Take Me Home Tonight' a romantic comedy with lots of loud music

Take My Home Tonight" is supposed to be, I think, a blast from the past about 1988. It's playing at the Casino Fandango Galaxy multiplex in Carson City where the sound system is up to the wild and rocking music, luckily, since the music is the best thing in the film, even to non-rock fans like me.

Stars are Topher Grace as Matt Franklin, the "I don't know what to do with my life," protagonist and Teresa Palmer as Tori Fredreking, the upscale woman who becomes his chief desire in the world. Anna Faris is Matt's sister and Dan Folger is Matt's buddy. (Query, how long it be before Hollywood grinds the portly slob as the hero's fall back support formula? One would hope this is the last of this drag.)

Anyhow, Matt, an MIT grad is working at a music store in a mall when he spots Tori. He rips off his work attire and passes himself off as a Goldman Sachs broker (or something) since she is with Drexel etc. brokerage house. They plan to meet at the party of the night. To get there in suitable gear, the two steal a Mercedes ragtop at the lush party scene. Matt is cool; we wears his sports jacket sleeves pushed up to his elbows and a skinny tie (I was overseas at the time and have no idea how college grads dressed, sorry) with a white shirt.

In the stolen car they find a white packet of some dope, which offers many chances for Folger (Barry Nathan) to get stoned and seduced by a looker who wants to do it with him so her boyfriend can watch (there is brief nudity during Folger's sex scene in this R-rated opus).

Matt and Tori get along well and after a jumping session on a handy trampoline have sex (they define it more graphically, of course). But Matt admits to lying about his job and Tori dumps him.

But later he redeems himself by volunteering to ride in a metal ball (don't ask) down a street after confessing to the crowd his inability to get on with his life. (This is an embarassing moment, sadly.) He winds up in a swimming pool.

All is forgiven and Matt and Tori saunter off to a new life. Well, something like that.

Considering the meaningless plot of the movie, the acting is acceptable, with Folger being sufficiently gross to get by. Palmer is a very pretty woman with beautiful blue eyes and a stylish way about her, making one wonder what she would ever see in Matt. No hot chemistry here.

Anna Faris is fine as Wendy, Matt's literary sister and Michael Biehn is soild as the cop father of Matt and Wendy.

Of course, Matt and Folger suffer no woes as car thieves and dope smokers — sometimes one yearns for the old Hays Office which would never have allowed such sin to go unpunished. But now just put an R rating on it and all bets are off.

Lots of wild music scenes, which are OK, an jumpy camera shots, plus many twenties somethings leaping about. As a romantic comedy, which is how this is billed, there's romance and some weak comedy, but as a whole a modestly amusing movie. Don't take parents to it; they might get disturbed.

— Sam Bauman

Cast
— Topher Grace as Matt Franklin
— Teresa Palmer as Tori Fredreking
— Anna Faris as Wendy Franklin
— Dan Fogler as Barry Nathan
— Michelle Trachtenberg as Ashley
— Chris Pratt as Kyle Masterson
— Audrina Patridge as Jessica
— Robert Hoffman as Tyler
— Lucy Punch as Shelly
— Michael Ian Black as Pete
— Demetri Martin as Marcos
— Michael Biehn as Mr. Franklin
— Ryan Bittle as Rick
— Nathalie Kelley as Beth
— Whitney Cummings as Katia
— Candace Kroslak as Ally
— Jay Jablonski as Benji
— Edwin Hodge as Bryce

Directed by: Michael Dowse
Produced by: Ryan Kavnaught, Jim Whitaker and Susan Bower
Screenplay by: Jackie Filgo
Story by: Topher Grace; Gordon Kaywin
Music by: Trevor Horn
Cinematography: Terry Stacey
Editing by: Lee Haxall

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Join the Senator Youth Football Camp for K-8th graders. $80 covers 3-nights of camp from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., June 17, 18, and 19. Led by the CHS high school coaches and players, children will learn techniques for all positions, play games, and compete.

Carson High School Wrestling invites you to our annual Golf Tournament on June 15th, 2024, at Silver Oak Golf Course in Carson City. This event is crucial for our program's success as it serves as our main fundraiser.

Spring is in the air and with it, babies! Several new foals have been spotted among herds in Mound House and Dayton. Photos submitted by Gary K. Gundlach.

In April Carson City Moose Lodge #2709 selected its officers for 2024. Jeff Williams is the new President, Rosemarie Menapace, Vice President, David Wroth, Sgt of Arms, Ron Rehn, Chaplain, Nathan Rakestraw, Treasurer, Allen Gosselin, Secretary.

On a sunny Saturday morning, 100 volunteer participants fanned out across Lake Tahoe’s South Shore to take water quality samples from 34 streams, creeks, ponds, and lakes to monitor the health of the Truckee River watershed and Lake Tahoe as part of the 24th annual Snapshot Day. They were joined by teams doing the same tests simultaneously in other regions of the watershed.

Just before noon on Tuesday a crash with injuries was reported on the I-580 on ramp from N. Carson Street.

According to dispatch there are two vehicles involved, one of which was towing a trailer.

Injuries have been reported and the number two lane is blocked.

Traffic cameras show vehicles are moving slowly but are able to get through to Washoe Valley.

Motorists must use caution in the area.

Reminder: Wednesday, May 15, will be Minimum / Early Release Days for all schools in the Carson City School District. Educators utilize this time for professional learning while students have the remainder of the day off.

Looking for programs to make your child’s summer more exciting and educational?
Why not enroll your children in Western Nevada College Continuing Education’s iLead and Summer Sports Camps?

Throughout Northern Nevada, seniors are finding fulfillment and purpose through giving back to their communities. Volunteerism among seniors in Northern Nevada isn't just an act of kindness; it's a pathway to enhanced well-being, social connection, and a legacy of service.

The Carson High School (CHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) recognized Cadet Chief Petty Officer Vivi Mellow as its “Cadet of the Year” during its annual awards ceremony last Thursday in the Morse Burley Gymnasium at Carson High.

FISH will be closing ticket sales for the Historic Prison Breakout to benefit FISH at 4:30 PM on Friday May 17, 2024.

Are you ready for a unique summer camp experience, designed exclusively for adults? Sierra Nevada Journeys has just the thing! This perfect unwinding weekend awaits you, with no responsibilities other than showing up with your friends.

Join us from August 16 - 18, 2024, for a weekend in the mountains, free from all of those responsibilities.

With Nevada’s primary elections approaching, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds community members that political signage is not allowed on state highway property.

Federal regulations and Nevada state law prohibit political and advertising signage on public highway property, including but not limited to political signs, yard sale/event signs, and realtor or business signage.

It is important to know that state road property often extends beyond the roadside, fence line, or sidewalk of interstates, freeways, highways, and urban state roads/streets.

The application deadline for Mile High Band Association’s 2024 Jazz & Beyond Festival art contest is Friday, May 31. Northern Nevada artists, including teachers and students are invited to apply, and participation is free.

Selected entries in the competition will be used to promote the festival, and the winning entry will be featured on the festival’s advertising poster and program cover. Festival T-shirts may also feature the winning design.

The Sierra Nevada section of the Society of Women Engineers recognized several Carson City students and one teacher at the 2024 Night of STEM Star Awards in Reno, Friday, April 26.

The honorees were recognized for displaying remarkable talent and commitment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). These young scholars not only excelled academically but also engaged in innovative projects and extracurricular activities that have enhanced their learning and impacted their community.

I usually whistle past the obituaries, but Larry Young caught my eye. He was a scientist who discovered Love Potion Number Nine. Yes, Larry unearthed a chemical that heightens desire, not that the world needs it. A drug that would diminish desire might do the world more good in the long run.

Today was a very productive day working in the yard. The cold weather kept me in far too long recently. I wanted to be outside. The temperature was perfect with a bright blue sky and little wind.

A local couple's efforts to get the flag on C-Hill in Carson City repaired is well underway, with the president of the C-Hill Foundation working on getting the needed material.

As the summer sun begins to heat up, so does the excitement at Dayton Pop Warner as local athletes gear up for a two-day strength and conditioning camp.

Sunday in Carson City brought out a black bear with a shiny brown coat that lumbered through a yard in early morning light, probably looking for breakfast.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 13-19, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.” – National Park Trust

The wait is finally over. The second annual Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City and Virginia City this weekend! Enjoy themed train rides, concerts, literature, book sales, kid's stories, and so much more all throughout the capital city and Virginia City.

Let's take a look at the full list of events for the weekend.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.

UNR Extension Native Plant Sale

UNR Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County are hosting a Native plant sale on Saturday, May 18 at the River Fork Ranch (The Nature Conservancy) located at 381 Genoa Ln. Minden, NV.

The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carson High Youth Tennis Clinic

CHS Youth Tennis is hosting a clinic June 17, 18, 19, 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It's being hosted at the high school at 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City NV

Please click to expand the flyer for sign up options.

Free History Slide Show: Reflections of Lake Tahoe Tuesday May 14, 1:30pm, at the Carson City Senior Center.

Using extensive research and seldom seen photographs, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take a look back at the many people and events that have affected this magnificent Sierra Nevada gem over the years.

From industrial powerhouse of the Comstock Lode to the many efforts to create a Lake Tahoe National Park, the varied tales of “Big Blue’s” history are unique, interesting, and often amusing.

In an extremely rare display of colors, the aurora borealis was spotted throughout Northern Nevada Friday night as captured by multiple Carson Now readers. Click on each photo to expand.

This spectacular display is caused by a severe solar storm that is expected to continue through the weekend.

After review of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s recommendations and consideration by County Advisory Board’s to Manage Wildlife, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved big game tag quotas for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.

Once again our cat of the week is the winner of our Whisker Wednesday contest at Catmandu. Meet Cutie Pie. While she loves to be called Cutie, you can also call her Pie for short.