Stay Cool

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Cast

Mark Polish
as Henry McCarthy

Winona Ryder
as Scarlet Smith

Hilary Duff
as Shasta O'Neil

Sean Astin
as Big Girl

Josh Holloway
as Wino

Jon Cryer
as Javier

Chevy Chase
as Principal Marshall

Frances Conroy
as Mrs. Leuchtenberger

Jessica St. Clair
as Darcy Portola

Marc Blucas
as Brad

Joanna Cassidy
as Mrs. Smith

Ken Johnson
as Mr. O'Neil

Jessica Schatz
as Mrs. O'Neil

Dee Wallace
as Mrs. McCarthy

Michael Gross
as Mr. McCarthy

Scott Michael Campbell
as Officer Bird

Ashley Bell
as Valedictorian

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Critic Reviews for Stay Cool

Audience Reviews for Stay Cool

• Sep 07, 2014

  After graduating high school and getting as far away from his small home town as possible, Henry McCarthy(Mark Polish, who also wrote the screenplay while his brother Michael directed) made it big by writing a best selling novel about his high school experiences. That entitles him to give one high school commencement speach. But somehow the airline is not so impressed when they lose his luggage. At least Henry has friends(Sean Astin & Josh Holloway) who are still there to give him a ride from the airport. And then Henry starts immediately obsessing over Scarlet(Winona Ryder) who barely knew he existed in high school and has problems of her own currently with her ex-husband Brad(Marc Blucas). "Stay Cool" is an uneven comedy with some great moments in amusingly detailing how high school never really ends. One can simply try to move on as best as one can. Just as much as Mark Polish's awkwardness in the lead works both for and against the movie, the movie's main strength comes from its supporting cast, namely Winona Ryder who definitely needs to be in more movies. Otherwise, there are a couple of odd references and product placement.
  Walter M Super Reviewer
• Apr 19, 2012

  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 high 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.
  Dann M Super Reviewer
• Mar 18, 2012

  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 lacks that something special that sells it on the big screen.
  Christopher H Super Reviewer
• Jan 07, 2012

  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 by 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!!!
  Joshua W Super Reviewer

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