Mystery Date (1991)

One of my all time favorites.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I caught "Mystery Date" on TV one night. It portrays nerdy Tom McHugh (Ethan Hawke) learning from older brother Craig (Brian McNamara) how to ask a girl out on a date. But when it comes time for the date, a series of things go wrong, and before you know it, the whole thing looks like Dave Barry's novel "Big Trouble".I should identify that "Mystery Date" isn't a bad movie. It's just that the ending seemed a little improbable. Otherwise, most of the movie's acceptable. Victor Wong had a fairly goofy line, and it was interesting seeing Teri Polo in the years before she became the woman in "Meet the Parents".

Seeing as how I caught this one nearly twelve years ago, when it was in theaters, it's not surprising that there's a little bit of nostalgia attached to my enjoyment of this movie. All of that aside, this is a pretty funny movie with some good characters and hilarious situations. Tom McHugh is a likeable, but very shy, teen-ager who has the hots for the girl who's housesitting next door. He's been eyeing her for quite a while now and he would probably never work up the nerve to ask her out. When his freakshow parents leave town to take their terrier to a dog show (ever see "Best in Show"?), older brother Craig decides to pay a little visit. See, Craig has supposedly been away at Law School and he just decides to show up in his vintage Cadillac to pay little bro a visit. Not two seconds after Mommy and Daddy have left for the weekend, in rolls Craig. See, Craig is the kind of guy who actually enjoys being slapped by a woman and his philosophy is that "Women love it when you treat 'em like $#!t." Well, he may not be the best one to take dating advice from, but since this is Big Brother we're talking about here and Tom seems to idolize him, he decides to learn from the master.Well, it's not long before Big Brother is showing little brother the ropes. Not only is he giving him dating tips, but he's gone so far as to get him some slick clothes, a new haircut, and even his Id. He's even set up the date himself and arranged for a limo to pick him up. Of Course, all plans of a limo are screwed so Tom ends up having to use the forbidden Caddy (darn).Pretty soon the date is on, and everything's going fine and dandy until there's a small case of mistaken identity and before you know it, one case has turned into many cases and now the cops, the Chinese mafia, and a deranged flower delivery boy, are on Tom's tale for obvious reasons. Surprise, surprise, Craig has not been at law school. This all adds to the fun. Throw in a hilariously quirky Fisher Stevens as Dwight, the p***ed off flower delivery boy who was stiffed on his tip, and you've got a winner. His character alone is reason enough to see the movie. Just all the bad things that happen to him thoroughout are great. B.D. Wong turns in another great performance as Lew, and Teri Polo is typically adorable as the love interest.There's also a scene in which Craig is driving along in a Chevette, rapping along to Tone Loc. Priceless.Go get this one.

I just loved Teri Polo. I think she is so beautiful in this movie. I've been trying to find this movie so I can find it but with no luck. It's about a boy who has a crush on a girl next door who is house-sitting.His older brother comes home and gives him some types, some clothes, and his credit card. Little did Tom know that a lot of people don't like his older brother. I guess it didn't help stealing his car. I recommend this movie to everybody.

I love this movie it is wonderful, if you enjoy ANYTHING, watch mystery date!!! Unless you hate everything...even still, this movie might cheer you up...it has everything!!! A+++