Back in the Day 2014

The film opens with Jim starring in a commercial for All City Insurance, capturing the attention of the audience in a rather humorous way. Set in Los Angeles, Jim’s life is far from the glamorous existence of a successful insurance executive or a thriving actor. Instead, he is merely recognized for his recurring insurance commercials, to the extent that people have found amusement in sitting on his face, quite literally, as his ads are featured on park benches. After navigating through the chaotic traffic of The 405, he returns home only to be greeted by a slew of disappointing phone messages, including one from his agent delivering more unfortunate news. Among the messages is an invitation to return to his hometown of Newberg for the Castle High School Class of 1994 reunion, which brings back a flood of memories and a yearning for times past.

The exact location of Newberg remains unclear, but it is hinted that it lies in a state with its local mall bearing “Washington” in its title, suggesting it’s not in California, as Jim has moved away after feeling like a failure in life. In a nostalgic flashback, viewers glimpse Jim enjoying life with friends during a carefree moment—an image vividly contrasted with his current predicament.

As Jim boards a flight to Newberg, he finds himself greeted by his once familiar, yet now melancholic friends upon his arrival. While Len and T seem to have matured into adulthood, Skunk and Freeman still behave as if high school never ended. Their first stop is a local bar called The Knob, where they encounter Angie—a character marked by a chaotic life, having slept with countless partners and facing the consequences of repeated pregnancies. Despite her circumstances, she continues her reckless lifestyle, epitomized by her short skirts and unhealthy habits. Just when the night seems dreary, Laurie walks in—a face from Jim’s past who dated him during their high school years. Now engaged to Mark, Laurie’s presence stirs bittersweet feelings in Jim, reminding him of his glory days on the football field.

The story progresses as the group gathers for a barbecue, where they participate in a nonsensical ball game, illustrating the unclear boundaries between adulthood and their youthful indiscretions. A drunken Skunk comically returns from a prank gone wrong, leaving him in embarrassing circumstances. Throughout the reunion, Jim shares moments with Laurie, strengthening the bond of their friendship, yet there’s a lingering mystery about whether they might rekindle their romance amidst her impending marriage.

As the much-anticipated reunion approaches, Mark’s bachelor party takes precedence, further complicating Jim’s plans. He picks up Laurie in a vintage red 1969 Mustang—a car, interestingly, that belongs to Len—setting the tone for nostalgic adventures. Alongside their friend Skunk, now accompanied by his wife Carol—who firmly rejects his nickname—the evening unfolds with laughs and several awkward reminders of their high school days. Principal Teagley makes an appearance as the villain of the story, wielding an intimidating presence that the guys both loathe and fear, making threats that leave even the most jaded of their group shaken.

As the chaotic events lead up to the reunion, Jim and Laurie enjoy each other’s company once more, sparking hopes of a potential romance, especially as Mark faces his own issues at his bachelor party. The narrative cleverly challenges the idea that Jim and Laurie might not just be reminiscing about their past but could indeed embrace a shared future. The film hints at the classic trope of a guy caught in the clutches of marrying the wrong woman and leaves audiences eagerly speculating about the outcome of these tangled relationships, creating a truly entertaining watch filled with humor, nostalgia, and the timeless quest for love.