I've been meaning to post my long overdue review, as I met Sam Borowski at a festival 3 films ago, and have followed his work ever since. He's become a viable name on the film festival circuit, and is working his way up the Hollywood ladder, and I've been to something like 5 or 6 film screenings over the past 8 years or so to view his work.
When I first heard news about this film, I was so excited to see the cast of Hollywood greats and some talented newcomers. When you think about the cast that Sam, who not only directed, but produced, assembled wow!
You've got Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine and Oscar-Nominee Sally Kellerman of M*A*S*H fame! Natasha Lyonne, from the American Pie films and 4-time Oscar nominee Mickey Rooney, a living legend in his own right! Rance Howard, a veteran of over 100-something films and the father of another cinematic legend, Ron Howard. There's Paul Sorvino and Ahney Her, who was a lead in Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino, and young Zachary Abel, who was on the ABC show "Make it or Break It." But, it doesn't stop there, Daniel Roebuck, the veteran character actor, whom I've also had the pleasure of meeting and genre fave Clint Howard (Rance's son).
And, then, there are scores of cameos, too, so it just goes on and on and on ..
I can happily say that the film lived up to my expectations when I saw it at the SIFF back in June. Sam crafts a film that manages to capture the feel of several 80s comedies, most notably Ron Howard's 1982 gem, "Night Shift." There is a large homage to that film in "Night Club," though the latter stands on its own merit.
Can't speak for the few negative comments, but I was there at the SIFF, and there didn't seem to be any disappointed people on hand that night. And, I can see why there wasn't. The picture moves along at a nice pace, and it's fun to spot some recognizable actors' - not mentioned above – cameos, and you may even spot the director, as well.
The movie starts out entertaining and quick, but once the three main USC students ( played by Bryan Williams, Abel and Her) are hired to work in the California Villa, the real heart of this entertaining film comes out.
Hired – first for training – by Natasha Lyonne (in a nice scene-stealing performance), and after an hysterical cameo by Chuck McCann, the trio finally get to work the night shift. Abel's budding friendship with Ernest Borgnine's Albert is the basis for the film's premise, the nightclub itself.
There are both some truly hysterical and cool moments, and it's clear from this performance, Borgnine, STILL has it. Perhaps that's why he went on to win BEST ACTOR in the SIFF!
As Albert and the younger trio run the illegal nightclub out of the California Villa at night, we see some things we don't expect, from several older residents doing whiskey shots, getting physically frisky with one another, enjoying a "Vegas-Style" casino night and some famous entertainers performing.
Essentially, we see these people living with as much joy as they ever have at any point in their lives.
The nightclub itself has some consequences, though I won't reveal any of them, and the last scene is both touching and humorous at the same time. Also enjoyed the end credits, which featured a great tracking shot over the L.A. night skies.
This is a legitimate Independent Film, and one that I believe will have some success. I can't speak for anyone else, but if you read the actual newspaper and web reviews, they're positive. If you read the feature articles, it describes an interesting picture.
But, see it for yourself – I did. I was there that night, for the movie AND Sam's Q&A, and again, can tell you there weren't many people disappointed in what they saw.
See it for yourself, and my guess is, you won't be disappointed, either.
When I first heard news about this film, I was so excited to see the cast of Hollywood greats and some talented newcomers. When you think about the cast that Sam, who not only directed, but produced, assembled wow!
You've got Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine and Oscar-Nominee Sally Kellerman of M*A*S*H fame! Natasha Lyonne, from the American Pie films and 4-time Oscar nominee Mickey Rooney, a living legend in his own right! Rance Howard, a veteran of over 100-something films and the father of another cinematic legend, Ron Howard. There's Paul Sorvino and Ahney Her, who was a lead in Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino, and young Zachary Abel, who was on the ABC show "Make it or Break It." But, it doesn't stop there, Daniel Roebuck, the veteran character actor, whom I've also had the pleasure of meeting and genre fave Clint Howard (Rance's son).
And, then, there are scores of cameos, too, so it just goes on and on and on ..
I can happily say that the film lived up to my expectations when I saw it at the SIFF back in June. Sam crafts a film that manages to capture the feel of several 80s comedies, most notably Ron Howard's 1982 gem, "Night Shift." There is a large homage to that film in "Night Club," though the latter stands on its own merit.
Can't speak for the few negative comments, but I was there at the SIFF, and there didn't seem to be any disappointed people on hand that night. And, I can see why there wasn't. The picture moves along at a nice pace, and it's fun to spot some recognizable actors' - not mentioned above – cameos, and you may even spot the director, as well.
The movie starts out entertaining and quick, but once the three main USC students ( played by Bryan Williams, Abel and Her) are hired to work in the California Villa, the real heart of this entertaining film comes out.
Hired – first for training – by Natasha Lyonne (in a nice scene-stealing performance), and after an hysterical cameo by Chuck McCann, the trio finally get to work the night shift. Abel's budding friendship with Ernest Borgnine's Albert is the basis for the film's premise, the nightclub itself.
There are both some truly hysterical and cool moments, and it's clear from this performance, Borgnine, STILL has it. Perhaps that's why he went on to win BEST ACTOR in the SIFF!
As Albert and the younger trio run the illegal nightclub out of the California Villa at night, we see some things we don't expect, from several older residents doing whiskey shots, getting physically frisky with one another, enjoying a "Vegas-Style" casino night and some famous entertainers performing.
Essentially, we see these people living with as much joy as they ever have at any point in their lives.
The nightclub itself has some consequences, though I won't reveal any of them, and the last scene is both touching and humorous at the same time. Also enjoyed the end credits, which featured a great tracking shot over the L.A. night skies.
This is a legitimate Independent Film, and one that I believe will have some success. I can't speak for anyone else, but if you read the actual newspaper and web reviews, they're positive. If you read the feature articles, it describes an interesting picture.
But, see it for yourself – I did. I was there that night, for the movie AND Sam's Q&A, and again, can tell you there weren't many people disappointed in what they saw.
See it for yourself, and my guess is, you won't be disappointed, either.