Was lucky enough to snag a ticket to the LIFF premiere of "Night Club," and what a wonderfully enjoyable film, and fun night it was.
Directed and Produced by Sam Borowski and starring Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine, this film literally brought tears to my eyes. I particularly enjoyed the relationship Borgnine's character of Albert had with the younger lead, Justin, played by Zachary Abel, who is on an ABC show.
Borgnine forms a lasting friendship with Abel's Justin, and his 2 college roommates Chris (Bryan Williams) and Nikki (Ahney Her). Eventually, he talks the trio into starting a nightclub in the home itself, during the night hours when Mrs. Keaton (played by Natasha Lyonne) isn't there. A series of hi-jinx and poignant moments ensue from there.
Sally Kellerman, the original HotLips Houlihan in M*A*S*H, and was nominated for an Oscar for that role, and who I personally remember from Rodney Dangerfield's "Back to School," is amazing in the film. I remember the Director saying in the question and answer afterward that she is the "moral voice of the movie," and it couldn't be more true.
Supporting actor, Mickey Rooney turns in a very funny and bizarre performance, and talented character actor Daniel Roebuck is very amusing as an angry orderly who is trying to catch the kids and Borgnine at their own game, so he can report them to Mrs. Keaton. This makes for some especially funny moments in the film.
And, there is an hysterical cameo by Chuck McCann, that will have you laughing so hard, you will be coughing and wheezing.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable film, with very few down moments, and I particularly enjoyed the ending, which did bring a few tears to my eyes. That's all I will say for now, other than, go see "Night Club" which has all the makings of a sleeper hit. If you can't find it playing at a festival near you (and it was a large crowd the night I saw it) than perhaps it will get a theatrical release soon.
Directed and Produced by Sam Borowski and starring Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine, this film literally brought tears to my eyes. I particularly enjoyed the relationship Borgnine's character of Albert had with the younger lead, Justin, played by Zachary Abel, who is on an ABC show.
Borgnine forms a lasting friendship with Abel's Justin, and his 2 college roommates Chris (Bryan Williams) and Nikki (Ahney Her). Eventually, he talks the trio into starting a nightclub in the home itself, during the night hours when Mrs. Keaton (played by Natasha Lyonne) isn't there. A series of hi-jinx and poignant moments ensue from there.
Sally Kellerman, the original HotLips Houlihan in M*A*S*H, and was nominated for an Oscar for that role, and who I personally remember from Rodney Dangerfield's "Back to School," is amazing in the film. I remember the Director saying in the question and answer afterward that she is the "moral voice of the movie," and it couldn't be more true.
Supporting actor, Mickey Rooney turns in a very funny and bizarre performance, and talented character actor Daniel Roebuck is very amusing as an angry orderly who is trying to catch the kids and Borgnine at their own game, so he can report them to Mrs. Keaton. This makes for some especially funny moments in the film.
And, there is an hysterical cameo by Chuck McCann, that will have you laughing so hard, you will be coughing and wheezing.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable film, with very few down moments, and I particularly enjoyed the ending, which did bring a few tears to my eyes. That's all I will say for now, other than, go see "Night Club" which has all the makings of a sleeper hit. If you can't find it playing at a festival near you (and it was a large crowd the night I saw it) than perhaps it will get a theatrical release soon.