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31 out of 33 people found the following review useful: LOTS of fun, LOTS of directors in the cast, plus..., 23 July 1999 Author: SquirePM from Birmingham, Alabama
This movie is a lighthearted romp! It is filled with laughs, some brilliant physical humor (who knew John Landis was a comic-action actor?), sudden surprises and a phenomenal cast.And, as a little teaser to make you rent the theatrical version, Michelle Pfeiffer's only known nude scene! TSK, TSK, where she hid those gems!Jeff Goldblum gives a deadpan performance that is perfect. It fits this movie, it fits his style, and at times it is just hilarious. Probably his best role ever.The amazingly diverse cast includes Dan Aykroyd, David Bowie, Jim Henson, Paul Bartel, Carl Perkins, Bruce McGill (as Elvis!), Irene Papas, Vera Miles, Richard Farnsworth, Kathryn Harrold, Jake Steinfeld (Body By Jake) and even Clu Gulager! WOW!But there's added richness for the film buff. Landis cast no fewer than 15 Hollywood directors in this film, plus himself! You can spot Lawrence Kasdan, Jonathan Demme, Paul Mazurski, Amy Heckerling, David Cronenberg, Roger Vadim, Jonathan Lynn, Jack Arnold, Don Siegel, Andrew Marton, Richard Franklin, Colin Higgins, Jonathan Kaufer and Carl Gottlieb.Director Daniel Petrie even plays the director of a film-within-the-film, with the assistant director of this film, David Sosna, playing the assistant director of that film. There are cinematographers, writers and make-up artists, too, including Rick Baker, the first make-up artist ever to win an Oscar for his craft.Too few people know about this sleeper. It's fast paced, funny and beautifully filmed. Rent it. You'll love it.
24 out of 28 people found the following review useful: One of my all time favorites!, 9 April 2004 Author: (rcl-wa) from Washington State
Somehow everything clicked in this film for me, and I just love it. I've mainly seen it quite a few times on TV, but also have rented it and prefer the uncensored version. (After all, Michelle Pfeiffer nude scenes are pretty rare!) I've read that this was a vehicle for numerous friends of the producers to appear in quick "cameos" (a la Hitchcock, not playing themselves and mostly just background), and I'm still trying to find where Steven Spielberg appears. But overall, it is just the perfect blend of mystery, adventure, comedy & tragedy, and satisfying ending, and all are right on. OK, it's no major classic, just some lightweight fun, but after almost 20 years (I'm writing this in 2004) I recall few other films that for me match this one for "Oh, that was a cool flick; I think I'll watch it again." If you missed this I highly recommend it, without reservation.
13 out of 15 people found the following review useful: Do not go gently..., 11 July 2003 Author: Kim2309 from London, England
'Into the Night' stands as one of my favourite films of the '80's. In fact it stands as one of my most favourite films ever. Why? To be quite honest, I'm not sure why. It wasn't the best concept or script, the performances are okay -(with the exception of Goldblum who is outstanding)- and even John Landis' direction was at times on cruise control.But what it did in 1985, was to reflect so much of what was going on. The ruthless drive for efficiency that makes Okin's aerospace company so demanding, the 'me' approach to relationships that results in Ed's wife's adulterous behaviour, the worship of fortune that dominates Diana's life and drives her so relentlessly - until Ed brings her something a little more worthwhile.It had the right look, the right feel and the right cast to make you smile and go along with the goodtimes and the in-jokes between peers of the movie establishment. Here was a collection of successful players in Hollywood showing just how slick movie-making could be.The screenings must have had the feel of a home movie with most of the cast sitting in the theatre enjoying their various cameos. Bowie, Cronenberg, Kasden and of course Landis himself, all doing it for their own.I loved it when I first saw it and I'll be buying the DVD in Sept '03 when it finally appears. Is 'Into the Night' a great film? Probably not, but it makes me feel great everytime I take that ride to LAX in the little white Fiat...You had to be there.
13 out of 17 people found the following review useful: Great movie - very Landis!, 18 November 1998 Author: Jim Beam from London, England
Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer before they really hit thebig time. A great caper style movie - part comedy, partthriller, part urban angst. Goldblum leaves his unfaithful wifeone night and gets caught up in a bizarre series of events whena pursued Pfeiffer lands on his car asking for help. Needlessto say he gets implicated in all kinds of things (a bit likeAfter Hours and Something Wild). Very funny, charming at timesand ultimately engaging - you want the night to last forever asyou become more involved in the story and the characters. Landis at his very best (what happened to him?!). Loads of cameo
11 out of 14 people found the following review useful: Now that's a night on the town you won't forget!, 21 February 2006 Author: lost-in-limbo from the Mad Hatter's tea party.
Ed Orkin is an ordinary guy with insomnia, has a very boring job and finds out his wife is having an affair. Can his jaded life get any better? Well one night, it does take a sharp turn when he rescues a lovely, but mysterious blonde named Diana from some ruthlessly zany thugs at the airport. From this point onwards Ed and Diana are caught up in a cheerfully dashing and murderous chase throughout the night in Los Angeles. Where everyone seems to want a piece of those six emeralds, which Diana has smuggled into the country.The first time I saw this flick I stumbled across it accidentally when I was on holidays. Instead of going out for the night in the rain I decided to stay in and watch some telly. Well, from the opening scene I was totally captivated by its maniac humour, trigger-happy cameos, kooky situations and that this road movie took place mostly at night. I don't why, but I just dig that last point about the flick. Years later I had forgot what the title was called, but I still could remember certain scenes and it entered on my ever-growing film list to track down. After a while I kind of forgot about it, but like my first viewing I came across it unknowingly on cable and it came flooding back again. That time I got the title! And I tracked down the DVD only a couple of weeks ago. From my second viewing of it I thought it was John Landis' best film, so when I got the DVD, I was hoping that it would be as good as I remembered it to be. So was it? Oh yeah, it was! I'll definitely go to say that this is my favourite Landis flick, yeah even more than "Animal House", yep more so than "Trading Places", a tad better than "An American Werewolf in London" and way ahead of "The Blues Brothers". I know that's a pretty big statement, but I thoroughly had a wowser with Landis' woozy attempt at film noir.There's no denying that it's pretty much a self-indulgent flick with Landis getting a whole bunch of friends to join in the act, or is it just one big joke? But I didn't care as I just rolled with the punches and tried to pick up on all the familiar faces. Gee, there are a lot of them popping up, especially directors. The story of a bored guy meets strange gal and get into some weird mess where they're both risk their lives on a plan to get rich has been done time after time, well bits and pieces out of the story obviously have. Though, it just has a knack with its quirkiness, murderous impulse and unpredictable pattern. I can see why some people say it's disjointed, overly padded and that it doesn't know what it wants to be. Sure some things lack depth and meaning, but those out-of-the-blue situations make it more eventful and the pacing can somewhat become plodded, but I always found something noticeable in every frame to keep my full attention. Hmm, maybe it's just me? One moment would be when "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" is playing on a TV and what's happening there seems to fit in to what's going on in the particular scene. The dialog just seems to clash with the action. But then again maybe I'm reading things that aren't there? This is not all a light-hearted comedy even if it has some slapstick shenanigans mixed with some offbeat and eccentric charm. The thriller element gives it a serious boot and the violence doesn't hold back with some outrageous murders. That especially goes for the tense and forceful climax, where nothing goes to plan. The story's idea is cleverly conducted with its many unexpected turns, scheming and plenty of fruitful characters adding to the zaniness. When it gets going, it gets going. Now what did get going was the simply smooth and steamy soundtrack. It ran with an oozing blues score and legendary musician B.B King was involved and he provided the main theme song. The melodies and score had a strangely hypnotic appeal weaved into them. The glowing performances are all great, though it's Michelle Pfeiffer that heads the top. She was just gracefully attractive with her glittering appearance and believably convincing as the mysterious Diana. Jeff Goldblum as Ed was his usual glum and awkward self with his dry sarcasm. But he has a watchable screen presence even though he seems to be sleepwalking. Even saying that, both of the leads are fleshed out rather well and they fit their parts perfectly. The sensational supporting cast provide a lot of odd and wonderful characters too. With the likes of Irene Papas, Paul Mazursky, Roger Vadim, Richard Farnsworth, John Landis, David Bowie, Kathryn Harrold, Clue Gulager, Dan Aykroyd, Vera Miles and Carl Perkins. Then you got the blink and you'll miss them cameos, which are rather diverting from Amy Heckerling, Jim Henson, Don Siegel, Rick Baker and David Cronenberg. I told ya it was long, but that's just the tip. All of these familiar faces had a witty script to work along with too. Well, what can I say; stimulating madness that dabs some touches of film-noir, comedy and thriller to proceedings.An excitingly dangerous and unusual night road flick that has a variety of ingredients chucked into this very much 80s product.
9 out of 11 people found the following review useful: entertaining escapism, 6 September 2003 Author: mab8485 from Sydney, Australia
Plenty to enjoy here in this escapist movie. Goldblum & Pfeiffer are fun in the main roles. Suspend belief and take the exciting journey that Goldblum has with Pfeiffer. Look out for the running joke with many famous directors in cameo roles. Look out for David Bowie and Carl Perkins in a knife fight (is this a metaphor for traditional rock v glam rock?). Although an escape action drama it has plenty of amusing scenes eg. the hoods eating peanuts and breaking candy with their guns.And the title track and soundtrack by the worlds best blues guitarist -BB King.
7 out of 8 people found the following review useful: Sleepless in Los Angeles, 15 May 2006 Author: jotix100 from New York
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
Poor Ed Okin, he is an insomniac! Ed lays in bed hoping for sleep, but it never comes. When a co-worker suggests the best cure for his problem is to take a trip to Las Vegas where the action is non-stop, then head back home the next morning. Ed, also finds out, in the worst way, his wife is cheating on him. When he decides to take his friend's advice, he goes to the airport, but he is the innocent witness of a murder in the parking lot.Ed who is trying to start his car, gets an unwelcome guest in the form of Diana, a beautiful young woman who was with the murder victim and wants to get away. Diana and Ed embark in an adventure of a lifetime that will take them in and out of situations that Ed didn't even imagine he would be involved in his life.John Landis' film could well be an homage to many people in the industry. During the length of the film we get to meet directors, writers, and cinematographers that put their own stamp on the different roles in the film. Some, like Paul Mazursky and Roger Vadim have key parts, and others like David Cronenberg, Don Siegel, Jonathan Demme, and the rest, are some of the famous faces within the context of the film.The best attitude to take with the film is just to go for a ride through Los Angeles at night with excellent company.Jeff Goldblum is perfect for Ed Okin. He underplays his part to give a somewhat goofy hero at the center of the action. Michelle Pfeifer, in a more intense fashion, is good as Diana, the woman who takes Ed on the adventure of his lifetime. Bruce McGill is hysterical as an Elvis imitator. Richard Farnsworth and Vera Miles appear as a wealthy couple named "Caper", should we say any more? David Bowie, Dan Aykroyd, Irene Pappas, and the rest of the cast contribute to make this a pleasure trip to watch.John Landis shows us his city in all its night splendor.
12 out of 18 people found the following review useful: A Strange Film, 10 October 2006 Author: ccthemovieman-1 from Lockport, NY, United States
This is definitely a strange film. It offers a good mixture of action and humor yet it's a tough film to get involved with at times because of the convoluted plot. There were also a few roughed-edged characters I just didn't like, frankly. Each time I was ready to give up on this film, something really interesting would happen, though, to keep me watching.I realize this film offers a lot of "inside" stuff with a bunch of directors making cameo roles. Perhaps if I knew who all these guys were, it would make it better. Regarding to the main actors, Michelle Pfeiffer plays her normal somewhat-seedy role and Jeff Goldblum's "Ed Okin" does so many stupid things that a person would simply never do in situations, that it gets ludicrous.All in all, a curiosity piece worth seeing but I am reluctant to recommend it. As the cliché goes, it's probably a film you'll either love or hate. One good thing: John Landis directed it and he has directed a ton of entertaining films
5 out of 6 people found the following review useful: Almost a cult classic, 7 January 2005 Author: from Madison, WI USA
You have to love the casting director on this film. Goldblum as an insomniac is inspired. In fact, the whole cast is an exercise in perfect casting. Michelle P. as the waif in distress and trophy for Richard Farnsworth. Irene Papas as the Villain without a Clue. David Bowie as the mysterious stranger. The whole group of directors posing as the Keystone Kops. Bruce McGill as the bad boy Elvis impersonator. Carl Perkins as well...Carl Perkins! Clu Gullagher as the agent with no scruples and as the ultimate...Cal Worthington as himself! A perfect late night lineup from the 80s. Goldblum's rapid fire dialog is perfect. A true master of the timely pause. Michelle's early modelling photos gave us as good face as the first time you see her in Ladyhawke. But it has to be the one liners that steal this show. Ed asking "Which one is Mrs. Caper's car?"; the whole "Have a nice day" bit with Herb in the car. But the best is Clu delivering in the masterstroke response to the query after he takes the bundles of money in the motel room. "I fit into the 'or what' category". Inspired.Enjoy this film...One of my personal favorites.
7 out of 10 people found the following review useful: excellent film with a casting twist, 6 April 2006 Author: blanche-2 from United States
A man's depression and insomnia drive him "Into the Night" and a lot of trouble in this enjoyable 1985 film. Goldblum is Ed Okin, an LA aerospace engineer whose sleep problems are causing him difficulty on his demanding job. His friend (Dan Ackroyd) suggests that the next time he has insomnia, he head for Las Vegas where no one sleeps. After he sees his wife cheating on him, that's just what he does. Then Diana (Michelle Pfeiffer) jumps into his car and his night turns into a dangerous adventure. Pfeiffer has smuggled perfect emeralds into the country for a promised fee, except that everybody is now after her and willing to kill to get them.There are some great, quirky moments in this film, and one of my favorites occurs when Ed and Diana walk into the apartment of her brother (Bruce McGill) which is wall to wall Elvis. Then her brother walks in - he's an Elvis impersonator. Priceless. Diana and Ed take his car which has the words THE KING LIVES painted across it. One faction looking for the emeralds come off like the Middle Eastern version of the Stooges, particularly in a beach house scene where, trying to get out of a door, one of them keeps hitting himself in the face with it.The unique thing is that director John Landis has cast many of his fellow directors: Lawrence Kasdan, Jonathan Demme, Paul Mazurski, Amy Heckerling, David Cronenberg, Roger Vadim, Jonathan Lynn, Jack Arnold, Don Siegel, Andrew Marton, Richard Franklin, Colin Higgins, Jonathan Kaufer and Carl Gottlieb - that's a partial list. They're all good, too.The always terrific Jeff Goldblum gives us a shell-shocked Ed who seems to take each moment as it comes with what is either calm or numbness - it's unclear which, but it works in the role. Pfeiffer is a young beauty in this - she has a very brief, distant nude scene - and is certainly the type of gal a man would go out of his way to help. She's very appealing. Old-timer Clu Gulager also makes an appearance toward the end, and David Bowie has a menacing role as one of the people after the emeralds. There are some fun shots of Los Angeles like Hollywood Boulevard in front of Frederick's of Hollywood that are a real kick."Into the Night" is offbeat and fun with enough violence to make it somewhat edgy. A real find.
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