When I saw that this film was playing at the SIFF (staten Island film festival) this year, I was truly excited to see it. Not only was it made by a Staten Island native, but it also blended some stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood - such as Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine, who was coming off a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, 4-time Oscar-nominee Mickey Rooney, Sally Kellerman, the original "Hot Lips Houllihan," and Rance Howard, a screen veteran of over 100 films to his credit who raised an Oscar-Winning Director in Ron Howard - with some the young stars of tomorrow - such as Gran Torino's Ahney Her, Zachary Abel and another Staten Island native Bryan Williams.
It's hard to go wrong with a cast like that - I can't recall another movie at the festival having a cast even close to that!! - and I have to say that the film lived up to my wildest expectations.
Director Sam Borowski, does a fine job of weaving dramatic elements into this comedic effort. And the music and multiple homages really took me back to the 1980s. Clearly Borowski is a fan of that era; very apparent from his film, even if I didn't hear him say it in the Q&A afterwards.
And certain scenes reminded me of a film Borowski commented on, "Night Shift," while others reminded me of "The Breakfast Club" and "Risky Business." See the movie, and you will understand.
In all, the film is about 3 young USC students who search for jobs so they can stay in school. As it turns out, they are hired by a Rest Home, and it's whack-a-doo manager, played by Natasha Lyonne. While Lyonne's character is a stickler for the rules, her heart seems to be in the right place, even if her actions aren't always consistent with this. Lyonne is wonderful in this part and one of the things I loved about the film.
However, for me, the real star was Borgnine, who was just as fresh as ever playing Albert, a resident who convinces the three teens to start a night club in the home. They manage to keep it a secret, and the residents begin to enjoy life again. Heck, they even seem to delay their own deaths, now that they have something to look forward to.
Unfortunately, the whole night club is illegal, and you can imagine if the foursome is caught, there will be ramifications. I won't say anymore, as you have to experience this for yourselves. Highly enjoyable with some serious moments, as well.
Kellerman is wonderful in the movie, as is Paul Sorvino in a cool cameo that actually references Goodfella's. Abel, turns in a nice performance as well, and there is some comic relief from the local woman who played his mother and the actor that played his total clown of a father. This guy was spot-on as a total jack@$$ father, actually walking around scenes in his underwear, sqealing "where we gonna get the mon-ee?" when talking of Abel's college funds. Put a smile on my face. Bravo!
But, ultimately, this film did a wonderful job of blending the established older talent, with the young stars of tomorrow. Borowski gets top performances out of all of them, and the music seems perfectly placed here. So, if you are a fan of old Hollywood, such as myself, and still enjoy the comedies of today, here is a film that can offer you both.
It's hard to go wrong with a cast like that - I can't recall another movie at the festival having a cast even close to that!! - and I have to say that the film lived up to my wildest expectations.
Director Sam Borowski, does a fine job of weaving dramatic elements into this comedic effort. And the music and multiple homages really took me back to the 1980s. Clearly Borowski is a fan of that era; very apparent from his film, even if I didn't hear him say it in the Q&A afterwards.
And certain scenes reminded me of a film Borowski commented on, "Night Shift," while others reminded me of "The Breakfast Club" and "Risky Business." See the movie, and you will understand.
In all, the film is about 3 young USC students who search for jobs so they can stay in school. As it turns out, they are hired by a Rest Home, and it's whack-a-doo manager, played by Natasha Lyonne. While Lyonne's character is a stickler for the rules, her heart seems to be in the right place, even if her actions aren't always consistent with this. Lyonne is wonderful in this part and one of the things I loved about the film.
However, for me, the real star was Borgnine, who was just as fresh as ever playing Albert, a resident who convinces the three teens to start a night club in the home. They manage to keep it a secret, and the residents begin to enjoy life again. Heck, they even seem to delay their own deaths, now that they have something to look forward to.
Unfortunately, the whole night club is illegal, and you can imagine if the foursome is caught, there will be ramifications. I won't say anymore, as you have to experience this for yourselves. Highly enjoyable with some serious moments, as well.
Kellerman is wonderful in the movie, as is Paul Sorvino in a cool cameo that actually references Goodfella's. Abel, turns in a nice performance as well, and there is some comic relief from the local woman who played his mother and the actor that played his total clown of a father. This guy was spot-on as a total jack@$$ father, actually walking around scenes in his underwear, sqealing "where we gonna get the mon-ee?" when talking of Abel's college funds. Put a smile on my face. Bravo!
But, ultimately, this film did a wonderful job of blending the established older talent, with the young stars of tomorrow. Borowski gets top performances out of all of them, and the music seems perfectly placed here. So, if you are a fan of old Hollywood, such as myself, and still enjoy the comedies of today, here is a film that can offer you both.