Saturday Night takes viewers through the chaotic events that occurred during the hour and a half before the first ever Saturday Night Live.
Saturday Night Live is a staple. Even for those who do not watch it, they have certainly heard of it. A concept that sounds too ridiculous to work, it has lasted for nearly fifty years and is still going strong. Yes, certain casts have been better than others, but say what you will, Saturday Night Live is sure to go down in history as one of the best shows on television.
Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night gives fans a peek behind the curtain as they are thrust into the chaotic hour and a half before the first episode. Playing out in real time, the ninety-minute movie goes right up until showtime. Even thought we all know how things work out, the stakes feel real and I found myself wondering what would happen in the end. As someone who is not well versed in the original cast of Saturday Night Live, and the events that led up to this show, I cannot say for sure what is exaggerated and what is not, but it all comes off as believable.
Because Lorne is anxious and nervous, the audience feels that way as well. The camera follows him around as he checks on his cast and constantly ignores the fact that he has far too much show to fit into the slot he is allotted. Knowing he needs to cut multiple sketches and musical performances is not his only problem, however, as he must deal with a cast who is bickering, selfish, and pushy – at least some of them are.
That is exactly what makes this film unique. The ensemble cast is massive, meaning that there is not a lot of time to spend with each person. Some we see more than others, but all have a lasting impact. Because they are based on real comedians, several of which are still alive and working, it is interesting to see these sides of them. Whether true or exaggerated, it is nothing short of entertaining.
The longer Saturday Night goes on, the more pressure that the audience feels. It is easy to become connected to the story and even to feel like you are a part of it. Thankfully, there is a lot of humor mixed throughout to keep you laughing through it all. Truly one of those if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry situations.
While I wish I could point out one person on the cast that stands out, they really do all shine, no matter how much screen time they are given. They seem to perfectly embody the actors that they are playing and are unafraid to dive into the shameful or less personable characteristics.
Saturday Night is an interesting, hilarious, and fun movie highlighting one of America’s most beloved series. It never slows down, is extremely fast paced, and keeps viewers entertained.
All of that said, Saturday Night makes the leadup to the first Saturday Night Live show feel unique and exciting. It tricks audiences into not knowing how it will all pay out, even though we are well aware. There are high stakes, but the end results make the stress and hard work well worth it. Without spoilers, the choices made during the end credits are brilliant and will certainly give any SNL fan chills.
NEXT: Bone Lake Review: Dark, Sexy, Bloody, & Unforgettable
About Saturday Night
At 11:30pm on October 11th, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. Find out what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live.
Saturday Night comes to theaters on October 11.
Saturday Night takes viewers through the chaotic events that occurred during the hour and a half before the first ever Saturday Night Live.
-
7
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.