Plot: What’s it about?
There’s probably not alot of you out there that have heard of this film. I never had, but while strolling through the video store the other day, this movie just caught my eye. It stars Emilio Estevez and he is pretty much the only star in this film with the exception of brief cameo appearances by David Bowe and Catherine O’Hare. I watched this movie thinking, oh boy another third rate, mindless comedy, boy was I wrong! I enjoyed this film very much, a dark edged comedy starring Emilio Estevez? Yes! And on top of that Estevez is great in the role! So lets begin the review. Estevez (The Mighty Ducks, Wisdom) plays Dan. Dan has just been kicked out of his house as a result of a heated argument with his wife, he ends up in a bar where he decides to try and drink his troubles away. Dan soon realizes that he needs some companionship, someone to talk to, a friend. Well, after countless phone calls he remembers an old friend he hasn’t seen in a while…..Jeff. Played by Steven Weber, Jeff is an old buddy of Dans that he hasn’t hung around in some time. Jeff is a wild card, a drinker, a drug user (but not a junkie) a ladies man. The two meet at the bar and even though Dan does not realize it yet he’s in for one hell of a night!
It all starts innocent enough, a few drinks, a few laughs, just two good buddies hanging out. Until the duo eye these two beautiful girls in the bar and of course there not going to let a chance like this slip away! So Jeff and Dan agree to score some cocaine and get a suite at a ritzy L.A hotel where they plan to later meet up with the girls. Now this is not a terribly deep plot and all I can say is that its a must see, telling any more of the film drastically reduces its viewing value. Like I said earlier, I was amazed at how entertained I was by this low budget, almost “indie-type” film. The characters are believable and well cast. Estevez gives a great performance and although this is not a drama or cliffhanger in anyway, you will without a doubt find yourself glued to this movie. Writer director Steven Brill seems to have somewhat of a dark, dry sense of humor and its written all over this movie. There are lots of obvious laughs but to be honest some of the funniest lines of dialog were when they were not supposed to be that funny. And that is the beauty of this movie, its a sleeper and while it wont win any awards or probably get any spotlight exposure at all, its very entertaining and that’s all a movie should be. Let me talk a little bit more about Emilio Estevez for a minute, although were not used to seeing him in a comedic role (I don’t consider the mighty ducks comedy) outside his performance of National Lampoons Loaded Weapon, which was more of a slap stick “idiot” type humor, he is very funny! And he takes lines that would otherwise be dry and something to chuckle at and makes it worth watching the scene over again. I always thought he was a good actor, but I must admit I am now pretty impressed at his versatility as an actor. I would defiantly recommend seeing this film, and I plan to add it to my collection.
Video: How does it look?
1.85:1 original aspect for Late Last Night. Now this is where a dark cloud rolls over my sunny little town of “almost perfectville”. There are some low-light scenes (too many to call “a few”) where unfortunately there is major pixilation going on. Especially the golf course scene, watch the movie and you’ll see what I mean. Now this is a major factor as far as digital video goes, especially considering that otherwise the picture is very good! But pixels on DVD is something that just leaves me with a very bad taste in my mouth. Damn, so close to getting my “Sleeper of the year” award….Oh well.
Audio: How does it sound?
Two choices, 5.1 surround or 2.0 surround, either way the sound is great! Cant give you any complaints here, not that this film is exploding with special effects or blockbuster music, but every spoken word is clear and high and every detail is present. I swear there was one scene where Jeff lights a match and I swore I heard the sulfur mixing with the……Well you get the idea.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Not bad at all. Full commentary by writer/director Brill, trailer, cast and crew bios and a cool little behind the scenes action. The commentary was good but I would’ve liked to have heard Estevez on it.
