Night Club (2011) User Reviews

Sweet little film deserving of wide release

[alan_howards · 7/10 · 12 November 2011]

It seems that most of the reviews for Night Club are positive, although I was surprised at some of the extremely negative reviews that were here. That's because I caught Night Club at the Golden Door festival and enjoyed it.

To be fair, it's not the type of movie I normally go for - I usually like the Indies with a harder edge. Night Club is a much "softer" Indie and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Where as I didn't rate it a 10 - I had it between a 7 and 8, though I am a tough reviewer - the entire audience responded to it, most of them even more than I did (and I say this, having liked the film).

It does have mass appeal and as I said in my summary, it is a sweet little film, certainly deserving of a wide release. Again, the entire audience - including cast mate Paul Sorvino who sat a few rows ahead of me (that was very cool) on opening night, laughed, smiled and sighed throughout the entire film.

As a reviewer only interested in the truth - not candy-coating it, and not trying to kill the movie for whatever agendas one may have - I have to say, I liked the movie enough to come here and review it.

I found the director Sam Borowski to be a loquacious yet likable man - someone so passionate about this film and what he does, that he would stay there and talk in the lobby all night. I know because I spoke with him, along with a crowd of others, a good 20 minutes after the Q&A - not the movie, but the Q&A - ended. I honestly don't think most would have stayed around if the movie was anything like some of the negative reviewers posted.

Although I have only recently begun posting reviews on IMDb - mostly because I see a lot of "haters" and people who seem to spew venom because they are rankled over something - I have been watching movies a while now. It's one of my hobbies. I go to many art houses to see movies, travel some distances to catch some of the indies I don't get right by my house, and usually try to go to several film festivals a year. So, I am coming from the perspective of a true indie movie buff.

My take on the negative reviews? They appear to be all set-ups, trying to get across an agenda. One particular review said that there were only master shots, and not enough close-ups in Night Club. I can assure you that wasn't the case. Another negative review claimed too many close-ups. Nope. Another was just a boiler-plate negative review with no real particulars about the film.

My favorite? This one "review" that just regurgitated others' comments and put a negative spin on it. What made this my fave is that the reviewer was from "the United Kingdom." LoL. Has this film even been seen in England yet? I would be surprised since it's still playing festivals in the U.S. and I don't believe it played in Cannes this year - didn't see it on the list of films. So, my point being, how did this guy even see it?

That nonsense aside, my honest opinion? I rather liked Night Club - and I stayed with a friend for several days to attend this festival, and caught a great deal of films while there.

On another note, Sorvino, who had a part in Night Club, also had a major role in a short film I also reviewed, "Lily of the Feast." Check that one out, if you can. And, Bravo to Paul Sorvino for doing Indie films!

The last thing I would leave you with is that a packed house on opening night of the festival at a wonderful old movie house, stayed around for the Q&A. There were no scathing questions or disappointment that I could see. Hope this helped give you an accurate picture.

Great Storyline

[TestiMonet · 7/10 · 7 September 2011]

The story line and premise of this film was very interesting and creative, I enjoyed watching the story unfold from the beginning to the end. In my opinion, it took a while for the climax to reach, but that can also be a good thing because it kept me waiting for it! Ha... The only thing that slightly distracted my attention from the movie was some of the acting--some of the acting performances were definitely dry which is why the rating isn't higher. I can't determine if it was the dialogue of the script or just the actors themselves but either or, the overall gist of the film held my interest and I was glad the ending met my expectations. I can see this movie reaching the theater (with of course, a few retouches) Nice Film!

The reviews are deceptive

[moviedp1983 · 1/10 · 17 January 2013]

I saw this film last year at the Newport film festival. I had high expectations from the highly seasoned cast and was greatly disappointed. The negative parts that stood out were, 1. the lighting (was terrible )2. The cinematography was at best amateurish 3. The script, the acting and especially the Direction was sub par, and thats being kind. I truly thought it was a very low budget ,film school production. i really don't understand the glowing reviews UNLESS this movie was completely re-cut and edited , but i doubt that could salvage it.. The much earlier reviews of this reflect my experience with this film. I wanted to love this film and then I saw it and Oy gevalt it was painful. I would not be surprised if the glowing reviews were somehow connected with the filmmakers or actors, which would be unconscionable, were that the case. I cannot see how an honest, objective person can see this film and be pleased with it. Even the awards are questionable. I don't get it. The earlier reviews pretty much are spot on.

Great Performances at this "Night Club" - some spoilers **

[vze29r3v · 10/10 · 20 August 2011]

I've been meaning to post my long overdue review, as I met Sam Borowski at a festival 3 films ago, and have followed his work ever since. He's become a viable name on the film festival circuit, and is working his way up the Hollywood ladder, and I've been to something like 5 or 6 film screenings over the past 8 years or so to view his work.

When I first heard news about this film, I was so excited to see the cast of Hollywood greats and some talented newcomers. When you think about the cast that Sam, who not only directed, but produced, assembled … wow!

You've got Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine and Oscar-Nominee Sally Kellerman of M*A*S*H fame! Natasha Lyonne, from the American Pie films and 4-time Oscar nominee Mickey Rooney, a living legend in his own right! Rance Howard, a veteran of over 100-something films and the father of another cinematic legend, Ron Howard. There's Paul Sorvino and Ahney Her, who was a lead in Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino, and young Zachary Abel, who was on the ABC show "Make it or Break It." But, it doesn't stop there, Daniel Roebuck, the veteran character actor, whom I've also had the pleasure of meeting and genre fave Clint Howard (Rance's son).

And, then, there are scores of cameos, too, so it just goes on and on and on …..

I can happily say that the film lived up to my expectations when I saw it at the SIFF back in June. Sam crafts a film that manages to capture the feel of several 80s comedies, most notably Ron Howard's 1982 gem, "Night Shift." There is a large homage to that film in "Night Club," though the latter stands on its own merit.

Can't speak for the few negative comments, but I was there at the SIFF, and there didn't seem to be any disappointed people on hand that night. And, I can see why there wasn't. The picture moves along at a nice pace, and it's fun to spot some recognizable actors' - not mentioned above – cameos, and you may even spot the director, as well.

The movie starts out entertaining and quick, but once the three main USC students ( played by Bryan Williams, Abel and Her) are hired to work in the California Villa, the real heart of this entertaining film comes out.

Hired – first for training – by Natasha Lyonne (in a nice scene-stealing performance), and after an hysterical cameo by Chuck McCann, the trio finally get to work the night shift. Abel's budding friendship with Ernest Borgnine's Albert is the basis for the film's premise, the nightclub itself.

There are both some truly hysterical and cool moments, and it's clear from this performance, Borgnine, STILL has it. Perhaps that's why he went on to win BEST ACTOR in the SIFF!

As Albert and the younger trio run the illegal nightclub out of the California Villa at night, we see some things we don't expect, from several older residents doing whiskey shots, getting physically frisky with one another, enjoying a "Vegas-Style" casino night and some famous entertainers performing.

Essentially, we see these people living with as much joy as they ever have at any point in their lives.

The nightclub itself has some consequences, though I won't reveal any of them, and the last scene is both touching and humorous at the same time. Also enjoyed the end credits, which featured a great tracking shot over the L.A. night skies.

This is a legitimate Independent Film, and one that I believe will have some success. I can't speak for anyone else, but if you read the actual newspaper and web reviews, they're positive. If you read the feature articles, it describes an interesting picture.

But, see it for yourself – I did. I was there that night, for the movie AND Sam's Q&A, and again, can tell you there weren't many people disappointed in what they saw.

See it for yourself, and my guess is, you won't be disappointed, either.

Leaves much to be desired

[binding-light-pictures · 3/10 · 11 July 2012]

What can I say about Nigh Club? The film had heart, I'll give it that... but even that had little effect on my opinion, as any emotion that may have been produced by this films good intentions were quickly overpowered by a never ending stream of terrible dialog, God-awful cinematography, and poor acting. The film's title essentially sums up the movie, a night club is created for the elderly at a local rest home, and the protagonist masterminds this whole thing is so dis-likable, that you often find yourself hoping he fails, just so you can breathe a sigh of relief. A weak and unsupported romance also follows our hero throughout the film, and only in the end (after receiving a million dollars) does she finally come back to him... (AHEM!) can anybody say terrible timing? Aside from the apparent money hungry hussy, it was clear the director did not plan out any of the small details that would have made this film believable.

-Jim

An entertaining, emotional roller-coaster ride

[vikmetrang · 9/10 · 7 September 2011]

NIGHT CLUB is a unique film in that it blends both humor (from one-liners to slapstick) and drama (including some very poignant moments) and does so very well. It was great also to see such a mix of young 20-something actors holding their own on the screen with legendary veterans such as Ernest Borgnine and Mickey Rooney. Some of the scenes are laugh-out-loud funny; others are gripping and almost push you to tears. The film is very well-paced and doesn't have any lulls. NIGHT CLUB tugs on the heart strings. It's very unexpected and very welcome ... especially in an age of movie-going where most films are either sequels, remakes or follow the same dumb story lines. Bravo!

No, no, no.

[unraveledsweaters00 · 2/10 · 5 May 2011]

I don't know what the other people who saw this movie were thinking, but this movie is like the worst film I've seen in my adult life. It was "Gigli-bad." The story line seemed cute. It was, in fact, a cute concept, USC students working a night shift at a retirement home and decided to entertain them. The acting however, was... bad. It was as if they were being directed to act badly. Natasha Lyonne acted the best out of the whole thing, with her character purposely being so cheesy and she delivered it well. The opening sequence should have been a tip off that it was going to be terrible, following a Hurst through Hollywood to that cheesy song, "Night Shift" for like 3 minutes at least. Clearly this movie wasn't funded well since the set design was like a film school attempt. There was never even an attempt to create a setting. There were no shots of the outside world, nothing to demonstrate where this retirement home was located except that the characters went to USC. The dorm room was designed better than anything else. I could go on all day, but I felt it necessary to just represent all of the people who were at the world premiere who were PAYING ATTENTION, so no one else has to unwittingly suffer through that terribly made film. The ONLY thing that saved this move from getting a ZERO is the character Chris Brown (good name choice for your "token black guy" by the way) whose comedic relief from the pathetic Justin Palma character, with his repetitive statement, "just being honest."

Wonderful Performances, Great Direction/1980s Soundtrack

[prprincess90 · 8/10 · 5 September 2011]

Actually got a chance to see this new independent film at the 28th installment of the Long Island Film Festival last month. Had a chance afterward to meet the director, Sam Borowski, and the head of the festival, Tom Santorelli. All in all it was a fun night of independent film! As I told the filmmaker that night, I would post my honest review of the film here after giving it some time to ruminate. Having done so, I would have to agree with another reviewer on this site that actually said this film has heart. It's filled with heart ... and passion, something said reviewer stated that a lot of today's films lack.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Borowski sets out to tell a tale that needs to be told: that of our generation of elders. For the record, I have family who have worked with the elderly and health care system, one of the reasons I chose to see this film. And I found it to be both enjoyable - in the commercial entertainment sense of the word - and with a bright message.

But, I also enjoy many independent films of today, and so I rather enjoyed Borowski's style which seemed to pay tribute to the films of the 1980s. In the interview that Joel Martin conducted on stage afterward, Borowski fully admitted his love of those 1980s films, most notably Ron Howard's 1982 movie, "Night Shift." Unbelievably, Borowski has recreated the opening title sequence of Howard's aforementioned film - something that made me want to go back and look at it again, and when I did, WOW what an amazing job he did in doing so. He even got actors such as Clint Howard (Ron's brother who had a supporting role in Night Shift) and Rance Howard, Ron's father. I rather enjoyed a moment between the two when Rance, a patient at the California Villa, yells at an orderly (played by the younger Howard, Clint), "You remind me of my son!" But there are enough moments like that to sustain your enjoyment of the film, and to help the message get across in an entertaining way. One thing Borowski spoke of in the on-stage interview that I completely agreed with was how there is plenty of fun moments in this movie, that are followed with heavier moments that make some of the fun ones feel inappropriate. However, when the fun moments return, we are right there laughing again.

Academy Award Nominee Sally Kellerman provides many of those heavier moments, and I wouldn't be shocked to see her get a nomination for this film should it qualify in its distribution. This year's SAG Lifetime Award Winner, Ernest Borgnine, who won an Oscar himself for 1955's Marty, also gives a wonderful performance as the lead Albert, another California Villa resident and former night club owner, who convinces the three younger leads to start the titular Night Club in question. He is the who sets the chain of events in place that will make this film special.

However, there is no discounting Borowski's direction or obvious love of film. Much like Quentin Tarantino, he weaves a tale that evokes memories of other films ... other performances. And guess what? It works for this film. Night Club stars the aforementioned Borgine, Kellerman, Rance Howard, Zachary Abel, Ahney Her, Bryan Williams, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Sorvino, Mickey Rooney and Daniel Roebuck, playing his most asinine role (and I mean that as a compliment) since Dr. Leslie Arszt himself! There are also various other cameos of TV stars and recognizable film actors.

Yes, with this film, Borowski does set out to get a message across, but he does so in a way that makes the medicine taste like candy.

Lame

[user655321 · 8 November 2011]

Night Club is filled with needless dialogue, poor cinematography, amateur acting, and just plain bad writing and directing. If somebody told me this movie was made by a group of college freshman film students, I would have no trouble believing them.

This movie is about a college freshman struggling to pay his tuition at USC who gets a job with two of his friends at an nursing home. While working at this surprisingly high paying entry level job, they befriend several patients and get the great idea to use the nursing home as a club during the night. Surprisingly, they cast some well known actors such as Ernest Borgaine, Mickey Rooney, and Sally Kellerman. I can only assume that their appearances in the film were the result of a lost bet.

Don't waste your time watching this movie.

A kid gets a job as an orderly in a nursing home then turns it into a night club in order to support his tuition bill.

[kginex · 1/10 · 27 October 2011]

When you hear the word "night club", what do you envision? Most would picture smooth talking men, provocatively dressed women, good times, and interesting scenarios. However, the movie "Night Club" was the exact opposite of what you'd expect. The film was executed poorly in many aspects from bad acting, to irrelevant characters to the shoddy use of cinematic elements. The hundreds of thousands of dollars used to spawn this horrendous movie would have been better off spent on something else.

The movie opens with a man at his desk at work while he chats on the phone with his girlfriend opposed to attending to the call of a needy patient and fulfilling his duties as an orderly. He finally goes to the patient's room to find a dead body. The credits then roll as he is shown driving a hearse which is supposedly transporting the newly dead body to another location. The driving scene goes on for a good five minutes before cutting to another scene. Next, the film cuts to a scene showing the protagonist of the movie (Justin), as he opens an acceptance letter to his dream school, The University of Southern California. A black man resembling Randy Jackson runs into the frame to congratulate Justin on a job well done, and then reappears in his kitchen as Justin informs his parents of the good news. Justin's mother is excited while his father is disgruntled having to bear the burden on paying for tuition. Their financial situation seems shaky from the father's negative reaction towards his son's acceptance. He moves into his dorm despite the shoddy financial situation and befriends 2 people named Chris and Nikki. After his parents call him to let him know his dad got laid off and can't afford tuition, he gets a job. He even lands Chris and Nikki jobs too. They work together in the California Villa, a nursing home. Justin befriends an old man (a patient) named Albert who serves as his mentor on the job.

By this point in the movie it has already been a half hour or so, and that was enough for me. In this short amount of time there were just too many problems with the movie to continue forward. In the beginning, we meet a man who talks on the phone and we never see him again. He is an extraneous character. Chris and Nikki are extras as well, because they don't help progress the plot. Though Chris schools Justin to the college life, that idea isn't the main purpose of the story, so it wouldn't make a difference if they became friends or not. The story is supposedly about Justin sustaining his education by getting a job, not about learning how to party. The Randy Jackson character is an extra as well because we never see him again. He is a failed attempt at using a motif of an imaginary friend. Justin is the only person who can see him but throughout the remainder of the movie he never re appears. If the cinematic element of motif was used correctly, Randy Jackson would play a role in shaping Justin's decisions or concurring with his feelings at each phase in the movie. He isn't a consistent or helpful figure and therefore is proved to be irrelevant. Another issue with the movie was the contradiction of pay in the nursing home. Justin gets a job as an orderly and will be paid $40/hour to work at the California Villa. His father just lost his job due to a recession and he will be getting paid a whopping $40/hour?! That's insane; not to mention the boss of the Villa has informed us that they can't buy furniture for the activity room because budgets are low. How can they afford to pay Justin and his 2 buddies that rate of pay when they can't afford furniture? It just makes no sense in the context in which the movie is surrounded by. The acting in this film was horrible almost all the way around. Many lines feel forced in the film by the majority of the characters. Justin is made out to be the kind, nervous kid but he is so bad at evoking that feeling. It sounds like he's reading off a script, almost like a choppy audio book set to a video. The only passable performance was Albert, the old man. He plays an old man and he is an old man in real life, so it didn't seem like his wise personality was forced. He is also a seasoned actor, so he knows what he's doing on screen. He indeed made his role very believable. This movie should have never seen the light of day.

Not worth watching...

[melvad123 · 27 October 2011]

"Night Club" is the most awkwardly edited and filmed movie I have ever been forced to sit through. The plot line, about three friends who work in a nursing home to turn it into a terrible night club, is ridiculous and ill-thought out. It seemed overall that there was no point or main message to carry out. The action and events moved so cripplingly slow that the audience could have easily lost interest within the first ten minutes.

Though there were different levels of acting in this movie, it could have improved if the director guided the actors better or paid more attention to the dialogue. The dialogue ruined the movie when the actors kept on overly stressing clichéd humor, and there was almost no music or sounds at all. Only when the story moves outside is there any kind of background noises or melodies at all. Plus the camera direction was amateurish and too shaky, and all mainly composed of close-ups, which made it easy to become bored with the activity going on on screen.

So in summary, this movie didn't work because the thematic elements clashed or yielded adverse, unintentional bad effects to the eyes and ears of the audience. The misguided acting, dialouge, editing, plot line, and lack of sounds were not pleasing. No wonder why the picture didn't make it to the big screen, or even why I didn't sit through it the whole way through.

Made for television movie

[paul-bulgari · 2/10 · 25 July 2011]

I had the opportunity to see this at the Newport Beach Film Festival and I decided to take my grandparents. Even they were not impressed, and they were excited by the premise. I had wanted to see it because I think Ernest Borginine has been so impressive in all that he has done. But perhaps he was board when he read the script because there is no way he would have taken this role earlier in his career. I really think this was misguided as a feature film. It had "Straight to DVD" stamped all over it. I realize it is a low-budget film but I see from this IMDb page that the producers are distributing the film themselves, which makes sense. I certainly can't imagine it playing in any kind of movie theater. Better to try and sell it to cable as something to show late at night, maybe ride the coattails of old Airwolf reruns, because that is all this movie has going for it.

Fun Nostalgic Film

[mkelso2000 · 10/10 · 23 August 2011]

I had the chance to see Night Club at a small theater near where I live and I thought it was really great. I didn't know much about it other than the basic premise but I was really glad I went to see it. The young actors in it were funny and personable and the veteran actors Like Ernest Borgnine and Mickey Rooney were right on the money. The casting especially for the residents of the nursing home was perfect. I also really liked the references to 80s movies like Night Shift and Beverly Hills Cop. The story was heart warming but funny at the same time. You don't really think it's going to tug at your heart strings but by the end I was getting a little emotional. I definitely recommend this film and I will probably go see it again when it gets a wide release. Also I read online that the film and some of the actors in it are going to be winning some awards at some film festivals.

Wonderful Movie - Saw it at multiple festivals**

[festivalfolly · 10/10 · 3 September 2011]

Before I get on with my review, I want to alert people to a very sad situation: there is a sad, pathetic little man who is posting personal attacks against one of the filmmakers out of pure jealousy and spite. While I won't reveal the name, I do know who this is.

To me, that's just a sign that filmmaker Sam Borowski has made it, has arrived - :).

However, now having said that, let me also say that I've seen this film more than once as I attended 2 local festivals, and it is a wonderful, beautiful film. Scripted by Tom Hass, story concept by Larry Delrose and directed by Sam Borowski, Night Club is a film that has something in it for everyone.

True to the tagline, "everyone's invited!" this film will please seniors, teenagers, a great deal of people in between.

The basic concept about three USC students ( Gran Torino's Ahney Her, Zachary Abel and newcomer Bryan Williams) taking a job at an old folks' home to put themselves through school seems innocent enough. Enter Ernest Borgnine. :) Borgnine's Albert convinces this threesome to start a nightclub during the evening hours when they are the only line of defense, unfortunately this goes against the "rules" and the "state law," that the home's director, Mrs. Keaton (Natasha Lyonne) is always quoting. Other co-stars include, Mickey Rooney and Daniel Roebuck of LOST, not to mention former Oscar nominee Sally Kellerman of M*A*S*H fame.

Do they get caught? Do any seniors get any action at the nightclub? Just how will YOU score on the Spot the Cameos game? See nightclub and find out!

No real objectionable language, mildly racy themes, this would be about a PG-13 rated movie IMHO, though I am not the ratings board. :)

Exceptional, wondrous, entertaining and awe-inspiring are but a few words I can muster in describing Night Club.

[kalebapwilson-70-89591 · 10/10 · 20 August 2011]

Exceptional, wondrous, entertaining and awe-inspiring are but a few words I can muster in describing Night Club, a film produced and directed by Sam Borowski, written by Larry Delrose and Tom Hass and starring a great cast of characters. This is a great and joyful film; an inspiration to the youth and the elderly alike.

The plot revolves around three USC students who begin jobs at an elderly home to help pay for college. After a rough two weeks of training, they are assigned the night shift, where they meet a great variety of elderly inhabitants of the home. They find themselves surprised when they discover many great souls amongst them, including Albert, a man of former great ventures at his club who now brings up the idea to craft great parties to keep the spirit of the residents alive.

Borowski's film features many loving homages to films of the 1980s including Night Shift. There are a variety of scenes including the opening titles that follow a hearse through the streets of LA and one that features the director himself reconstructing a Ron Howard cameo from the aforementioned Night Shift, where he portrays a man kissing his girlfriend outside a party.

The music of the film envelops you into the feel of classic 1980s film and plants you back into the time while regaining the modern day feel of life. Classic songs included in the film also act as an homage to films like Night Shift and Beverly Hills Cop. Borowski has certainly chosen the right soundtrack here.

Leading an all star cast is Academy Award® Winner and SAG Life Achievement Award Recipient Ernest Borgnine portraying the elderly Albert, a former night club owner who basks in his former glories. Borgnine is top notch in his acting with a youthful and intelligent performance. Mickey Rooney provides a bout of humor as Jerry, Albert's roommate who constantly battles with remaining on his bed.

The cast is a blast from the past that includes Daniel Roebuck (in his sixth outing with director Sam Borowski) as Frank, a rude orderly who finds distaste in the elderly, Paul Sorvino in a small appearance as himself, Sally Kellerman as Dorothy, an elderly woman with dementia and Rance Howard as Chuck, who always carries with him a trademark cowboy hat and a variety of other great actors and actresses.

The younger cast is led by Zachary Abel as Justin, Ahney Her as Nikki and Bryan Williams as Chris. The three are students at USC, working the night shift at the elderly home. They soon discover that aside from jobs to help pay for their future in life, their hearts are affected by the thoughts and creativity of the elderly. The three all are terrific young actors and each give a grand performance here.

Madison Liddy portrays the beautiful granddaughter of Kellerman's Dorothy, who sparks a light of love in Abel's Justin. She is a great addition to the cast and is a great light in Justin's life.

Last but not least, the beautiful Natasha Lyonne portrays the supervisor of the nursing home. A woman who is an obsessive-compulsive and eccentric leader, she understands little of the residents' needs and tends to usher that "State Law" is the reasoning behind some of her more misguided decisions.

The light shines bright with Borgnine and Kellerman, who are due for Oscar Buzz in their great performances. I found myself laughing and feeling sorrow for these characters in their times of grace, joy and pain. After the film's theatrical release, if Borgnine were to become a second-time Oscar winner, he'd be the oldest performer to bring one home.

The film moved along with splendid and great length. All of these scenes belong in the film as they only excel its majestic presentation and presents us with nothing less than a film of pure joy, love and inspiration. The moments of sorrow and tragedy strike hard…because you care about these characters. You care about their well-being and you care about how they strive in the world.

These characters feel as though they are family. They have the heart, courage and soul to earn the respect and love of the audience. I found myself grow attached to the film, yearning for every next moment.

In closing, the film has sold out screenings across the country during festival season, including the 500-seat Cine Capri Theater as the closing night film at the Phoenix Film Fesitval, and a spirited sell-out crowd at the Newport Beach Film Festival. This comes as no surprise with the shocking and joyful film that returns some of the heart to Hollywood and guides youth to greatness.

The film begins as a blow to your funny bone and ends in your heart. With Night Club, you will gain a respect and a care for your elders and an instinct to encourage the youth to become more like the younger characters in the film. We must look up to our elders in a manor of pure respect and care. We must treat them as we'd treat any young person. They are the same as us, human. One day, we all grow old and it is a fact of life, but would we want to be treated with disrespect? No.

Night Club is a beacon of inspiration to the youth of the world and with it, I advise you to take note and take a part of it into your life. Learn to grant kindness and aid to those of experience and age. Grant them the chance to show us their young hearts and souls and become friends with them. Borowski's film has heart…and heart is a thing we are beginning to lose in the film industry. Night Club leads us on the path to redemption and I welcome you to the walk.

MERGING the OLD with the NEW

[nycpirate786 · 10/10 · 23 August 2011]

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.

One heck of a Night out .

[ronin-bishop · 10/10 · 26 August 2011]

I found Night Club, at first, a little slow in developing.However, once Ernest Borgnine appeared on screen, the movie took on a spellbinding appeal. The three young actors, playing USC students, gave convincing as well as possibly career changing performances. Furthermore, appearances by Sally Kellerman, Paul Sorvino, Mickey Rooney, as well as other older known actors brought not only added nostalgia, with respect to their past acting greatness, but more importantly, cemented the overall theme and genius of this film. In my opinion, I believe, this will be an Academy Award winner. As the movie poster states,"Everyone's Invited."

Her movie is awesome!!

[aross2283 · 8/10 · 8 September 2011]

Ahney Her - remember that name! I know it, because I first saw her in Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino. However, I hadn't seen her in anything the past 2 years since, and then I was lucky enough to attend the Long Island premiere of Night Club.

I enjoyed the movie, directed by Sam Brorowski, very much, and enjoyed pretty much all of the acting performances. Was a performance-based movie, with all of these fine actors, but I really enjoyed Her's charming performance as the wise-cracking Nikki, one of three friends who help to form a Night Club with Albert, played by the legendary Ernest Borgnine.

Her's grasp of comedy is amazing - and 180 degrees different than her performance as Sue in GT. She as a real spice and chemistry with Bryan Williams, who played Chris Brown, and blends well with the older actors such as Borgnine, Sally Kellerman and Mickey Rooney.

There is a moment when the woman who runs the California Villa (Slums of Beverly Hills star Natasha Lyonne) pinches Ahney's cheeks and says, "Oh, look at that face!" Adorable.

And, the movie itself is just that - adorable. I give it an 8 out of 10, and a thumbs up!

Classic Hollywood Works The Night Shift

[tomsherman02 · 10/10 · 16 April 2011]

Sally Kellerman, Ernest Borgnine, Rance Howard, Mickey Rooney, Jan Rooney, Paul Sorvino, and Chuck McCann. Those are just a few of the classic Hollywood actors that Sam Borowski's Night Club has to offer. Don't mistake those roles as throw away paychecks though, as every single actor named puts in a performance worthy of Oscar Buzz. No film you will see this year can offer as much heart, soul, poignancy, humor, and joy. The film is something of a miracle that combines beautiful cinematography, solid writing, and assured direction to create a film, along with excellent acting, that will give you your money's worth and more. Independent film takes a step forward with Night Club and its up and coming director Sam Borowski. If you have older people in your life this films is for you, if you enjoy college age shenanigans this film is for you, and if you grew up in the 80's or love the films of that time this film is surely for you. I fell in love with Night Club the second I heard a new (excellent) rendition of Quarterflash's Night Shift put over top of a great opening montage. The film is reminiscent of a film called Night Shift which paved the way for Ron Howard and Michael Keaton (director and actor respectively). I say this because Sam Borowski and first time actor Bryan Williams combine their talents to light up the screen. The film is shot so well, set to a fantastic soundtrack (very 80's inspired) and score that you will not be disappointed by its independent budget. I haven't talked about the plot but if you read the plot summary that's all you need to know going in, because the film grabs you immediately and never lets go. Besides excellent performances from Kellerman and Borgnine Ahney Her and Bryan Williams'(previously mentioned) on-screen chemistry is comedy gold and proves that the two of them are here to stay in this business and I cannot wait to see them in all of their upcoming projects. Sam Borowski delivers a crazy-impressive first feature film and one not to be missed by every audience member of the four quadrants. Seek this film out at whatever theater or film festival you can (Newport Beach is the only one announced yet (I doubt only for long though)) because you won't regret it and in fact the film will touch you deeper than you thought possible. So do yourself a favor and don't make a Big Mistake and see Night Club and fall in love with it just like I did.

LIFF "Night Club" review

[ADVBrand · 9/10 · 8 September 2011]

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.

Refreshingly well written, heartwarming comedy with a few technical flaws.

[OwlFlavored69 · 10/10 · 1 May 2011]

One of the funniest, most well written films I've seen in a long time. The story is heartwarming enough for the old and the humor hip enough for the young. Truly a film most people over 13 could enjoy, especially those who have gone through college. The acting by Ernest Borgnine, Micky Rooney and other classic actors plays as a testament to the old Hollywood greats. The only spots that need tightening up are some of the moments with the younger actors, but the overwhelming hilarity of this movie far outweighs those problem moments. The editing is at times a bit slow, but these slow moments are always counterbalanced with big payoff scenes that keep you needing to know what happens next. To avoid spoilers, I won't go into specifics, but based on my experience and the overwhelming emotional reaction during the Q&A after the film's screening, it is clear that this movie connected with old and young alike to make a film both deep in meaning and quick in wit and entertainment value. Plus, old people in their underwear. Don't pass this one up!

Night Club is a spectacular film. A Must-See!

[gregory-a-torres · 10/10 · 15 April 2011]

I had the opportunity to see "Night Club" at the World Premiere @ the Phoenix Film festival. I'm not going to spoil the film for you, but this film is about Three USC students Justin (Zachary Abel), Chris (Bryan Williams) and Nikki (Ahney Her) that take up a job at a retirement home. I don't want to mention anything more I'm sure you can find the synopsis somewhere online. It's a sentimental film and it made me sad, but also provided some appropriate humor. I recommend if you can check this film out. This movie has a lot of Classic Hollywood actors also some new comers that you should keep your eye on in the near future. So with that being said bring your significant other and don't feel ashamed if you shed a tear or two!

Night Club a Must See For All of Us Who Have Aging Parents!

[aznewvisions · 8/10 · 8 April 2011]

I was privileged to see "Night Club" last evening at a World Premiere event at the Phoenix Film Festival.

Not only was it great to see such seasoned actors in this film like Ernest Borgnine and Mickey Rooney, and others, but I thought Sally Kellerman, who played Dorothy, portrayed the Alzheimer's patient perfectly. I had a Father who had Alzheimer's Disease and I could see in the demeanor of Dorothy who my Father had become before his death. I believe this is a movie that all of us who have aging parents must see! I also think that all those that work in nursing homes, especially the administrators and owners of these care facilities should see this film, it will help to open up their eyes to possibilities of care and caring. There is more to care in a treatment facility than having our elders just sit around till their lives end and we know like in this movie many of them are doing just that. We will all find ourselves growing older in time with the possibility of having to enter a nursing home, if we begin now to improve the quality of care in these facilities we can look forward to being cared for in a manner with dignity and love as these three young students in this movie ended up doing. Before these care facilities were implemented we had families caring for our elderly, there is no reason a nursing home cannot feel like "home", after all they are called nursing "homes".

I believe this movie could make an impact on how we treat our elders, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles when they get near the end of their lives and need assistance with everyday living.

Kudos to the Director: Sam Borowski, Writers: Larry Delrose and Tom Hass, and the Stars: Ernest Borgnine, Mickey Rooney, Sally Kellerman, Madison Liddy, and all the others who were willing to put in their time and effort to produce a well scripted and well portrayed film.

Not too many movies hit this many marks - this one did

[vickkynight · 9/10 · 26 September 2011]

I really enjoyed this movie, and the timing for THIS kind of movie is perfect as there are going to be a LOT of 'Baby Boomers' who will be 'residents' in assisted living or nursing homes in the next 15-20 years or so.

This movie, as I see it can serve so many purposes. Off the top of my head, is a reminder to those Baby Boomers to make plans for the future, perhaps take care to insure your 'financials' while you can. This movie also enlightened me a little as to the entire industry of nursing or assisted homes and what they should be about or not. Respecting life and living a life of quality.

There were some very personal moments where the viewer was allowed to see the private interaction between a caring grand-daughter with her grandmother who has Alzheimer's. The actors in the nursing home as the 'residents' hit me, the viewer with reality of some of our elderly and their day to day life. Now, THIS is a reality show!

All this could have been real depressing but who ever did the casting did a great job, especially bringing in legend Ernest Borgnine, (who I was hoping to meet) who is anything but depressing. His character is that he's done it all and in REAL life, he certainly has.

Among other good actors, there was handsome boy-next door & talented Zachary Abel with his off beat, good boy, 'do the right thing' character and veteran actress, the willowy Sally Kellerman who played her role with such conviction. I loved her shining moment at the piano.

One character who added that extra special spark was Daniel Roebuck, Mr. Dependable himself. His character added that last one-two good punch to complete this movie. I like him as the 'bad guy.'

'Night Club' had a REAL life aspect, some funny moments, reflective moments, good messages, heartbreak, hope and a also family film. Not too many movies can hit all those marks. This one did.

One thing that I thought made this movie special was at the end when during the Q&A Director Sam Borowski mentioned on the screen credits that this movie was dedicated to his mother. Most dedications just say...In memory of.... and that's it. Yours was especially touching because you allowed the viewer to know WHO this person was that you dedicated this great effort to, and allowed us into your still tender and grieving heart in the loss of your mother. As a mother of grown children, I think your mom would have been so very proud of your work, your movie, NIGHT CLUB and YOU!

Thank you.

Wonderful comedy with artful elements of drama in it

[Filmguy19 · 9/10 · 4 November 2011]

Night Club was my favorite movie at the Golden Door International Film Festival a few weeks ago, in Jersey City, and I saw a nice variety of films there. One of the best things I liked about the movie was the personal connection the director had with the material, and this - I felt - brought out so much more in the picture.

While the film is a comedy that achieves the desired result, it also blends elements of drama (not too heavy-handed, but just enough to tug at our heart strings) that balance the picture out nicely.

I particularly liked the theme of friendship throughout the film, which director Sam Borowski conveys by showing several inserts of the characters shaking hands when they first meet. Simple, but effective. The basic premise of the film centers around Justin (Zachary Abel), who gets accepted into USC despite the hesitance of his father to send him because of the high price of admission. Once there, he befriends his roommate Chris (played nicely by Best Supporting Actor at the GDIFF Bryan Williams) and another female student Nicky (Gran Torino's Ahney Her).

All three have their own financial issues, so when Justin and the others are seemingly offered a dream job at the California Villa for a good salary, they take it, Chris and Nicky albeit with a little hesitance on their parts. As the duo suspected, it will be real work, helping care for the elderly. But all is not lost. Enter Ernest Borgnine.

Borgnine shows the three of them how to make it fun during the nights and even opens up his large wallet to fund a nightclub within the home during the after hours. Borgnine, the GDIFF's Best Actor, playing Albert is not only heartwarming, but funny - he says things you wouldn't expect him to say. I will let future audience members discover that for themselves,.

Unfortunately, according to the home's director Ms. Keaton (played comedic ally by Natasha Lyonne), this would break "State Law," which she quotes throughout. And, while she doesn't know about this latest venture, she is always trying to keep the kids on the path of the straight and narrow ... and anal. She wants everything just right, the supply closet stocked a certain way, "with the labels facing out." Lyonne - much like Borgnine - thrives in her role and steals a good portion of this film. She is a nice comedic relief, but she also serves as possibly the character with the best arc when you see her transformation. Perhaps that's why she won Best Actress at the GDIFF! But perhaps even better than Borgnine and Lyonne was Sally Kellerman, who beat out her cast mate Williams to win Best Supporting Actor at the GDIFF! Kellerman's performance as Dorothy, a woman who suffers from dementia, is captivating, and so very real. I still remember the director saying at the awards that she studied real patients who suffer from Alzheimer's and dementia and incorporated that into her performance.

But again, for me, one of the best things I liked about the movie was the personal connection the director had with the material. I remember him saying during his acceptance speech for Best Director at the GDIFF, that his mother suffered from Alzheimer's and that was, in fact, one of the reasons he took this project on. His love of the material, and his mother, clearly shows in the final product.

In conclusion, I will end with a personal opinion: I enjoyed this film very much as it appeared the entire audience did. To have a director win Best Director and his entire cast sweep the acting awards at a festival - no matter if it was the Podunk Film Festival or the Sundance Film Festival - is impressive. That wouldn't happen if the acting performances weren't top-notch. It wouldn't happen if the direction wasn't on-point, or excellent. That much, speaks for itself.