One family, three completely separate plot lines. Not a bad concept but somewhat disjointed. Yes, the acting was pretty good. Question though, would a mother actually react to her son the way she did in this movie? I disagree with some of the other reviewers, though. Anyone who uses terms like "liberal agenda" or "woke" would seem to have an agenda of their own.. Frank Grillo and Bobby Canavale were excellent.
29 Reviews
Better than average; gotta love Rocky
laragi20 December 2021
If you don't understand that Rocky is life, don't watch this film. If you do, it's terrific. Bravo to the writer. The acting is solid. Cheesy when it needs to be, heartfelt as well. Beautiful scene between mother and son. It's worth a watch.
Rocky IS life.
Rocky IS life.
Almost fun but plot is thin.
cruise0124 February 2022
2.5 out of 5 stars.
Interesting premise. About a family going to the Rocky 3 movie and the fan base that Staten Island has with the movie in 1982. About a teen trying to get the girl he is falling for. While hsi brother is questioning his sexuality. The story falls thin. Acting is great. But the films direction also becomes stale.
Interesting premise. About a family going to the Rocky 3 movie and the fan base that Staten Island has with the movie in 1982. About a teen trying to get the girl he is falling for. While hsi brother is questioning his sexuality. The story falls thin. Acting is great. But the films direction also becomes stale.
Good coming of age movie for both sons and the family
coreytegley19 November 2021
Why all the bad reviews? It's a coming of age movie for two brothers and also the mother and father. The rocky 3 part is just a small part of the movie. Don't listen to all the haters. It's a good story and Frank Grillo is great as always. And Naomi Watts is Greta too. Just because the one brother is gay people want to down the movie. It's 2021 everyone grow up.
A film-school sophomore's lazy screenplay...
tccandler1 January 2022
With overwrought performances that border on melodrama, and a plot as generic as a bad 1980's teen comedy, "This is the Night" feels very much like it means something to the writer / director... But it won't have the same affect on anyone else. I didn't buy any of the plot points. They all feel wedged in. The enormous character swings are way too abrupt. This feels very much like a film-school sophomore's lazy screenplay, crammed in during finals week. D for effort.
Love letter to Rocky
kooper-9029922 September 2021
Heartfelt 80s dramedy with the release of Rocky III at it's center. Multiple storylines are almost too much but the director makes them work. Watts and Cannavale give their usual solid performances but Frank Grillo shines. I have become very impressed with the way Grillo can make seemingly impossible acting tasks look believable and he really comes through again. Keep 'em coming Frank.
What a waste!
bierbreth16 June 2022
The tone had me excited for another coming-of-age teen drama, centered in NYC; a real slice of life.
What I saw instead-right up until I turned it off-was a typical virtue-signaling Hollywood pander that tries to edit history. So many things were tweaked to reflect today's overly-progressive viewpoint. The casting is heinous, and the writing is not representative of how things were, but how some Millenial THINKS they were, or should have been.
Enough of Hollywood's revisionist and pandering faux-morality. This could have been a charming slice-of-life, but is just a flat, clichéd, inaccurate snooze fest.
What I saw instead-right up until I turned it off-was a typical virtue-signaling Hollywood pander that tries to edit history. So many things were tweaked to reflect today's overly-progressive viewpoint. The casting is heinous, and the writing is not representative of how things were, but how some Millenial THINKS they were, or should have been.
Enough of Hollywood's revisionist and pandering faux-morality. This could have been a charming slice-of-life, but is just a flat, clichéd, inaccurate snooze fest.
so many issues going on. in one family.
ksf-22 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It's 1982. The dedea brothers from staten island are determined to catch rocky part three. They worship stallone. And they work in dad's restaurant which is going under. The local kingpin frankie larocca won't lend the owner any more cash, so it's about to sink. Larocca is played by cannavale, one of the few names i recognize, from will and grace,. Cannavale has won two emmies. Anthony dedea wants to tell a girl he loves her, but she's seeing someone else. Did audiences really interact with the film like that back in 1982? Not in my neighborhood. But maybe i lived a sheltered life. Much time spent watching the audience members showing emotions.... close-ups on faces, tears rolling down cheeks. About halfway through the film, the neighborhood bully pulls a fast one on anthony, and makes him look like a jerk. So now everyone is mad at anthony and his friend dov. Naomi watts is in here as marie. A subplot of one of the guys who likes to dress up in women's clothing, and finally accepted by his mother. At the same time, something strange is going on with frankie's thugs.... did someone spike their food? So many subplots, it's more complicated than it needs to be. They could have dropped a couple of the storylines. Written and directed by james demonaco, probably most well known for the purge films. Gets a little trippy and spacey at times. The point seems to be people getting beaten up (or not) for all various reasons. Doing the right thing. I guess. It's entertaining.
I'm listing as I'm watching
Nevergivea1022 December 2021
As I'm watching this mess, I'm listing the things that make it so horrible:
Naomi Watts and Frank Grillo's child is clearly hispanic.
Italian gangsters in 1980s New York did not have black security.
By the release of Rocky III, no one was so obsessed with the fictional character that they would beat people over him.
In 1982, movie theaters did not have big recliner like seats.
Oh. And of course we have to go 2021 woke with a cross dressing son. I'm turning it off now. It's that bad.
Naomi Watts and Frank Grillo's child is clearly hispanic.
Italian gangsters in 1980s New York did not have black security.
By the release of Rocky III, no one was so obsessed with the fictional character that they would beat people over him.
In 1982, movie theaters did not have big recliner like seats.
Oh. And of course we have to go 2021 woke with a cross dressing son. I'm turning it off now. It's that bad.
Don't listen to the negative reviews, judge for yourself
pchristou12 January 2022
I remember seeing Rocky III in the theater when I was ten. Let me tell you, it WAS a major event. It was sold at out and we convinced the theater to let us in so we actually stood up in the back of the theater to watch it. It was the only time I stood up in a theater and it was totally worth it. Which brings me to this film. It definitely brought up feelings of nostalgia and I love how it didn't flinch away from the way people talked to each other back then. It was a heartwarming coming of age story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
What If You Never Saw Rocky Before?
gab-6759910 December 2021
No doubt in my mind this was a movie for only true Rocky fans. But having never seen even one of his movie this was not as special to me. Where the actor's in this movie good, hell yes! I might be the only one but going into this movie and seeing Blum's name on it I thought this would have some unnatural twist. I kept waiting and waiting and by the time the guy was yelling on the roof I was done with this movie.
Had they just focused on the family and maybe had way more interesting things going on this would have been a solid flick. I love Blum, so all this movie shows me is, as a producer he is not just limited to only horror. Although horror is what I love him for. This was a DRAMA nothing more or less.
A slow going drama with very little interesting things going on in it. It is worth your time if you just have nothing better to do. I also loved the LGBD pride aspect of this movie. I know this movie could have been more but for what it was worth it was an ok drama. Just don't expect a lot going into the movie like I did and you will not be disappointed.
Also, ppl putting 1's are just being plain hateful! This movie was AT LEAST half good so above 5 but below 9 would be an honest take on the movie.
Had they just focused on the family and maybe had way more interesting things going on this would have been a solid flick. I love Blum, so all this movie shows me is, as a producer he is not just limited to only horror. Although horror is what I love him for. This was a DRAMA nothing more or less.
A slow going drama with very little interesting things going on in it. It is worth your time if you just have nothing better to do. I also loved the LGBD pride aspect of this movie. I know this movie could have been more but for what it was worth it was an ok drama. Just don't expect a lot going into the movie like I did and you will not be disappointed.
Also, ppl putting 1's are just being plain hateful! This movie was AT LEAST half good so above 5 but below 9 would be an honest take on the movie.
Hollywood pushing their agenda
notfanuttin15 March 2022
Growing up in a Italian neighborhood in The Bronx as a teen in the late 70's. I find this movie just like the Summer of Sam . Having no idea about growing up in a Italian neighborhood back than. And just pushing the liberal agenda.
Absolute joke
ukheather3 November 2021
This was so bad. It's just lots of people obsessed with Rocky and being angry at people for talking badly about a fictional character in a movie....
It's just so hilariously BAD!
Unless a Rocky fan, avoid! Seriously!
Unless a Rocky fan, avoid! Seriously!
Worse than Rocky V
stirthesauce21 September 2021
NO0ooooooooooooooooò!!
andymaranam23 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
You tried to turn rocky into some woke coming out the closet movie and then it happened because of ROCKY! Are you kidding me! What next?.. Predator, Rambo, jaws maybe.. And a few Italian broke actors thought this was a good idea..No! I mean look their good actors but wt? Rocky is about being the underdog not this!!!
Anyway that's my ramblings put of the way, in all fairness it's started okay which created the anticlimax then went aittle bit silence of the lambs/pretty woman, not being phobic, as all very good actors & acted well considering but wrong concept to fit the narrative and it all went downhill from there .
.
Anyway that's my ramblings put of the way, in all fairness it's started okay which created the anticlimax then went aittle bit silence of the lambs/pretty woman, not being phobic, as all very good actors & acted well considering but wrong concept to fit the narrative and it all went downhill from there .
.
Not an adventure movie
petiewb22 September 2021
This movie went nowhere except right to more woke propaganda. The movie is really about a confused son who is trying to figure out if he is a cross dresser or not. That is really the movies core element including the ending. The is a movie about a boy who is confused his mother promotes his behavior and his father is caught off guard in the end looking the evil father. Don't watch it even if it didn't hide itself as an adventure movie it it s still a bad movie about cross dressers. Go watch rocky horror picture show or that Wesley snipes movie if you wanna get your cross dressing fix. If you are looking for a good 80's movie about adventure try Summer of 84 a movie you won't feel wasted your life.
Negative reviews can't deal with....
ccdcrace26 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The negative reviews are mostly negative because they can't deal with one of the brothers coming to understand his sexual identity. And how dare they base the movie on Rocky, the hero, while throwing in cross dressing/homosexuality!
I enjoyed every part of the movie and the sexual identity part was only one of the many sidelines of all the brothers and their parents. Great coming of age stories, wonderful actors and overall definitely worth the watch!
I enjoyed every part of the movie and the sexual identity part was only one of the many sidelines of all the brothers and their parents. Great coming of age stories, wonderful actors and overall definitely worth the watch!
Awful everything
I_AM_JADED4 January 2022
First I just want to say that I've read all the 10 star reviews and they are 100% paid for. No real person gave this film 10/10 stars.
As for the movie itself... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I honestly don't know who read this script and said, "this sounds like it's going to be an excellent film. Let's make it." Fire that person immediately lol.
The movie makes Italians look like senseless monkeys that idolize a fictional character to the point of irrationality. It's hilarious and absurd at the same time.
And then there's the whole sub plot about the cross dressing brother. Why? I just don't understand why that was even part of this movie or how it relates to the plot at all. Most likely a woke writer that shoehorned it into the film for the sake of "progress." Hilarious nonetheless.
Truth be told I loved this movie. It was like a dumpster fire that I could not look away from. This was the best worst movie I've watched in a while. That being said, everyone involved needs to be fired lol.
As for the movie itself... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I honestly don't know who read this script and said, "this sounds like it's going to be an excellent film. Let's make it." Fire that person immediately lol.
The movie makes Italians look like senseless monkeys that idolize a fictional character to the point of irrationality. It's hilarious and absurd at the same time.
And then there's the whole sub plot about the cross dressing brother. Why? I just don't understand why that was even part of this movie or how it relates to the plot at all. Most likely a woke writer that shoehorned it into the film for the sake of "progress." Hilarious nonetheless.
Truth be told I loved this movie. It was like a dumpster fire that I could not look away from. This was the best worst movie I've watched in a while. That being said, everyone involved needs to be fired lol.
A heartfelt movie by Ronny Kyles
ronnylamarjr21 September 2021
This is a exceptional movie great comical feel. A feel good movie for the whole family. It has a message that the whole family can take away from a message of acceptance
The film is thought provoking and evokes emotions to the viewer.
This film lets you have a strong take away message for family acceptance and living your best life and not caring what others think. Doing what truly makes you happy and not being afraid to follow your dreams and follow your passions.
The powerful takeaway message is face your fears and do what makes you happy.
This film lets you have a strong take away message for family acceptance and living your best life and not caring what others think. Doing what truly makes you happy and not being afraid to follow your dreams and follow your passions.
The powerful takeaway message is face your fears and do what makes you happy.
Honest review of This Is The Night...
Vises29 September 2021
Staten Island, NY, 1982: an Italian American family's evolution during the course of one fateful evening set against the release of Rocky III.
Such a wonderful little film that punches way above its weight (pun intended).
If you've got a closed mind or lean a little too right of centre, give it a miss but if you enjoyed Dazed and Confused but want a little more heart, this is the spicy meatball for you.
Love, love, love! 10/10!!!
Such a wonderful little film that punches way above its weight (pun intended).
If you've got a closed mind or lean a little too right of centre, give it a miss but if you enjoyed Dazed and Confused but want a little more heart, this is the spicy meatball for you.
Love, love, love! 10/10!!!
Suprisingly "fun" movie!
johnfc-18-68485028 February 2022
I actually loved it. A family human interest and coming of age drama. And yes, all families have some crazy drama whether they want to admit it or not. A little over the top in some areas. But I found quite entertaining with some not so bad acting. In truth. With a few changes I think it could've been a great comedy.
Absolutely loved this movie!
mrnickclee28 December 2021
I'm 61 years old, and I have never seen a Rocky movie. I'm also a great fan of the Blum horror movies. I did not realize that Blum had anything to do with this movie until the credits began to roll. I might add that I hate watching the credits as well but in this case I had to.
Great cast, great director, great plots, lots of fun and very introspective. My favorite movie of all time is Cinema Paradiso which I watched an Italy in 1990 when I was 30. "This is the Night" took me back in time and allowed me to experience Cinema Paradiso all over again.
Please watch this movie! I believe that anyone is capable of enjoying it without any Rocky background.
Great cast, great director, great plots, lots of fun and very introspective. My favorite movie of all time is Cinema Paradiso which I watched an Italy in 1990 when I was 30. "This is the Night" took me back in time and allowed me to experience Cinema Paradiso all over again.
Please watch this movie! I believe that anyone is capable of enjoying it without any Rocky background.
What a surprise
cxkontoy24 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I've watched this film in a very stressful period of my life where I'm going against my demons one by one. This film can give you courage to find your true strength inside of you and take the step to confront what keeps your head looking down...
The last scene ms watts just empowered me to find my strength to say no to whatever and whoever is toxic for me and say a big yes to what is the best for me.
From a medium film it surprised me with an explosion of feelings.
From a medium film it surprised me with an explosion of feelings.
Very heartwarming film
jenniferbellydancer23 October 2021
I really do not understand why the rating for the movie is low. Then again, I do have to keep in mind, not many people have seen this and there is less than 200 people who rated this.
I really loved this movie, it was very heartwarming and revolved around a hard-working Italian family in the 1980's in a neighborhood where the Italian culture is very prominent, but centered around the movie Rocky III. I really do not understand one review of how they are complaining about it not being an action film and it's not supposed to be. Just because the director did movies like the Purge doesn't mean they have to do action movies ALL the time, they're allowed to do movies like this.
It was a movie that places the value on movie-going theater experiences while at the same time bringing the story of this one family with each member finding the courage to do something they were too afraid to do before. I personally found it beautiful and thought the director and the actors did a wonderful job, especially Frank Grillo. I hope to see him do more films like this because I consider Frank Grillo to be one of the most talented yet underrated actors out there, he needs to be in more movies like these.
I really loved this movie, it was very heartwarming and revolved around a hard-working Italian family in the 1980's in a neighborhood where the Italian culture is very prominent, but centered around the movie Rocky III. I really do not understand one review of how they are complaining about it not being an action film and it's not supposed to be. Just because the director did movies like the Purge doesn't mean they have to do action movies ALL the time, they're allowed to do movies like this.
It was a movie that places the value on movie-going theater experiences while at the same time bringing the story of this one family with each member finding the courage to do something they were too afraid to do before. I personally found it beautiful and thought the director and the actors did a wonderful job, especially Frank Grillo. I hope to see him do more films like this because I consider Frank Grillo to be one of the most talented yet underrated actors out there, he needs to be in more movies like these.
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