|
|
|
|
|
|
The Last Night Inn
( 2016 )
"The Last Night Inn" may seem like a slightly odd and long winded name for a film, but when it's all said and done makes complete sense. The real question you may find yourself asking is if these places actually exist? I'm not talking about a seedy inn, or any iffy building or business; I'm talking about a place that literally embodies it's given name, and draws unusual characters like a magnet. Anyone who's seen and loved films like "The Whole Nine Yards" or it's sequel, will feel instantly at home with this title. I'm not writing about the plot or concept, rather the ridiculous and over the top situational comedy this movie presents. Maybe a more accurate way to describe the similarities would be the actual feel of the film. We've got the undesirable location, filled with a bunch of potentially lovable criminals... Well, some lovable ones anyhow. "Last Night Inn" makes you wonder if the events portrayed are just a typical night in places such as these. You may even end up wondering what it would be like to "slum it out" one night and see for yourself. A lot can happen in a short time frame, and in this film, a lot does.
The movie features numerous characters in seemingly unrelated situations. The bulk of our characters are criminals in one form or another, but we do have a few victims and even a slightly sad, random situation that plays itself out in a kind of comedic way. This Inn is not only a hot spot for the undesirables of the local area, but also a magnet for people who are simply sad. About half way through the film I began feeling the tug of depression, from one of the non-criminal characters, as she tried to end her life. This was an entertaining addition of ups and downs, as I would chuckle a little in spite of the situation. The beauty of this film, is the inclusion of comedy in just the right places. Making sure "The Last Night Inn" never becomes overly dark. Some excellent pacing work from Anthony Montes, who wrote this production; and some excellent direction from John Heath.
As the film neared it's climax, I'll admit I felt a little disappointed when all these random characters, on the same night, never once connected. That did change in the final act, and I was quite impressed with how everyone came together... so to speak. Keeping with the feel and pacing of the film, we end up with an explosion of an ending that is as depressing as it is funny. In hindsight, I couldn't have imagined it going any other way.
Technically, I can hardly find anything to fault with this movie. It looks and sounds great, has some nicely written dialog and is acted out surprisingly well. Since "The Last Night Inn" could be a distant cousin to an anthology, there are just to many individual cast members to mention. I will say this however, when it comes to the acting itself, nobody was left behind. The performers were as good, if not better than many the celebrities of your favorite television shows. The "at times" corny lines were delivered in a completely believable way. What's better? The fact that these corny lines felt right at home in the film! I really had a blast watching these guys, and it looked like a really fun production to have been cast into.
So there you have it. "The Last Night Inn" is a funny take on what could be going on in any number of places... right now. The way all the individual stories come together, with a bang at the end... was great! Anthony Montes and John Heath, along with their excellent cast and crew have put together a film that is as entertaining as any I've seen recently. Another title I can happily point to, and gloat about, to anyone that says indie film stinks. It's not always about the 100 million dollar budget. Sometimes it's just about having a good idea, a good script and some excellent actors to play the roles. This is one to watch for and connect with. A fun time all around.
-JT www.indyred.com
( 2016 )
"The Last Night Inn" may seem like a slightly odd and long winded name for a film, but when it's all said and done makes complete sense. The real question you may find yourself asking is if these places actually exist? I'm not talking about a seedy inn, or any iffy building or business; I'm talking about a place that literally embodies it's given name, and draws unusual characters like a magnet. Anyone who's seen and loved films like "The Whole Nine Yards" or it's sequel, will feel instantly at home with this title. I'm not writing about the plot or concept, rather the ridiculous and over the top situational comedy this movie presents. Maybe a more accurate way to describe the similarities would be the actual feel of the film. We've got the undesirable location, filled with a bunch of potentially lovable criminals... Well, some lovable ones anyhow. "Last Night Inn" makes you wonder if the events portrayed are just a typical night in places such as these. You may even end up wondering what it would be like to "slum it out" one night and see for yourself. A lot can happen in a short time frame, and in this film, a lot does.
The movie features numerous characters in seemingly unrelated situations. The bulk of our characters are criminals in one form or another, but we do have a few victims and even a slightly sad, random situation that plays itself out in a kind of comedic way. This Inn is not only a hot spot for the undesirables of the local area, but also a magnet for people who are simply sad. About half way through the film I began feeling the tug of depression, from one of the non-criminal characters, as she tried to end her life. This was an entertaining addition of ups and downs, as I would chuckle a little in spite of the situation. The beauty of this film, is the inclusion of comedy in just the right places. Making sure "The Last Night Inn" never becomes overly dark. Some excellent pacing work from Anthony Montes, who wrote this production; and some excellent direction from John Heath.
As the film neared it's climax, I'll admit I felt a little disappointed when all these random characters, on the same night, never once connected. That did change in the final act, and I was quite impressed with how everyone came together... so to speak. Keeping with the feel and pacing of the film, we end up with an explosion of an ending that is as depressing as it is funny. In hindsight, I couldn't have imagined it going any other way.
Technically, I can hardly find anything to fault with this movie. It looks and sounds great, has some nicely written dialog and is acted out surprisingly well. Since "The Last Night Inn" could be a distant cousin to an anthology, there are just to many individual cast members to mention. I will say this however, when it comes to the acting itself, nobody was left behind. The performers were as good, if not better than many the celebrities of your favorite television shows. The "at times" corny lines were delivered in a completely believable way. What's better? The fact that these corny lines felt right at home in the film! I really had a blast watching these guys, and it looked like a really fun production to have been cast into.
So there you have it. "The Last Night Inn" is a funny take on what could be going on in any number of places... right now. The way all the individual stories come together, with a bang at the end... was great! Anthony Montes and John Heath, along with their excellent cast and crew have put together a film that is as entertaining as any I've seen recently. Another title I can happily point to, and gloat about, to anyone that says indie film stinks. It's not always about the 100 million dollar budget. Sometimes it's just about having a good idea, a good script and some excellent actors to play the roles. This is one to watch for and connect with. A fun time all around.
-JT www.indyred.com
|
|
The 3rd Annual
Sanford Meisner Film Festival Had a great time at the 3rd annual Sanford Meisner Film Festival. |
|
It's Temporary
Starring in a new web-series called "It's Temporary" a quirky and light-hearted comedy about the daily life of the tenants of "Easy Point Apartments". Six people caught up in the world of temporary trifles, temporary relationships, and mishaps. Check out my episodes in the Web Series tab! |
.
|
Playhouse West
Completed a great class with james Franco at Playhouse Also filmed Odets - Episode 7 from Rabbit Bandini Productions. |
|
|
