INTO THE NIGHT was a film I was into…..

Late winter 1985, the John Landis flick “Into the Night” came to the silver screen and became a lifelong favorite of mine.  Not a critical or financial success,   this black comedy was just the kind of film I was into in my early 30s, a very happily married man for 7 years to a beautiful woman I proposed to after 7 days at the end of 7 straight dates.  I was knocked out by my future wife, and this movie did the same after the first of various viewings, 40 or so years later.   And yes, my wife has been my only love, and we are working on 48 years of our life together. I was the richer of the two, and we loved room service.

Jeff Goldblum is not your typical leading man, but in this one, he did the role right. Michelle Phiffer is your typical leading lady, as her beauty holds its own with the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. And again, she is the perfect actor in this Los Angeles-set movie.

Landis caught hell for this film, as he was criticized for putting friends, other directors, as a matter of fact, into roles that were said to bog down the movie. I disagree, but who listens to me? As a historical reflection of LA in the mid-80s, it is nice to see these fine directors in this film, even if their roles were small. Added character actors (for this film), such as David Bowie, Dan Aykroyd, Clu Gulager, Bruce McGill, and Richard Farnsworth, noted here, add to the fun.

A film that I think Quentin Tarantino would love, this is like a little less dark take on LA.  Not a “Once Upon a Time…” but close, with totally made up characters. With some nudity, a few curse words, some minor blood, and comedic murder of many characters, I found it engaging from the start. Not a hard R, but Landis made the film for adults, not children.  Thank you John.  The screenplay was, for me, excellent, and I know many critics would disagree. What the f do they know about what I enjoy? I found this film totally entertaining.