The Lather Effect

Despite a rebellious beginning, the movie offered nothing original in film-making. An 80's version of "The Big Chill", but going back to a vapid teen nostalgia? Not worth telling. Even having an off-screen character named Lex was a more rip-off than nod. It didn't help that the soundtrack overlapped in several places with "Gross Pointe Blank", a far superior 80's nostalgia film.

Unconvincingly conceived and unconvincingly portrayed (least hung-over looking group of 30-somethings ever). The characters' biggest regrets were ending up in the wrong fantastic relationship? Too pat, too clean, no point.

I accidentally stumbled upon this movie and must say I enjoyed it so much more than expected. (The DVD title is 'One More Night', and I only later found out it was released as 'The Lather Effect'. Interestingly enough, I couldn't find any record of this movie being released as 'One More Night'.)

After a wild party, a handful of guests who stayed over wakes up in different stages of hangover. The house belongs to Valinda (Connie Britton), who is selling the house and must get it cleaned up for a viewing. Her husband Will (Tate Donovan), who couldn't be at the party, arrives to find the house in a mess, but he is a wonderful, understanding and very optimistic guy - and even helps with the clean-up. The guests decide to stay one more night reminiscing the past.

However, this night would reveal many secrets about some of the characters - some funny and some with disastrous results. I enjoyed the different characters and was impressed by the fantastic performances from the entire cast. Every actor portrayed their character so well, it was convincing and relatable. It was so natural as if I was at the party observing them, instead of watching them on a movie screen.

'The Lather Effect' dishes up humour and drama almost in equal proportions. This is a film that will make you laugh, and gasp. There are shock twists and seriously funny moments, and the film handles every aspect so incredibly well. The script is very good, and the director did a great job. The film has a distinct 80s feel. And oh, what a satisfying ending! This is just an absolutely wonderful movie. I love it!!

This film is hilarious. I saw it at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, and the audience was laughing all the way through. The casting was excellent, which led to a totally believable ensemble that gave the script an authentic rendering. One felt as if they were at the party, as if it was a real enactment of a great weekend in one's life - you know, a party that actually reveals some important "lessons" in life. The screenplay was honest and direct, fast-paced and layered. I was especially impressed by the first-time director, who also wrote the script. She has a talent for crafting the plot so that there is a lot going on without losing the cohesion of the story, and bringing in cameos that added even more enjoyment. The title may need to be rethought, but thats relatively easy. Maybe just "Lather" will do, because thats the feeling that I got, that yummy moment in the shower when the lather is all whipped up and feels so good.

Caught this movie at the St. Louis International Film Festival, and loved it! The cast was great with Eric Stolz giving the best performance in my opinion. The movie starts the day after a big blow out party. Our core group of friends are facing the task of cleaning up the house and revisiting all the highlights from the night before. I'm sure it may hit home with people in their mid thirties - am I where (or with whom) I should be? What would my life have been like if past events happened differently? In the end we realize that sometimes you have to revisit the past in order to appreciate your present and move on to your future. The director was at the festival and was great with the Q&A after the screening. I hope this movie will get picked up for a wider release. Good Luck!

This film manages to capture some of the magic of the John Hughes 80's without being a complete re-hash. Most amazing is the well-rounded nature of the group cast. You get a picture of each of these people's lives. Hughes' movies always had an undercurrent of drama, pain and misfortune. The director/writer was at the screening I saw (at KIFF) and said the movie was loosely based on an 80's party she threw.

I felt that the movie did a great job of being nostalgic without going overboard, pulling in the anxiety of thirty-somethings who grew up on those 80's classics, and ends with you feeling strangely connected to the whole group. This party could happen in your house tonight, and along with it a good, if a little painful sometimes look back, and, by its conclusion, a realistic look at the ahead.

Hope this gets distributed to more screens so more people can enjoy it themselves. Penis pirate for life! -D