The Lather Effect

I saw this movie last night at the St. Louis International Film Festival. It was a great film from a terrific idea. Writer/director Sarah Kelly was on hand to answer questions. She said she wanted to make a sort-of follow up to The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, to see what happens to those kids 20 years later, and based it on an actual party that she had. In the movie, there is a lot of angst and longing for high school, along with hilarious lines, fashions and outstanding music. The stars are great - I usually think William Mapother is a bit creepy (even before his character on Lost) but he's really good in this role. It made me laugh a lot, tear up once, miss high school, miss my brother, miss my friends and want to dance. Please go see it, wherever you have the chance. It's a great movie for the Gen X crowd, and everyone else.

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

I saw this on the last night of the LA Film Festival, and it was a treat.

The plot, such as it is, is about a group of friends getting together for 'one last party' at a house about to be sold, an '80's Rage', where they dress up like their favorite 80's icons, Madonna, Tom Cruise, etc. There's even a funny reference to 'that Gorbachov dude'.

But it's really about a lost past, missed opportunities, and cleaning out the cobwebs of old relationships. Sounds kind of heavy, but it's really really funny.

The cast is great, from the radiant Ione Skye (Say Anything) to straight laced Tate Donovan (The O.C.) to David Herman as the 'former child star', who just about steals every scene that he's in. But the 'jubilant engine' that kicks it into high gear is Eric Stoltz (Pulp Fiction), who I didn't' know even did comedy. He's hysterical, and every time he's on screen the film goes to a different, wackier place.

It has one of those soundtracks that make you want to go out and buy it. Which I tried to do at the Virgin Records outside the theater, but they didn't' have it yet. Every 80's hit song you can remember is somehow in this film, it's a little like BEING at the actual party!

In fact, the whole film is like being at a party. A lot of fun.

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.

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!!