Jeff Goldblum plays a man with a boring job, a cheating wife, and insomnia. One night beautiful Michelle Pfeiffer enters his life on the run from trouble of her own. The two have a wild night ahead of them as they run from irate Iranians. That makes more sense than it sounds, trust me. Lots of cameos from directors such as David Cronenberg, Jonathan Demme, and Don Siegel. Also a fun cameo by David Bowie. Goldblum and Pfeiffer are great. A solid comedy from John Landis; good escapist fun. Great soundtrack including the title song from B.B. King. Also worth checking out for a very rare (but brief) Pfeiffer nude scene.
109 Reviews
entertaining escapism
mab84856 September 2003
Plenty to enjoy here in this escapist movie. Goldblum & Pfeiffer are fun in the main roles. Suspend belief and take the exciting journey that Goldblum has with Pfeiffer. Look out for the running joke with many famous directors in cameo roles. Look out for David Bowie and Carl Perkins in a knife fight (is this a metaphor for traditional rock v glam rock?). Although an escape action drama it has plenty of amusing scenes eg. the hoods eating peanuts and breaking candy with their guns.
And the title track and soundtrack by the worlds best blues guitarist -BB King.
And the title track and soundtrack by the worlds best blues guitarist -BB King.
Into the Night
Scarecrow-8814 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Ed(Jeff Goldblum), an insomniac who just found out about his wife's extramarital affair, is greeted by a frightened woman,Diana(Michelle Pfeiffer, who is simply beautiful)running from Iranians who just killed her friend. Come to find out, she had confiscated some foreign priceless stones from oversees and quite a few dangerous types, besides the Arabs(one is the director of the film John Landis and they often work collectively even eating peanuts at the same time, sitting at the same time, etc), such as a Frenchman named Melville(director Roger Vadim)& his psychotic, all-smiles hit-man named Colin(David Bowie). Diana has recently, supposedly, had a falling out with her sugar-daddy, Jack Caper(Richard Farnsworth)and hasn't nowhere else to turn once her Elvis-worshiping brother, Charlie(Bruce McGill)kicks her out of his apartment. The rest of the film has Ed and Diana stuck together, as fate would have it, going through one unusual situation after another always fleeing danger and trying to figure out how to relinquish the stones while also staying alive..and, especially from being caught by the police. There is a woman of great means, Shaheen(Irene Papas)who might be interested in the purchase of those jewels..and just might be behind those Iranians that always seem bound to wreck another apartment or home in search for those precious stones.
Unpredictable and bizarre, this film provides Landis and company an opportunity to string the viewer along with gags regarding Hollywood. The film is riddled with famous Hollywood directors in cameo roles, but my favorite scene is where Goldblum's Ed has a problem finding a place to rest up against when he awaits Diana(whose in a trailer talking to a friend)constantly crashing through props that look real. You see the setting is LA and Landis just has a field day allowing his characters to run headlong into mishap and danger at almost every turn as they slowly fall in love. What makes it work also, for me anyway, is how Goldblum dead-pans as the chaos surrounds him. The chemistry between Goldblum and Pfeiffer surprisingly gels and there's the typical Landis violent carnage that explodes in the airport towards the end. I'm sure those who know directors that were buddies of Landis, but they are the ones that'll enjoy the endless cameos.
Unpredictable and bizarre, this film provides Landis and company an opportunity to string the viewer along with gags regarding Hollywood. The film is riddled with famous Hollywood directors in cameo roles, but my favorite scene is where Goldblum's Ed has a problem finding a place to rest up against when he awaits Diana(whose in a trailer talking to a friend)constantly crashing through props that look real. You see the setting is LA and Landis just has a field day allowing his characters to run headlong into mishap and danger at almost every turn as they slowly fall in love. What makes it work also, for me anyway, is how Goldblum dead-pans as the chaos surrounds him. The chemistry between Goldblum and Pfeiffer surprisingly gels and there's the typical Landis violent carnage that explodes in the airport towards the end. I'm sure those who know directors that were buddies of Landis, but they are the ones that'll enjoy the endless cameos.
Do not go gently...
Kim230911 July 2003
'Into the Night' stands as one of my favourite films of the '80's. In fact it stands as one of my most favourite films ever. Why? To be quite honest, I'm not sure why. It wasn't the best concept or script, the performances are okay -(with the exception of Goldblum who is outstanding)- and even John Landis' direction was at times on cruise control.
But what it did in 1985, was to reflect so much of what was going on. The ruthless drive for efficiency that makes Okin's aerospace company so demanding, the 'me' approach to relationships that results in Ed's wife's adulterous behaviour, the worship of fortune that dominates Diana's life and drives her so relentlessly - until Ed brings her something a little more worthwhile.
It had the right look, the right feel and the right cast to make you smile and go along with the goodtimes and the in-jokes between peers of the movie establishment. Here was a collection of successful players in Hollywood showing just how slick movie-making could be.
The screenings must have had the feel of a home movie with most of the cast sitting in the theatre enjoying their various cameos. Bowie, Cronenberg, Kasden and of course Landis himself, all doing it for their own.
I loved it when I first saw it and I'll be buying the DVD in Sept '03 when it finally appears. Is 'Into the Night' a great film? Probably not, but it makes me feel great everytime I take that ride to LAX in the little white Fiat...You had to be there.
But what it did in 1985, was to reflect so much of what was going on. The ruthless drive for efficiency that makes Okin's aerospace company so demanding, the 'me' approach to relationships that results in Ed's wife's adulterous behaviour, the worship of fortune that dominates Diana's life and drives her so relentlessly - until Ed brings her something a little more worthwhile.
It had the right look, the right feel and the right cast to make you smile and go along with the goodtimes and the in-jokes between peers of the movie establishment. Here was a collection of successful players in Hollywood showing just how slick movie-making could be.
The screenings must have had the feel of a home movie with most of the cast sitting in the theatre enjoying their various cameos. Bowie, Cronenberg, Kasden and of course Landis himself, all doing it for their own.
I loved it when I first saw it and I'll be buying the DVD in Sept '03 when it finally appears. Is 'Into the Night' a great film? Probably not, but it makes me feel great everytime I take that ride to LAX in the little white Fiat...You had to be there.
Funny Offbeat Thriller Of Ordinary Schmoe Caught Up In Glamorous Jewel Caper
ShootingShark29 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Ed Okin can't sleep. His life isn't working out. Late one night he drives out to LAX and inadvertently rescues the mysterious Diana from a quartet of Iranian killers. For the next two days, he is plunged into her bizarre world of international criminals, assassins and sugar-daddies. Ed does his best to help, but he has his own problems ...
There are two main aspects to this enjoyable thriller which raise it above others. The first is the character of Ed, who's a world away from the stereotypical action hero / disgruntled cop male lead. Ed isn't stupid but he is boring and non-responsive. A bit like Chauncey in Being There, everybody else assumes there's far more to him than there actually is. Jeff Goldblum pulls this trait off note-perfect, somehow managing to make Ed both dull but still funny and watchable. The other great amusement here is the extraordinary cast; it has some fine actors (Farnsworth, McGill, Papas), some weird people in key parts (French auteur Vadim as a gangster, British writer Lynn as a tailor, a hilarious Bowie as a killer) and an astonishing array of filmmakers in cameo roles (a technique Landis reuses to good comic effect, especially in Spies Like Us and Innocent Blood). The eagle-eyed can spot Jack Arnold, Paul Bartel, David Cronenberg, Jonathan Demme, Richard Franklin, Amy Heckerling, Jim Henson, Lawrence Kasdan, Daniel Petrie and Don Siegel as well as Rick Baker (who is very funny as a drug dealer) and Landis himself as the clumsiest of the four Savak goons. It has plenty more to recommend it though - the story is exciting and has a pleasantly dizzying feel to it, although the comic/thriller tone veers sometimes (as in the scene where Harrold is murdered). It's also a photobook of eighties super-rich, with glamorous Beverly Hills locations and opulent sets by John Lloyd, all gleaming marble penthouse apartments and sky-blue swimming pool mansions. If I have one problem with the movie it's the Diana character, who is required as the backbone of the plot, but is not really very likable or interesting. It's odd that she has a whirlwind lifestyle and Ed has an incredibly boring one, but he's fascinating and she isn't - I think it's down to the actors but I'm not sure. Anyway, this is a terrific thriller, with Landis in fine form, corralling all the crazy elements of his movie together. Written by Ron Koslow, with a great wailing blues score by Ira Newborn and B.B. King. Check it out.
There are two main aspects to this enjoyable thriller which raise it above others. The first is the character of Ed, who's a world away from the stereotypical action hero / disgruntled cop male lead. Ed isn't stupid but he is boring and non-responsive. A bit like Chauncey in Being There, everybody else assumes there's far more to him than there actually is. Jeff Goldblum pulls this trait off note-perfect, somehow managing to make Ed both dull but still funny and watchable. The other great amusement here is the extraordinary cast; it has some fine actors (Farnsworth, McGill, Papas), some weird people in key parts (French auteur Vadim as a gangster, British writer Lynn as a tailor, a hilarious Bowie as a killer) and an astonishing array of filmmakers in cameo roles (a technique Landis reuses to good comic effect, especially in Spies Like Us and Innocent Blood). The eagle-eyed can spot Jack Arnold, Paul Bartel, David Cronenberg, Jonathan Demme, Richard Franklin, Amy Heckerling, Jim Henson, Lawrence Kasdan, Daniel Petrie and Don Siegel as well as Rick Baker (who is very funny as a drug dealer) and Landis himself as the clumsiest of the four Savak goons. It has plenty more to recommend it though - the story is exciting and has a pleasantly dizzying feel to it, although the comic/thriller tone veers sometimes (as in the scene where Harrold is murdered). It's also a photobook of eighties super-rich, with glamorous Beverly Hills locations and opulent sets by John Lloyd, all gleaming marble penthouse apartments and sky-blue swimming pool mansions. If I have one problem with the movie it's the Diana character, who is required as the backbone of the plot, but is not really very likable or interesting. It's odd that she has a whirlwind lifestyle and Ed has an incredibly boring one, but he's fascinating and she isn't - I think it's down to the actors but I'm not sure. Anyway, this is a terrific thriller, with Landis in fine form, corralling all the crazy elements of his movie together. Written by Ron Koslow, with a great wailing blues score by Ira Newborn and B.B. King. Check it out.
weird night out
SnoopyStyle15 February 2016
Ed Okin (Jeff Goldblum) struggles with insomnia. His wife cheats and his job is a dead-end. His best friend Herb (Dan Aykroyd) suggests going to Vegas. At LAX, he gets involved with jewel smuggler Diana (Michelle Pfeiffer) on the run from four Iranian gangsters. It's the beginning of two wild nights in the city.
This is most memorable for glimpses of a naked Michelle Pfeiffer. She's the engine behind this movie. It's perfectly believable to have her lead him everywhere. Goldblum has a tired insomniac persona and the movie meanders in a good way. It's a bunch of random adventures that don't always go anywhere or end in laughs. The Iranians can't seem to open doors and that's good for a small chuckle. It's a weird nights-out movie and I don't mind spending the time with these two characters.
This is most memorable for glimpses of a naked Michelle Pfeiffer. She's the engine behind this movie. It's perfectly believable to have her lead him everywhere. Goldblum has a tired insomniac persona and the movie meanders in a good way. It's a bunch of random adventures that don't always go anywhere or end in laughs. The Iranians can't seem to open doors and that's good for a small chuckle. It's a weird nights-out movie and I don't mind spending the time with these two characters.
Alright But Forgettable
gavin694229 November 2017
Ed Okin (Jeff Goldblum) is a middle class man with a boring job, a case of insomnia and, to top it all off, he just found out that his wife is cheating on him.
This film is a good one simply because of the cast. Goldblum is always a joy, even when he has very little to do as in this film. Michelle Pfeiffer has always been great, as well, and this was really her in her prime (between "Scarface" and "Batman Returns"). All the cameos are fun, if completely unnecessary.
Despite this, and even with the great John Landis in charge, there really is not much going on, which makes the movie sort of forgettable. No doubt most people have forgotten and it would not make anyone's "top three" or "top five" Landis films. Would it? Some of it seems to anticipate "The Big Lebowski", but without the quirky humor.
This film is a good one simply because of the cast. Goldblum is always a joy, even when he has very little to do as in this film. Michelle Pfeiffer has always been great, as well, and this was really her in her prime (between "Scarface" and "Batman Returns"). All the cameos are fun, if completely unnecessary.
Despite this, and even with the great John Landis in charge, there really is not much going on, which makes the movie sort of forgettable. No doubt most people have forgotten and it would not make anyone's "top three" or "top five" Landis films. Would it? Some of it seems to anticipate "The Big Lebowski", but without the quirky humor.
Landis' "After Hours"
parkerbcn30 May 2021
A lesser-known John Landis film, shot just after the tragical accident of "Twilight Zone: The Movie", with a presence of a lot of director's cameos, supposedly as a sign of support. The film has a charming main duo in the famous Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer, but also include appearances of Dan Aykroyd, David Bowie or Landis himself. It has a convoluted script and some of the humour is plain odd, but it manages to present something different, a kind of L. A. night comedy thriller, not so distant to "After Hours".
LOTS of fun, LOTS of directors in the cast, plus...
SquirePM23 July 1999
This movie is a lighthearted romp! It is filled with laughs, some brilliant physical humor (who knew John Landis was a comic-action actor?), sudden surprises and a phenomenal cast.
And, as a little teaser to make you rent the theatrical version, Michelle Pfeiffer's only known nude scene! TSK, TSK, where she hid those gems!
Jeff Goldblum gives a deadpan performance that is perfect. It fits this movie, it fits his style, and at times it is just hilarious. Probably his best role ever.
The amazingly diverse cast includes Dan Aykroyd, David Bowie, Jim Henson, Paul Bartel, Carl Perkins, Bruce McGill (as Elvis!), Irene Papas, Vera Miles, Richard Farnsworth, Kathryn Harrold, Jake Steinfeld (Body By Jake) and even Clu Gulager! WOW!
But there's added richness for the film buff. Landis cast no fewer than 15 Hollywood directors in this film, plus himself! You can spot Lawrence Kasdan, Jonathan Demme, Paul Mazurski, Amy Heckerling, David Cronenberg, Roger Vadim, Jonathan Lynn, Jack Arnold, Don Siegel, Andrew Marton, Richard Franklin, Colin Higgins, Jonathan Kaufer and Carl Gottlieb.
Director Daniel Petrie even plays the director of a film-within-the-film, with the assistant director of this film, David Sosna, playing the assistant director of that film. There are cinematographers, writers and make-up artists, too, including Rick Baker, the first make-up artist ever to win an Oscar for his craft.
Too few people know about this sleeper. It's fast paced, funny and beautifully filmed. Rent it. You'll love it.
And, as a little teaser to make you rent the theatrical version, Michelle Pfeiffer's only known nude scene! TSK, TSK, where she hid those gems!
Jeff Goldblum gives a deadpan performance that is perfect. It fits this movie, it fits his style, and at times it is just hilarious. Probably his best role ever.
The amazingly diverse cast includes Dan Aykroyd, David Bowie, Jim Henson, Paul Bartel, Carl Perkins, Bruce McGill (as Elvis!), Irene Papas, Vera Miles, Richard Farnsworth, Kathryn Harrold, Jake Steinfeld (Body By Jake) and even Clu Gulager! WOW!
But there's added richness for the film buff. Landis cast no fewer than 15 Hollywood directors in this film, plus himself! You can spot Lawrence Kasdan, Jonathan Demme, Paul Mazurski, Amy Heckerling, David Cronenberg, Roger Vadim, Jonathan Lynn, Jack Arnold, Don Siegel, Andrew Marton, Richard Franklin, Colin Higgins, Jonathan Kaufer and Carl Gottlieb.
Director Daniel Petrie even plays the director of a film-within-the-film, with the assistant director of this film, David Sosna, playing the assistant director of that film. There are cinematographers, writers and make-up artists, too, including Rick Baker, the first make-up artist ever to win an Oscar for his craft.
Too few people know about this sleeper. It's fast paced, funny and beautifully filmed. Rent it. You'll love it.
So good that I bought it!
gwickliffe3 April 2001
I first saw this movie on cable back in the eighties. Some say it is fast paced and others say it's slow and predictable. I say it is right in between. I think a lot of critics of this film have missed the point of this movie. I say forget the actors and the cameos and just watch the movie! This is a movie to rent or watch when you want something deeper than beach bimbos but not so deep as "Godfather". It draws you in and is enjoyable and interesting to watch and unlike a lot of movies, you can watch it again and again. Hence is the reason why I bought it. I think a lot of people can identify with it and understand the motivations within the characters. I like it because you can watch it by yourself and with others and still get something out of it. So many movies try too hard to say something or describe a certain era. To me, this film just is. To me, this film let me know that I was not alone in thinking the same thoughts and feelings I had even as teenager growing and wondering why I couldn't sleep at night and if I was the only one having random thoughts in my head. Some say it's too eighties or what not, but I think it is more a movie of the human condition that still holds true today. It's funny and tragic and all the while, I think speaks to all of us and how we all view ourselves in this society. Granted, it's no Oscar (tm.) movie but it doesn't have to be. To me it's just an all-around good movie that's fun to watch without being too shallow or that's so deep like Gone With The Wind. A fun and good rental movie that you might buy also!
A Strange Film
ccthemovieman-110 October 2006
This is definitely a strange film. It offers a good mixture of action and humor yet it's a tough film to get involved with at times because of the convoluted plot. There were also a few roughed-edged characters I just didn't like, frankly. Each time I was ready to give up on this film, something really interesting would happen, though, to keep me watching.
I realize this film offers a lot of "inside" stuff with a bunch of directors making cameo roles. Perhaps if I knew who all these guys were, it would make it better. Regarding to the main actors, Michelle Pfeiffer plays her normal somewhat-seedy role and Jeff Goldblum's "Ed Okin" does so many stupid things that a person would simply never do in situations, that it gets ludicrous.
All in all, a curiosity piece worth seeing but I am reluctant to recommend it. As the cliché goes, it's probably a film you'll either love or hate. One good thing: John Landis directed it and he has directed a ton of entertaining films
I realize this film offers a lot of "inside" stuff with a bunch of directors making cameo roles. Perhaps if I knew who all these guys were, it would make it better. Regarding to the main actors, Michelle Pfeiffer plays her normal somewhat-seedy role and Jeff Goldblum's "Ed Okin" does so many stupid things that a person would simply never do in situations, that it gets ludicrous.
All in all, a curiosity piece worth seeing but I am reluctant to recommend it. As the cliché goes, it's probably a film you'll either love or hate. One good thing: John Landis directed it and he has directed a ton of entertaining films
excellent film with a casting twist
blanche-26 April 2006
A man's depression and insomnia drive him "Into the Night" and a lot of trouble in this enjoyable 1985 film. Goldblum is Ed Okin, an LA aerospace engineer whose sleep problems are causing him difficulty on his demanding job. His friend (Dan Ackroyd) suggests that the next time he has insomnia, he head for Las Vegas where no one sleeps. After he sees his wife cheating on him, that's just what he does. Then Diana (Michelle Pfeiffer) jumps into his car and his night turns into a dangerous adventure. Pfeiffer has smuggled perfect emeralds into the country for a promised fee, except that everybody is now after her and willing to kill to get them.
There are some great, quirky moments in this film, and one of my favorites occurs when Ed and Diana walk into the apartment of her brother (Bruce McGill) which is wall to wall Elvis. Then her brother walks in - he's an Elvis impersonator. Priceless. Diana and Ed take his car which has the words THE KING LIVES painted across it. One faction looking for the emeralds come off like the Middle Eastern version of the Stooges, particularly in a beach house scene where, trying to get out of a door, one of them keeps hitting himself in the face with it.
The unique thing is that director John Landis has cast many of his fellow directors: Lawrence Kasdan, Jonathan Demme, Paul Mazurski, Amy Heckerling, David Cronenberg, Roger Vadim, Jonathan Lynn, Jack Arnold, Don Siegel, Andrew Marton, Richard Franklin, Colin Higgins, Jonathan Kaufer and Carl Gottlieb - that's a partial list. They're all good, too.
The always terrific Jeff Goldblum gives us a shell-shocked Ed who seems to take each moment as it comes with what is either calm or numbness - it's unclear which, but it works in the role. Pfeiffer is a young beauty in this - she has a very brief, distant nude scene - and is certainly the type of gal a man would go out of his way to help. She's very appealing. Old-timer Clu Gulager also makes an appearance toward the end, and David Bowie has a menacing role as one of the people after the emeralds. There are some fun shots of Los Angeles like Hollywood Boulevard in front of Frederick's of Hollywood that are a real kick.
"Into the Night" is offbeat and fun with enough violence to make it somewhat edgy. A real find.
There are some great, quirky moments in this film, and one of my favorites occurs when Ed and Diana walk into the apartment of her brother (Bruce McGill) which is wall to wall Elvis. Then her brother walks in - he's an Elvis impersonator. Priceless. Diana and Ed take his car which has the words THE KING LIVES painted across it. One faction looking for the emeralds come off like the Middle Eastern version of the Stooges, particularly in a beach house scene where, trying to get out of a door, one of them keeps hitting himself in the face with it.
The unique thing is that director John Landis has cast many of his fellow directors: Lawrence Kasdan, Jonathan Demme, Paul Mazurski, Amy Heckerling, David Cronenberg, Roger Vadim, Jonathan Lynn, Jack Arnold, Don Siegel, Andrew Marton, Richard Franklin, Colin Higgins, Jonathan Kaufer and Carl Gottlieb - that's a partial list. They're all good, too.
The always terrific Jeff Goldblum gives us a shell-shocked Ed who seems to take each moment as it comes with what is either calm or numbness - it's unclear which, but it works in the role. Pfeiffer is a young beauty in this - she has a very brief, distant nude scene - and is certainly the type of gal a man would go out of his way to help. She's very appealing. Old-timer Clu Gulager also makes an appearance toward the end, and David Bowie has a menacing role as one of the people after the emeralds. There are some fun shots of Los Angeles like Hollywood Boulevard in front of Frederick's of Hollywood that are a real kick.
"Into the Night" is offbeat and fun with enough violence to make it somewhat edgy. A real find.
pretty good
KyleFurr211 September 2005
John Landis didn't go on to direct any more good movies after this one and now most of them seem to go straight to video. Jeff Goldblum plays a man who can't sleep and his life is very boring. Goldblum is bored at home and can't seem to get interested on his work. Dan Aykroyd plays a friend who suggests he should go to Las Vegas, so later on that night when he can't sleep he gets in his car and goes to the airport. Goldblum can't make up his mind if he should go and before he knows it, Michelle Pfeiffer winds up in his car being chased by some middle east men who want to kill her. Goldblum winds up helping her with some stolen jewels and there a lot of cameos with David Cronenberg playing Goldblum's boss and David Bowie a hit-man also interested in the jewels. It's a good film and a pretty good time waster.
A thin predictable plot with little entertainment.
ravery-130 August 2006
This film for me is without doubt one of the ten most boring I have watched in the last 20 years. I guess its main weakness is the classic stereotyping of all the characters. There are no scenes that come to my memory that are in any way original, this starts in the 'hero's' kitchen and continues predictably through the film. The plot is thin enough to read a book through, and, given the lack of special effects, preposterous in extremis. The major amusement for me is the portrayal of the 'baddies' who fall somewhere between Reservoir Dogs and the Keystone Cops - but without the violence or the humour. I reckon if Mr. Okin has trouble sleeping he should try watching this. I didn't make it to the end ....but I bet I know how it finished.
An excellent little gem of a movie, perfect for vi...
M2b27 February 2001
An excellent little gem of a movie, perfect for vidoe-rental for late night. Landis's direction (and his star turn) are both crisp and well paced. Is Los Angeles a land of secret places and pleasures? Maybe yes, maybe not. Probably depends on who you know or how much money you have. But this little fantasy about a Californian bored with his job and unhappy in his marriage hits the notes as his all night adventure unfolds. Wonderful cameos from a slew of stars. Some excessive violence at times, but put there for a point, the point being the nature of Iran's old idiot-terror police, the Savak. Maybe Landis knows of wherefore he speaks.
As for nudity, almost enough. More would have been better. Vidiot after vidiot has tried to stop action vidcap the too fast shots of naked Michelle. The lovely Kathryn Harold keeps her clothes on but gets a gruesome Hollywood send-off, the single most difficult part of the film to watch. Don't hate this film if you don't get it. This is a dark L.A. story, not a comedy, but I rank it as one of the best late-night movies ever made.
Landis made the film he wanted to make and that's the first test of the director's skill. If you peruse thru the comments list and get past Mr. too-boring-for-him, then take my word and watch this film. It's perfect for a night when your troubles are keeping you up. The film has a lot to say.
As for nudity, almost enough. More would have been better. Vidiot after vidiot has tried to stop action vidcap the too fast shots of naked Michelle. The lovely Kathryn Harold keeps her clothes on but gets a gruesome Hollywood send-off, the single most difficult part of the film to watch. Don't hate this film if you don't get it. This is a dark L.A. story, not a comedy, but I rank it as one of the best late-night movies ever made.
Landis made the film he wanted to make and that's the first test of the director's skill. If you peruse thru the comments list and get past Mr. too-boring-for-him, then take my word and watch this film. It's perfect for a night when your troubles are keeping you up. The film has a lot to say.
An average action picture with a few stand outs
redcrossaint10 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Into the Night (1985)
2.5/4
John Landis's muddled version of an "After Hours" like story is extremely flawed, but minorly entertaining. The opening scenes of this film are extremely promising, and to be honest, very well made. It's about 20 minutes into the movie that it falls apart. It becomes a murky mess.
The movie goes somewhat like this. Ed Okin (Jeff Goldblum) is a bored insomniac aerospace engineer, and finds out that his wife is cheating on him. During one night, he accidentally meets a beautiful model named Diana (Michelle Pfeiffer), and tries to help her on the run from a collection of dangerous people.
Jeff Goldblum's performance at the beginning of the movie is inspired, and very well directed by Landis. They know how to get you to relate to this character, and it really does work. It's when he meets Diana when the film falls apart. They seem to give up their craft, and it just becomes a tired, confusing mess. It slowly turns into an action thriller also, with a collection of dangerous people constantly chasing them. The cast is littered with famous names, and to give you a rough representation, Jim Henson plays a man on the phone. That's right, that small of a role - can you imagine what the other players have? Some of the cast is good, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer are all right, but I really liked Paul Mazursky.
I personally think this movie loses all of its feel when it becomes an unnecessary by-the-numbers action picture, with little to no thought put into it. Aside from a few highlights, this is a mostly confusing mess of a movie - but it never becomes dreadful to sit through thanks to the reliability of an action formula.
2.5/4
John Landis's muddled version of an "After Hours" like story is extremely flawed, but minorly entertaining. The opening scenes of this film are extremely promising, and to be honest, very well made. It's about 20 minutes into the movie that it falls apart. It becomes a murky mess.
The movie goes somewhat like this. Ed Okin (Jeff Goldblum) is a bored insomniac aerospace engineer, and finds out that his wife is cheating on him. During one night, he accidentally meets a beautiful model named Diana (Michelle Pfeiffer), and tries to help her on the run from a collection of dangerous people.
Jeff Goldblum's performance at the beginning of the movie is inspired, and very well directed by Landis. They know how to get you to relate to this character, and it really does work. It's when he meets Diana when the film falls apart. They seem to give up their craft, and it just becomes a tired, confusing mess. It slowly turns into an action thriller also, with a collection of dangerous people constantly chasing them. The cast is littered with famous names, and to give you a rough representation, Jim Henson plays a man on the phone. That's right, that small of a role - can you imagine what the other players have? Some of the cast is good, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer are all right, but I really liked Paul Mazursky.
I personally think this movie loses all of its feel when it becomes an unnecessary by-the-numbers action picture, with little to no thought put into it. Aside from a few highlights, this is a mostly confusing mess of a movie - but it never becomes dreadful to sit through thanks to the reliability of an action formula.
Solid 6.5
MCMCMLXX27 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
In IMDB the rating I gave was 7 because it is a solid 6.5 on the fact that it was engaging. The actors were charming and surprisingly rich in depth despite the premise of a romcom-murder movie. It wasn't funny but had funny moments (John Landis had fun being a baddy in slapstick style). It wasn't gruesome like American Werewolf, but elements were quite disturbing. It wasn't really romantic but the Michelle and Jeff had a slow burner - very good to have that style as a basis of a relationship.
All in all, as one reviewer rightly stated it is a great late night rental movie (and with terrible mid 80s music from B.B. King to boot).
Great cameos from many diverse people - fun trying to guess all the directors who show up. And a good deal of twist and turns without being disruptive to the continuum of the story.
PS - the fight scene between Bowie and Perkins must have an inside joke. Old rock versus new rock. One nearly dead... etc.
Please give it a try.
Great Fun !
henrysarki996 November 1999
Being a native of Iran I enjoyed it quite a bit and it was close to my heart. John Landis did a good job as usual, and gave a good performance as one of the bad guys as well. Michelle Pfeiffer was very good looking. I bought a second video and sent it to my son in the US midwest.
Scatterbrained nonsense with a violent bent...
moonspinner5511 July 2017
Married engineer in Los Angeles, stuck in a rut and unable to sleep at night, gets mixed up with a kooky girl willingly being used as a courier for a jewel smuggler; she's got the six priceless emeralds hidden in a jacket, and now the couple is being chased all over the city by international villains. Lively comedy-thriller from director John Landis, who has filled many of the supporting roles with his filmmaker friends (and given himself a plum part as well); nevertheless, his movie loses its bearings whenever it becomes too realistically violent, although leads Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer turn out to be an affable romantic match. The picture is disarming and entertaining most of the way, with Irene Papas giving a magnetic performance as the couple's 'drop', a no-nonsense descendant of Iranian royalty. Pretty funny once you get the idea, however Ron Koslow's screenplay has elements that fail to cohere, such as Goldblum's boring job and unfaithful wife. Making a guest appearance, filmmaker Jonathan Demme, whose "Married to the Mob" in 1988 also starred Pfeiffer, ultimately delivered his own funny/violent movie very similar in tone to this one. **1/2 from ****
One of my all time favorites!
rcl-wa9 April 2004
Somehow everything clicked in this film for me, and I just love it. I've mainly seen it quite a few times on TV, but also have rented it and prefer the uncensored version. (After all, Michelle Pfeiffer nude scenes are pretty rare!) I've read that this was a vehicle for numerous friends of the producers to appear in quick "cameos" (a la Hitchcock, not playing themselves and mostly just background), and I'm still trying to find where Steven Spielberg appears. But overall, it is just the perfect blend of mystery, adventure, comedy & tragedy, and satisfying ending, and all are right on. OK, it's no major classic, just some lightweight fun, but after almost 20 years (I'm writing this in 2004) I recall few other films that for me match this one for "Oh, that was a cool flick; I think I'll watch it again." If you missed this I highly recommend it, without reservation.
Fun fluff
Tito-83 March 1999
Okay, so this is nothing great, but it is certainly undemanding fun and worth the time it takes to watch it. Sure, it's a little longer than it needed to be, and the plot is a little thicker than it needed to be, but I'm perhaps being picky, for this was never meant to be deep and thought-provoking. Jeff Goldblum is fun as usual, and it was cute to see that so many directors made brief appearances in the film as well. It's no masterpiece, but certainly is an enjoyable way to kill some time.
One of My Favorite Movies of the 80's
claudio_carvalho17 July 2010
In Los Angeles, the insomniac aerospace engineer Ed Okin (Jeff Goldblum) has a boring job and a cold relationship with his wife. One afternoon, Ed leaves his job earlier to rest and discovers that his wife Ellen (Stacey Pickren) is cheating him with her colleague Stan (Carmen Argenziano). During the night, Ed can not sleep and he decides to drive to the airport to kill time. When he parks in the parking lot of the airport, he sees a beautiful woman, Diana (Michelle Pfeiffer), chased by four Iranians. He helps her and drives away to her place. Sooner he discovers that Diana has smuggled six emeralds from Iran and now she is chased by the gang of Shaheen Parvici (Irene Papas) and by the dangerous British killer Colin Morris (David Bowie) that works for the French Monsieur Melville (Roger Vadim). Ed Okin has an unforgettable night with Diana.
"Into the Night" is one of my favorite movies of the 80's. I have just watched this film at least for the sixth time and Michelle Feiffer is stunningly gorgeous. The engaging story is funny and one attraction is to identify the cameo of directors and other personalities, such as David Cronenberg, John Landis, Don Siegel, Jonathan Demme, and Lawrence Kasdan working with names like Vera Miles, Irene Papas, David Bowie and Dan Aykroyd among others. The awesome music of B.B. King gives a touch of class to this wonderful film. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Um Romance Muito Perigoso" ("A Very Dangerous Romance")
Note: On 14 April 2019, I saw this film again.
"Into the Night" is one of my favorite movies of the 80's. I have just watched this film at least for the sixth time and Michelle Feiffer is stunningly gorgeous. The engaging story is funny and one attraction is to identify the cameo of directors and other personalities, such as David Cronenberg, John Landis, Don Siegel, Jonathan Demme, and Lawrence Kasdan working with names like Vera Miles, Irene Papas, David Bowie and Dan Aykroyd among others. The awesome music of B.B. King gives a touch of class to this wonderful film. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Um Romance Muito Perigoso" ("A Very Dangerous Romance")
Note: On 14 April 2019, I saw this film again.
shallow fun
ABechtel15 July 1999
Jeff Goldblum is perfectly cast as a loser who comes home early from work to find his wife in bed with another man. Confused, he drives "into the night," to find himself and instead finds bizarre adventure and intrigue.
This story was done better a few years later in "Afterhours," but "Into the Night" has a goofy charm that makes it worthwhile. John Landis tries to hard to weave in a cameo by just about every director in Hollywood (and David Bowie to boot). Why bother? The soundtrack, with songs by BB King, is a nice touch.
This story was done better a few years later in "Afterhours," but "Into the Night" has a goofy charm that makes it worthwhile. John Landis tries to hard to weave in a cameo by just about every director in Hollywood (and David Bowie to boot). Why bother? The soundtrack, with songs by BB King, is a nice touch.
An idea of my disgust
DomiMMHS9 December 2000
This is probably only an idea of my disgust for the so- typically- 80s- feel of this movie. I've already written this somewhere in a forum. Today I discovered it per chance and thought it would make a pretty cool mean-spirited review. Here we go!
It's not UN-bearable, but it's so very un-funny, pathetic and self-indulgent. It really embodies everything that ever annoyed me about eighties movie making. It's like a manifestation of a sickness that has haunted movies like "Something Wild" and yes, also a lot of quite acceptable movies in the 80s. And, if this sickness has really existed in (and dominated) society back then, I'm glad I'm too young (19) to know.
Of course this review will tell you nothing except to avoid the movie. On my old scale I used to employ here, it has been a 4 out of 10. I'm revising my scale though because it doesn't feel accurate to me anymore. If a ***** is to be read as "mediocre", "Into the Night" has to be a ***!
It's not UN-bearable, but it's so very un-funny, pathetic and self-indulgent. It really embodies everything that ever annoyed me about eighties movie making. It's like a manifestation of a sickness that has haunted movies like "Something Wild" and yes, also a lot of quite acceptable movies in the 80s. And, if this sickness has really existed in (and dominated) society back then, I'm glad I'm too young (19) to know.
Of course this review will tell you nothing except to avoid the movie. On my old scale I used to employ here, it has been a 4 out of 10. I'm revising my scale though because it doesn't feel accurate to me anymore. If a ***** is to be read as "mediocre", "Into the Night" has to be a ***!
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