Saturday Night (2024) | Review

 2024 | R | 109 mins | Directed by Jason Reitman

The taping of the first episode of Saturday Night Live was a crazy and chaotic night. Director Jason Reitman takes us through the ups and downs of that first episode in Saturday Night. We mostly follow series creator Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) as he does everything in his power to make sure that the show not only goes smoothly but also makes sure that the show even makes it to air. With NBC executives breathing down his neck all night, cast members fighting with each other, cast members going missing and everyone questioning whether or not they can fit each segment into a ninety-minute show, Lorne has a lot on his plate to handle.

A look into the first night of such an iconic series makes for an interesting idea. Saturday Night Live is currently in its 50th season and there's no doubt everything that has gone into the show over the years to make it last and stay relevant for this long. Getting a glimpse into how it all started is exciting and Director Jason Reitman puts together a well-crafted depiction of just how hectic a night it really was. From the moment the movie starts it is off to the races. Everything moves so quickly as we jump around from character to character, and storyline to storyline. Unfortunately, the story mostly revolves around Lorne Michaels, so that leaves every other character with only so much time to make an impact.

Whoever oversaw casting did an incredible job. Almost everyone involved in the cast really transforms themselves into these roles. Not only do most of them look like who they are playing, but they get down all the mannerisms and characteristics of the actors they play as well. Not every single performance lands and there are some definite misses when it comes to casting, but the ones who do pull it off, do it extremely well. All the sets and costuming add another layer to the movie and transports the audience back to 1975 in the best way that it can.

The biggest downside in the story is that there are just way too many characters and sub plots to handle all at once. While mostly everyone is giving a good performance, not enough time is given to each character to really give the audience a sense of who they really are. There are small glimpses of everyone and base characteristics, but outside of Lorne Michaels no other characters really get more than a few moments to shine. It also feels like Jason Reitman plays it a bit too safe at times, never fully exploring most of the drama that surrounded that night. While there are flashes of conflict here and there, it all comes and goes so quickly that it is easy to forget because the story is moving on to the next thing.

In the end, Saturday Night is an entertaining look into the first night of Saturday Night Live. While there are too many characters and not enough time is given to each sub plot, the movie makes up for it with some great performances from a stellar cast. If you are a fan of Saturday Night Live, especially from this era, chances are you will enjoy this movie.

Rating: B-