Night Shift (1982)

Night Shift (1982)


1982’s Night Shift is Ron Howard’s directorial film debut. We may know him as the orange-haired kid from American Graffiti, but he begins his impressive film debut with this amusing romantic comedy/buddy film. I thought the movie excels in some areas, while falling below standards in others. For example, the interaction between Michael Keaton and Henry Winkler is the reason to see the movie. However, when the film tries to act as a romcom, things get somewhat weak. That said, this is the movie that launched the career of Michael Keaton’s. That has to amount for something, right?



Chuck Lumley (Henry Winkler) works at the city’s morgue. He suffered a panic attack amidst the Wall Street workers and decided it would be better for him to work the night shift away from the hustle and bustle. His life is turned upside down when he meets the strange, fast-talking Bill Blazejowksi (Michael Keaton). His obnoxious partner has these ideas to “get rich quick.” After he hears his neighbor, Belinda (Shelley Long) complaining about her job as a prostitute, his partner gets the idea of turning the morgue into a parlor in a rather bizarre sequence of events.



If you had to watch the movie for any reason, watch it for the performances of Michael Keaton and Henry Winkler and their interactions with each other. Keaton made his debut here, and he has never been funnier. I was rather annoyed with his obnoxiousness at first, but his performance really grew on me. I loved his ideas how to make a quick penny. If you want to see this role at its best, wait for the scene where he describes, in his own words, the meaning of prostitution. Henry Winkler, known for his performance in the mega-popular, Happy Days, turns in a complete opposite performance. He played the straight man to Keaton’s antics. Without coming across as whiny, he really is the antagonist to Keaton’s party style. I was not too impressed with Shelley Duvall. Her performance as the hooker next door wasn’t too convincing for my taste. I think that may have been why I couldn’t get as hooked into the rom-com section of the film.



Ron Howard and Michael Keaton would go on to have awesome careers, and you get flashes of their greatness here. Howard shows he has a handle on comedy which will serve him well in future films. Sadly, this may be Keaton as his funniest. But, he will turn out to be a great dramatic actor. In addition, the music is quite memorable! Nothing like grooving tracks from Quarterflash and Rod Stewart to get your hearts pumping!

There are many funny sequences thanks to the interplay between the two leads. Stay for those performances, and hopefully you can put aside the romantic comedy aspect of the film.



My Grade: B-

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