Prior Viewings: 1
A.K.A. the other buddy movie from 1982 that introduced a soon-to-be A-lister to the movie world through some obnoxious a cappella.
Ron Howard's first major release is much sweeter in practice than it probably is in theory. When you consider both the audacious prostitution premise and the murderous opening scene, you'd be forgiven for expecting something with a much darker tone. But while Night Shift lacks danger and edge (though the location work provides some grit), it compensates with a great deal of warmth and humour.
Granted, this approach feels somewhat generic at times, but I think that's part of the appeal. Simple as it may sound, I like when '80s comedies emphasize lighthearted tones, likeable characters, crisp nighttime atmospheres, and montages set to goofy pop tracks. And while things occasionally get weighed down by gooey sentimentality and formulaic arcs, the snappy pacing and charismatic performances do more than enough work to keep the energy flowing.
Speaking of: if there's one reason to see this movie, it's obviously my guy Michael Keaton. He's probably more annoying here than he is charming, but his antics are still lively enough to make the situations seem funnier than they really are - especially when they're set against the more low-key (though perfectly pleasant) performances from Henry Winkler and Shelley Long.
Grade: B+
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