Customer Reviews:

• A spectactular Must-Have!
  This is one of the most unique, well written films of the past 30 years. Why this is not a more notable Scorsese film is beyond me! I consider it his finest work. WHEN THE HELL WILL THERE BE A DVD! I've been waiting years for the DVD....more info
• One of the great films of the 1980's.
  After hours is by far one of the best neglected films of the last 20 years. Packaged like a sleazy B movie from the 1980's, i mean look at the video box for chrissakes, it toataly sneaks up on you, partly because you've never even heard of it and secondly maybe because your a fan of those sleazy misogynistic morally ambiguous films, like myself. But instead what you get is a kinetic whitehot pitch black comedy that seems to reinvent editing techniques and camera movement with every scene. This movie is so energetic and hip you would have guessed Scorsese was 19 when he made this, perhaps he was in a mid-life crisis. But who cares After hours is by far the best comedy of the 80's , employing all of the themes that ran through the latter and the decade in itself and pulverising it all into a feverish mush.If you have begun to question the validity of scorsese's work, perhaps because hes been placed on a pedestal by those who are in no position to do so, check this thing out and discover that the masses have finally got one right....more info
• Blackest of the black
  The Martin Scorsese film "After Hours" is what some facetiously call a "black comedy" (comedie noir); it is actually a non-comedic, true "black film" (film noir). If you don't feel the collective and pure evil emanating from the screen in this movie, then you might just be as scary or as disturbed as the characters appearing in the film.
  
  The keystone that the execution of the committed (or intended) crime depends on is the seemingly well-rehearsed, uniform, and insidious manner in which it is pulled off. One might get the feeling that the "chase" gives the predators even more of a high than the actual catching of the victim; that is, the hideous crime, especially if committed frequently enough, might seem a bit anticlimactic to the predators.
  
  Most reviewers will likely disagree, but I liken the diabolical and treacherous mood of this film to "Citizen Kane," a film that, to this day, still seems to me to be interpreted inaccurately--or, at least, incompletely. All said, though, "After Hours" is brilliant. Few would disagree.
  
  Joseph L. D'Agostino, author of "Modern Music Systems: a new perspective on music scales, clefs, and chords" ...more info
• "Rough night, Paul?"
  Perfect flawless black comedy with humor as dark as the night that caught Paul Hacket (Griffin Dunne), a nice guy, an everyman, an ordinary computer operator in its darkness and surrounded him by all kinds of weird strangers who very well could be the deadly creatures of night that inhabited SOHO of early 1980s every night after hours... or perhaps they are still there? If ever a brilliant film was made about a worst nightmare come true, After Hours it is. This movie seems so different from what we've come to associate with Martin Scorsese but it is undeniably his film. It takes place in NYC, and its dark scary streets come directly from Scorsese's earlier masterpieces, "Mean Streets" (the streets after hours are even meaner, are they not?) and "Taxi Driver", the horrifying descend to the real Inferno.
  
  Amy Robinson, the film producer calls After Hours "dark, funny, paranoid New York summer movie" - and it says it all. This movie makes me think how great it would be if Scorsese turned to comedies (not the Hollywood brainless light romantic comedies but "dark, funny, paranoid" type) more often. I have to mention writing which is absolutely brilliant, considering that it was the first work by Joseph Minion. Roger Ebert, who recently has included After Hours to his list of Great movies, mentions that Minion's teacher, the Yugoslavian director Dusan Makavejev, gave the script an "A." Having seen Makavejev's infamous Sweet Movie, I am not at all surprised. I also want to mention the camera work by Michael Ballhaus, the German cinematographer who has made fabulous in their beauty films with Rainer Werner Fassbinder. It seems to me that Scorsese might have seen Fassbinder's The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant because both films share the claustrophobic and suffocating atmosphere which was captured amazingly by Ballhaus. After their first work together on After Hours, Scorsese and Ballhause would make The Color of Money (1986), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Goodfellas (1990), Gangs of New York (2002), and The Departed (2006).
  
  The journey through the worst night ever by Paul brought to mind another surreal journey, one of my all time favorites, "O Lucky Man" by Lindsay Anderson. After Hours is in the same league for me. In both films, the nice guys take a trip that would turn brutal, bizarre, dangerous yet irresistibly funny. Mick Travis wanted to succeed in life while Paul Hacket only wanted some fun night and perhaps to get close to a beautiful woman he'd met earlier (Rosanna Arquette). Instead, he would encounter a trio of mysterious and dangerous women who seduce, mystify, and horrify him (Linda Fiorentino, Terri Garr, and Catherine O'Hara). And I don't even mention all crazy male characters. After Hours does not get mentioned among Scorsese's most remarkable and memorable films but it is. Even if it takes place in the 80s, it is timeless; it does not lose any of its dark nocturnal power. It is a great work of the master who has been always passionate about cinema. Scorsese made After Hours when he was forced to stop working on "The Last Temptation of Christ" and was depressed, frustrated, and uncertain if he would ever return to it. Scorsese told his friend Mary Pat Kelly. "My idea then was to pull back, and not to become hysterical and try to kill people. So the trick then was to try to do something." Scorsese later confessed that working on After Hours gave him back his love for making movies. The members of the jury in Cannes Festival were certainly mesmerized with Scorsese's inspiring directing. They awarded him with the Best Director Prize in 1986. If ever any director deserved it, it was Martin Scorsese for the marvel which After Hours is.
  
  5+/5
  
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• One of Martin Scorsese's BEST...
  Martin Scorsese has, over time, given us so much. From his earliest days to present. Not that all his films were/are great, as were/are those of any other film directors of his era or any other. The difference here is that in this film, Scorsese tackles comedy, which went and generally goes against his overall filmmaker grain. This is his other main humorous masterpiece film, along with his black comedy "King of Comedy," which as much or more than equals "After Hours," but is much less black and nightmarish than this. When it comes down to it, unlike King of Comedy (full of a subtle, more nervous humor), After Hours, while consistently providing numerous moments of laugh out loud craziness, is more of a nightmare comedy than a black one. Especially upon repeated viewings. Because hidden within this broad comedy are simply tons of individual scene oddities and unforgettable moments. In short, this is King of Comedy gone Twilight Zone, but that's all a part of its charm and overall success. While nothing seen approaches unreasonable "yeah, right" suspensions of disbelief, through Griffin Dunne's portrayal of "Paul," a NYC word processor circa 80's green screen computer monitors, and pretty much a normal guy, the audience is from the first moments on, easily able to identify with him. And that's the secret of this film's brilliance.
  
  One night, bored with switching cable stations, he ventures out into the NYC night rather late, and on a "school night" (he has to work the next day), and while reading a worn novel in a late-night diner, is introduced to an attractive girl (Rosanna Arquette), Marcie. It is a chance and strange meeting, but romance-hungry Paul eventually jumps at the chance to meet up with Marcie later in the "after hours" and soon finds his decision the beginning of a true comic-nightmare series of events, all unforseen.
  
  Traveling down to the Soho district in the middle of the night, full of nuts like Teri Garr, Linda Fiorentino, among many others, for an everyman like Paul, his rash initial decision begins a series of more and more bizarre events and circumstances, and scene upon scene of absolute genius in their overall execution, timing, and meaning. Throughout the film, virtually every scene and shot seems to belong and there is absolutely no filler of any kind here.
  
  One of the most common nightmares of common folk consist of "obstacles." Whereas one is trying to complete something, or get somewhere, or just end the at-times seemingly hopeless task at hand, to just wake up from the nightmare, back in your home, in your bed, and wake up. Trouble is, for Paul, his strange journey extends throughout almost the entire length of the film, which makes this a true existential and metaphysical classic.
  
  What's so great about this film is how it slowly goes from the absurd and nightmarish step by step, until by the end, Paul's everyday nightmare of his job is his wake up call, and the film comes full circle. Full of memorable scenes and superb directorial touches, and lots of laughs, even if some may be just too close to home and reality to lay within the fully comfortable, "After Hours" is a movie that if you get into it within the first 20-30 minutes, you will stick with it till the end because the whole premise is just so edge-of-seat compelling. It is also unique in the history of all great films in that nearly every shot and scene is just about perfect.
  
  Scorsese throws in the kitchen sink here and proves his directorial genius at every twist and turn, utilizing various creative insider moments throughout. Throughout, there is also a wonderful feeling of being stuck in some temporal hell, where some moments drag on and some are over in an instant. Just like any such "dream."
  
  This is a film to be viewed again and again, if for no other reason than to break down and understand the broader and quite deep implications of what is constantly entertaining and even enlightening, for very different reasons. Paul (Griffin Dunne) is the center of the film, and the viewer's center as well, as we see the comic, nightmarish, series of improbable but very believable in a way happenings, through his perspective. But that is more than enough, given the multitude of strange characters and situations he finds himself in, when all he really just wanted to do was "maybe get out of his apartment for awhile, maybe meet a nice girl, and how he eventually seemed to have to DIE FOR IT???!!!" One of many highlight moments of simply a great film.
  
  There are so many such moments, they are impossible to go into but another of my faves is Paul, in the middle of a NYC Soho neighborhood dark night "after hours" street, falling to his knees in a prayer to God with the line, "WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME, I'M JUST A WORD PROCESSOR!!!" Darkly, nervously, right on and laugh out loud funny. And look fast for Scorcese appearing ala-Hitchcock in the film as the guy shining the spotlights from above in the punk rock club scene, on Soho "Mohawk" night.
  
  By all means, one of Scorsese's best, like his "King Of Comedy", not to be missed by any true black/nightmare comedy film fan from one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. If you like/love this, you'll love "King of Comedy" and vica versa.
  
  Cheech and Chong's last major film as a team. Teri Garr and the rat trap surrounded bedroom. Surrender Dorothy! So many moments, so little time. A dark comic gem from beginning to end.
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• Scorcese's best!
  I compare this film to the Wizard of Oz or Alice in Wonderland. Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne) gets locked out of his apartment and meets all sorts of eccentric, often really freaky people. And loses 20 bucks in the process! Anyway, I highly recommend After Hours for anyone with a weird feeling that you are alone in the world after all. (If you're insane, you might not get it.)...more info
• Outstanding!
  A genuinely unique film. Bizarre, twisted, at times even verging on cruel; but hilarious. If you like Hitch-Hiker's Guide-type coincidence, this film is for you....more info
• Classy black comedy
  A witty yuppy nightmare black comedy from Martin Scorsese - surely not, but its true. Griffin Dunne stars as Paul Hackett an office worker who is bored beyond belief. Look out for the mid 1980's computers, remember green text on black screens! Much later in the evening he meets a girl in a diner where he is drinking coffee and from there his night spirals out of control.
  
  This is frequently funny and the cast are all good. Rossana Arquette, Linda Fiorentino and Teri Carr play the main female roles (although there are others) and they are the reason Griffin Dunne's character Paul loses control of his night out 'after hours'.
  
  As you'd expect this is well directed by Scorsese and the only comedy he has made to date. Its a concise (93 mins) film that doesn't overstay its welcome. Sadly it doesn't seem to be available to buy separately at the moment, but it is part of the Martin Scorsese boxed set. At the right price this is worth getting. ...more info
• This review is for Amazon's impeccable memory
  When I searched for this film two years ago Amazon.com informed me that it wasn't available on dvd, but if I wanted they'd send me an email when it became available. And now, two years later, they've sent me that email! I've had friends tell me that they'll call me back in five minutes and they forget to do it, but Amazon.com, after two freaking years, remembers to get back to me about this obscure, hard-to-find movie. This blows my mind.

  5 stars to Amazon, and maybe I'll get around to watching "After Hours" some day....more info

• Ah Scorcese before he sucked
  Before Scorsese made bloated mainstream Hollywood epics, he made quirky, inventive films that defied simple categorization like this one. Sure its a comedy, but it's not so much "hilarious" as it is fascinating. Like picking at a scab one one's body but without the repercussions. That doesn't make this movie sound like much fun but it is! It's very enjoyable to sit comfortably at home and be glad as hell our night isn't going like Griffin Dunne's is....more info
• In my top 5 favorite films / Totally original script
  A funny black comedy set in Manhatten. I remeber as a kid watching this film on movie channel in the 80's and being mesmerized by the quirky characters. The main story is an average guy looking for romance in r Manhatten and for one night can't seem to make it back to his apartment. He goes out for a late night coffee at a diner meets Rosanna Arquette & from there encounters all these wacky characters in west village while trying to get back home. The script is amazing and totally original. This is character driven you don't forget the people in this movie Teri Garr as a crazy lonely monkey obsessed nuerotic waitress. Linda Fiorentino as an underground paper machute artist. John Heard as a paraniod bar owner. Griffin Dunne is a hilarious lead character who gets himself in all these oddball situations from one minute to the next. After refusing Teri Garr's advances he ends up having a mob after him. He ducks into an underground night club puts Peggy Lee's "Is that all there is" in the juke box and dances with a lonely lady who comes to his rescue at the end in a very bizarre way. One of my favorites films of all time. This is a must see original Scorsese movie one can't beat the surreal originality of this script....more info
• Scorsese's Masterpiece.
  I remember seeing this movie on cable in 1987, and I remember thinking that it was great. I didn't even realize it was Scorsese at the time. Since then this film has become one of my favorites. A relatively unknown actor, Griffin Dunne, is the lead character of this midnight movie. It's basically the night in the life of your average pencil pusher. What happens to him in one night is hilarious. A dark comedy by Scorsese this is bound to be, and already is a classic. Most people haven't seen this film, but I think it's a must have for any movie collector. Unfortunately, it's still not available at this time on DVD. Soon, I hope. Look for great eccentric appearances by Rosanna Arquette, Teri Garr, John Heard and Cheech and Chong (their last film appearance together)....more info
• Warning: Do not read "Tropic of Cancer" after hours in NYC!
  What happens to others when our eyes close at night? Does a city really sleep, or are there adventures to be had even after the latest bar closes? New York City is one of those towns (if that word can be used) where a happy citizen could meet random strangers who are have equally fun nights, connect with hijinks throughout, and finally return back after this sed night to report around the water cooler with co-workers the next day. New York City - a hell of a town. When NYC turns its lights off at night; that is when famed director Martin (or Marty) Scorsese decides comedy would ensue. When "The Last Temptation of Christ" fell through, Marty needed a project to lift his spirits, make him laugh, bring back his respect for filmmaking, and put his dream project behind him for now - so he decided to jump headfirst into "After Hours". This is a small, probably unseen gem which demonstrates quite a bit of talent, some humorous moments, but mainly soul, rhythm, and excitement. "After Hours" was a surprise, because I think I had heard a joke about Scorsese and comedy, but he pulled this one through, providing classic cinematography, that darkened edge that was enjoyed in "Bringing out the Dead", and a solid character to lead us through the night. "After Hours" gave Marty the inspiration he needed to continue to make films, and it is a little gem he should never be afraid of.
  
  This film takes place during the course of one night. As a series of unfortunate events happen to our lead, Griffin Dunne, we watch as he encounters bar keeps, ice cream truck drivers, papier-mach¨¦ bagels, 50s-style waitresses, Cheech and Chong, Mohawks, and finally an aging woman at a bar who also loves, you guessed it, papier-mach¨¦. While it seems like the night comes full circle, the events that occur during the 97-minutes are pure entertainment as well as pure Scorsese. From an acting standpoint, only one character needed to be developed enough to enjoy. Dunne is reminiscent of a young Gene Wilder in this role with his passionate rants and witty retorts. Dunne is also easy to follow through this journey, as he is the quintessential "joe-shmoe" with the go-nowhere job looking for a night on the town. As he gets wet, hit, excited, and nervous, the audience can relate to him. He is perfect for this role, and his mannerisms fit with his character. Those surrounding Dunne also create their own "oddities" of the city. Rosanna Arquette is mesmerizing as a woman with potential burns and non-cohesive tendencies. We never know if she is the truth or instigator of this evening. Linda Fiorentino is decent, but John Heard punches in the laughter, as does Teri Garr and Catherine O'Hara. The cameo by Cheech and Chong may date this film, but it added to the inconsistent chaos that transformed "After Hours" from mediocre intertwined story, to independent cult classic.
  
  Outside of the quirky characters that Scorsese has ideally placed throughout this film, the cinematography also is an element to enjoy with this film. Scorsese doesn't just sit back and film with generic stock footage; he uses his patented techniques to give us his own signature film. The scene with the keys was impressive (as well as added to the overall oddities of Dunne) as well as the scene near the end where Scorsese takes us around Dunne's office in a swooping visual treat. These are two to watch, but also look at the smaller moments. Scorsese proves in this film that he can handle singular shots as well as full-framed moments with hordes of people. His talent behind the camera isn't wasted or misused; he takes what could have been an average zany night out using Hollywood recycling, and transforms it into a Scorsese picture worthy of his repertoire. Let us not be mistaken, this is a Martin Scorsese picture, and one should not neglect it when mentioning the others in his award winning portfolio. Scorsese isn't known for his comedy style, but with both this and "Bringing out the Dead", he really creates his own type of comedy and dives headfirst into the darker element of the trade.
  
  On a very small note, Scorsese's use of mythology is slight, but intensely focused in "After Hours". The fact that this entire evening happens with the dropping of a set of keys, the opening of a large gate, like a boy heading into manhood or to his first adventure is enjoyable. This film was the study of a man entering life, going from death (the working at a dead-end job) to a life full of adventure on the streets (perhaps not paying the river-man the right amount due to him driving too quickly and his $20 flying out the window), and finally back into death (the swooping final scene) is highly symbolical of the circle of life. Only Marty could give us this deeper meaning on a comedy. "After Hours" is a perfect pairing with "Bringing out the Dead" with its focuses on life versus death. A side note, but well worth mentioning.
  
  Overall, this was a welcomed surprise. I wasn't familiar with Scorsese's "After Hours", but it was obviously his film with signature cinematography, apparent cameos, and dedicated characters. This feature has just as much heart, soul, and energy as any "Mean Streats", "Goodfellas", or "The Last Temptation of Christ", and honestly should be credited with giving Mr. Scorsese the inspiration to keep working. Without "After Hours", our cinematic theaters would never have known Christ's final thoughts. If you are looking for a comedy, a late night snack, or a great project for your final film class, this is the perfect film to use. It is often overlooked, but should be catapulted into cult classic status. It had everything from monumental lines (who can't laugh at the plaster of Paris cream cheese bagel?), amazing scenes, and characters that kept you glued to the screen. Watch it. I promise a great night out exploring the lonely streets of New York - that side we never see because it is ... "After Hours".
  
  I know, laugh, but it was worth the corny, albeit cheap, shot.
  
  Grade: **** ? out of *****
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• 3.5 stars out of 4
  The Bottom Line:
  
  A (very) black comedy, urban nightmare, and examination of Murphy's Law all rolled into one and directed with flair by Scorsese, After Hours is a very entertaining story of a man caught in SoHo late at night with no means of getting home; by never taking itself too seriously while simultaneously being serious enough to be scary, After Hours is an impressive film....more info
• Dark, grimy, and with it's own brand of logic.
  Scorsese does a wonderful job on this black comedy--not since Sunset Boulevard has eccentricity been so hilarious. Dunne is fantastic; this is easily his best ever performance as an actor. The film could only have been set in New York City--dark, grimy, and with it's own brand of logic. Don't miss it, unless you're really boring and have no sense of humor....more info
• Totally original and surreal
  I first saw this movie when I was wandering around some party many years ago and came across this room where "After Hours" was showing. I missed the first ten minutes and had no odea what was going on, but I was amazed by this incredibly original and strange movie. Griffin Dunne is excellent as a nervous and nerdy office worker that lands in the bizarre world of SOHO without a dime to his name and no way home. The cast of characters he encounters are all original and bizarre and give the movie a slightly disturbing, yet funny because it isn't you quality. How many other movies are out there where the main character is being hunted by an insane Mr. Softy truck driver and a bunch of gay men? There's also some great music, in particular a "Bad Brains" song I hadn't heard in a decade. Buy the movie and watch it!...more info
• A mostly-plausible, tense, and hilarious comedy
  There are a few implausible plot twists in this movie but that didn't diminish even for a moment my overall enjoyment the story. I completely related to Griffin Dunne's "everyman" who ventures into the dark, hip, alluring, yet frightening world of New York at night. It's not a light, comic romp through the city, either, it's a tense, confusing, frustrating ride. Ultimately, you're just glad that you yourself are safe at home--far from the freaks and the mayhem. This movie is packed with original characters and ideas. It's also further proof that Scorsese is a master with any film genre, especially when he's genuinely intigued with the subject matter as he so clearly was here....more info
• One of the most bizarre and enjoyable films out there.
  This movie is about one night in the life of a computer data-entry clerk who stops in a coffee shop after his first day on the new job. He sees a pretty girl, tries a line, and from there, things take one bizarre twist after another. This is one of the most offbeat movies I've ever seen and after recommending it to dozens of people, I've never had one complaint in return. There is some nudity (though not sexual in nature) and other things inappropriate for young children, but older teens and adult viewers will enjoy the trip. But just try and find a Plaster of Paris Bagel and Cream Cheese in your neighborhood......more info
• makes you wish scorsese would make more comedies
  Uptown east side guy finds himself in an entirely new world, even though it's on the same island of Manhattan. This is not a new theme but I doubt if I've ever seen it carried out as far as Scorsese's AFTER HOURS. Griffin Dunne is perfect as the Everyman from a safe neighborhood who, on the hunt for a date (Roseanne Arquette in a very eerie role), finds himself in the artsy/clubby/s&m world of SOHO and the West Village.

  The result is a hilarious black comedy with great performances, including a cameo by Cheech and Chong. Scorsese' pacing is breathtaking and right on the money. One of my favorite moments is when a large group of would-be vigilantes try to chase down Griffin Dunne, and their "armored vehicle" is an ice cream truck. There is too much going on here to describe in one review. Just give this one viewing, and you'll be glad you stayed up late to watch....more info

• Great Late Night Show!
  I fell asleep on the couch one night with the TV on. I woke up in the wee hours to the beginning of this movie and ended up watching it all the way through. It was quirky, otherworldly, and funny. Interestingly enough, you would never know this was a Martin Scorsese film, but he even has a cameo in it (watch for the lighting guy in the club). It's a good film worth watching and owning. ...more info
• If you liked "After Hours"...
  Fans of After Hours might like the 1999 film "200 Cigarettes." Both have a once-in-a-lifetime cast and are set in a very colorful part of NYC (SoHo for After Hours, the East Village and SoHo for Cigarettes.) Cigarettes is an ensemble cast, however, and has a bit less contrived, smarter script. The film takes place on new year's eve, 1981, and follows many different young people who somehow all eventually end up at the same party (which the hostess wakes up to find she slept through.) Elvis Costello makes a cameo and provides a running joke in the last third. The soundtrack is great--all late 70's early 80's pop and new wave. And the one who steals the show is Dave Chappelle as the cab driver who manages to drive practically every character at some point, dispensing wisdom on everything from friendship and destiny to life before an afro and how to "get booty." (smiling at a girl is very important, as is avoiding talking about death--"Everyone knows they're gonna die someday, they just don't want to hear it from you.") Ben Affleck is amusing. Oh, and Courtney Love was actually bearable. All in all, a very smart, enjoyable ride....more info
• Watch this before you die
  This film was one of the many things that my boyfriend and I found in common when we first met. When we first started dating we would go out into Soho and have 'After Hours' nights, although not quite to the surreal extent of this film, obviously! As unlikely, bizarre and downright WEIRD as the sequence of events in this film is, I find it completely inspirational. Our cities are full of strange characters and odd goings-on, but most of us walk around in little bubbles, oblivious (or blind) to it all. After watching this film, I opened my eyes a little wider.

  Teri Garr is fantastic - nice but scary. Rosanna Arquette plays the role of her career. And New York itself is irrestistible - not the shiny slick metropolis that we are usually presented with, or the gangster-ridden crime land, but a human, vulnerable, strange and at times silly city full of secret compartments and surprises. A star! I want to watch this film at least once a year, for the rest of my life. It's a classic....more info

• Scorsese's Second Foray Into Dark Comedy Is One of His Best
  After Hours is the story of a hard working man's late night adventures on a date.
  
  Martin Scorsese directed this beautiful movie that includes Griffin Dunne, Rossana Arquette, Linda Fiorentino, Teri Garr, Catherine O'Hara, and Cheech and Chong.
  
  This is one of Martin Scorsese's best movies. It is hilarious, well paced, perfectly acted and directed, and beautiful.
  
  The DVD features a scene specific commentary from Scorsese, Dunne, Producer Amy Robinson, Cinematographer Michael Balhaus, and Editor Thelma Schoonmaker., it also includes a delghtful "Making Of" featurette, and few deleted scenes.
  
  All in all, a hilarious release from Martin Scorseses that doesn't get the due it deserves. It is definitely highly recomended.
  
  Highly recommended*
  
  *Although highly recommended for all watchers, this is a definite must have for Scorsese dans, and those of dark comedies....more info
• Great, surreal, dark comedy
  I very much liked this movie for it was a wickedly, fast-paced, unpredictable, black comedy/thriller which was directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a movie I can relate to being like Griffin Dunne's character of Paul in sharing his loneliness, mounting frustration, fear, shame, and guilt as he tries to survive the worst night of his life, to some extent I've had some experience. Very surreal, this movie is like one long nightmare which one can never wake up from. Plus, I never wanted it to end because you never know what's going to happen next. It's like this: a well-off-but-lonely New York City yuppie leaves his sterile apartment for a night out and pays a visit to a very different neighborhood of SoHo where it seems everyone is connected and looking out for each other, where as everyone where he lives in the Upper East Side keeps to themselves. Paul's rational sensibilities are at first intrigued, then terrified by the irrational, emotional and creative energies of this neighborhood, which is populated by every kind of different wierdo one seldom sees in person. But overall: I think that the movie is a tragedy because Paul, like a lot of unsure-of-themselves people, is stuck between these two worlds of the wild and crazy SoHo, and the prim and proper Upper East Side, yet he belongs to neither. He seeks escape to the mundane, orderly and boring world in his office that his day makes up and finds the offbeat, freer lifestyle in SoHo intimidating, scary and dangerous. (SPOILER ALERT) In the end, through a combination of luck, skill, and divine intervention, Paul is rescued from certain danger (including death) and delivered back to the safety and cold comfort of his computers where he works. Not that he belongs there, but because he really has no other place to go....more info
• Sublime sleeper
  I loved this film the first time I saw it. The humor in it is a concoction of "everyman" experiences and fantasies. The setting seems ethereal and the main character's trial reminds me of Dante's Inferno. The cast is a parade of 80's actors that largely play low-key but two-dimensional roles (which really makes this movie what it is IMO.)...more info