Saturday Night
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
The talent machine Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) created nearly five decades ago has brought us more comedy legends than any other television vehicle. Yet, most don’t realise that NBC was on the verge of cancelling Saturday Night Live before it even first aired on October 11, 1975. Director Jason Reitman (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) gives a glimpse of the chaos of this iconic show in the 90 minutes that led to the night it was unleashed on the world.
Before becoming a comedic television and film legend, Lorene Michaels was just trying to get this groundbreaking show on air. With a cast of unknowns like John Belushi (Matt Wood), Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith), Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt), and Dan Ackroyd (Dylan O'Brien), he attempted to keep the studio executives at bay. At the same time, the madness of the show unfolded around him. Between the infighting among the ego-driven performers, the unionised workers and the lack of faith by the producers, there was no wonder everyone was sceptical that this bizarre setting would lead to some of the greatest comedic acts in television history.
For those who grew up alongside this show, this glimpse into the behind-the-scenes look was a stroll down memory lane that was as comforting as a warm blanket in front of the television on a Saturday night. Despite the chaotic atmosphere and the tensions between the young producer and his cast, there was something special about seeing the beginnings of this landmark series. Like his real-life persona, Gabriel LaBelle was the perfect choice to play the calm within the storm. Showing how this man managed to discover talent during this changing era of entertainment. Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase and Matt Wood as Belushi were inspired choices as they embodied these brilliant talents. Yet, the unexpected actor on set was Nicholas Braun dual portrayal of Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson. He managed to turn two bit parts into central characters who turned the whole show around.
Yet, what makes this film work is the intimate atmosphere set by Reitman and company. They unpacked the sexually charged, drug-inspired culture of the 1970s and showed how this crew changed the way the world watches television. The direction unpacks the raw, inhibited setting that became a comedic incubator for some of the greatest sketches in history. Saturday Night was a joy ride from beginning to end as it became a love letter to the generations of fans who are grateful for the founders' faithful execution of the original show.
Reel Dialogue: Laughter is a gift from God
From the beginning of God’s story, we can understand that we are created in God’s image. This statement does not mean we have the same physical characteristics as God. Still, it does show that we share many of his attributes. As we delve further into this topic, some of the things God gives us are our emotions and outward expression of them. Suppose people think about this idea at all. In that case, most tend to automatically think of love, joy, and sorrow as some of the traits we have shared with the creator of the universe. All these are beautiful aspects, but does this statement mean that God has a sense of humour, and does he really laugh?
To see his sense of humour, look no further than the platypus or the creative nature of the guy's nose who sits at the desk next to you at work. More evidence of this fact is found in the Bible, where it says throughout the Psalms and Proverbs that God laughs. It usually occurs due to mankind's foolishness, but he does laugh. The Bible shows mankind that we are allowed to express ourselves similarly.
As a form of emotional release, an expression of joy, or even to laugh at a well-told joke, laughter is a gift from God that is underutilised in so many people's lives. That is unfortunate. Laughter is a gift that should regularly be opened to be genuinely appreciated. That is no joke!
