Movie Review: Night Job (2017)

Night Job (2017) - USA (NYC) - Comedy - Not Rated (PG)

Written & Directed by J. Antonio

Starring Jason Torres, Greg Kritikos, Lester Greene, Timothy J. Cox, Bettina Skye, Hardy Calderon, Sofiane Madi, Laeticia De Valer, Stacey Weckstein, Monikha Reyes, Una Petrovic

*I will update the cast list as I have time because it is a large cast in this film.

Though an at times slow moving film it ultimately succeeds in the wealth of characterization it offers the viewer with many memorable performances and plenty to take home in a doggy bag from this feast.

The regular doorman is out sick for the night and a temp, James, has been called in for his first night on the job. Night means nothing in the city other than having to turn on a light. Nicknamed "the city that never sleeps" James will come to wish it did as he will have to deal with all sorts of characters and their mishaps from feuding couples to an exorcism before this night is over.

Within this microcosm of New York City with which our protagonist James has to contend is a relevant diapason of the city's character. J. Antonio has brought together a diverse cast to play the quirky malcontents who inhabit a New York City high-rise apartment building (think The Jeffersons meets Hot L Baltimore) and who will display with diligent gratification the ingredients that turn a promising and optimistic young man into a bitter and pessimistic old man.

The core of this narrative is singular in perspective, but it is third person as we as the audience are observers of James' trek through this night. The apartment complex, and thus James momentary thrust into insanity, is occupied by many characters, i.e. the cast is huge, and rather than trying to break down the cast and characters, which I feel would be counterproductive to the viewing experience anyway, I will select a few of the more notable performances.

Timothy J. Cox - It's always a pleasure to see Timothy J. Cox show up in a film because, summed up, not only is it going to be good but it's also not going to be a repeat of any other performance he has done as, from what I have seen, he always brings something fresh to every role. Cox plays Mr. Jones and certainly brings his comic flair to the role. An at times slow paced film gets a few ticks up in its pace whenever Cox is present.

Bettina Skye - Anybody who has ever worked as a doorman or night security has met her: the talkative elderly woman. She talks about the past, the present, what a wonderful young man you are, and of course not to get old. Skye brings perfection to this role; subdued in its humor yet rich in subtle farce.

Greg Kritikos - Romeo, oh Romeo... where the hell are you? Yep, we've met him too; the slob complacent in his job who is never around when needed, always busy when he's not, yet completely handy when there's a tip to be earned. Kritikos maturates in this role bringing sarcastic life to Romeo and delivering just the right amount of humor to the viewer, and inspiration to take a scalding hot shower afterwards.

Lester Greene - This is another character we've met; the smilin' Jack street vendor. Despite just trying to make a buck he always seems genuine and he's your friend, who always has a special deal just for you. Even before Greene speaks you've seen this character coming, and that speaks volumes to the aura he evokes as his character. He's so good in this role I want to buy a DVD from him.

Monikha Reyes - Though not a named character, 'Young Woman' in the credits, Reyes is a beautiful young woman who makes an impact as an engaging character and certainly lifts the scene with her presence and has such sexy eyes.

Una Petrovic - Just because she is soooo effing hot! Tight, short white dress and thank you, thank you, thank you!

Jason Torres - And of course what would a film be without our protagonist, the reason we give a damn, and the glue that holds it all together. Torres' strength is in his natural reactiveness. His body language and expressions give credence to every scene. He is our tour guide through the movie. Each scene might be akin to a site along the tour, but his presence gives us the highlights of the tour and makes it that much more worthwhile.

J. Antonio has a lot of stories to tell with his film. Some more interesting than others, but the key here is that's entirely by perspective. Everybody is going to align to something different, have favorite characters that are different than mine, and react differently. Night Job is a smorgasbord offering plenty from which to choose. If your tastes lean more one way you may not connect with the plethora of choices available, but that doesn't mean the person behind you won't.

As I mentioned before, the pacing at times is a little slow. An elegant jazz soundtrack helps it along in places. An opening scene with Kutcha as Julio drones on a bit, but it sets the tone and can be forgiven for that. The choice for a black & white presentation is interesting, and though it may seem like just a creative choice at first there is dream sequence which contrasts with it in such a way to imply a humanist subtext, but I'll leave it at that.

Initially I was leaning toward a 3 Finger Plus rating. Writing out the review and exploring further the characters in the story has advanced a perspective. Though slow in parts the important thing is ultimately it's not lacking. Many of the characters in this have given me plenty to reminisce about, and it's that lingering power of a story that bumps it up.

My Rating: 4 Fingers; that's 8 out of 10 for IMDbers.