Jason Reitman's new film Saturday Night dramatises the tumultuous birth of the American comedy institution, Saturday Night Live. The movie is set over one fraught evening in 1975 as the debut episode of Saturday Night (as it was originally known) is set to go to air. The problems then stack up for embattled producer Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) from absentee actors and egotistical attitudes to malfunctioning sets and invasive moneymen who are determined to shut the project down.
What unfolds is a litany of comic chaos, depicting the pivotal evening that helped give rise to several A-list names. Celebrities depicted in the film include Dan Aykroyd (Dylan O'Brien), Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith) and Jim Henson (Nicholas Braun) while Michaels' long-suffering fellow producer Dick Ebersol is played by Philip Seymour Hoffman's son, Cooper Hoffman.
Unlimited members were treated to a preview of the film ahead of its UK release and we've curated a few of their reactions below. Did it invite a round of applause? Scroll down to find out.
Lost some momentum near the end, but otherwise enjoyed it a lot - good energy, great score and brilliant performances. As someone not too well versed in SNL, I thought it mostly played well as its own thing about backstage chaos.
— George Anderson (@Gnator8t4) January 12, 2025
Like SNL I was born on October 11th 1975 so it was really cool to see what the world was up to when I was crying and sh***ing myself 🤣
— James Stewart (@jambon75) January 11, 2025
My real review is: really enjoyed it - a whirlwind look behind the scenes of a TV icon with a terrific cast making it feel like you were there.
https://t.co/iZcNGavoUT https://t.co/tXueAnOQMh
— Tribey’s Movie Zone 🍿 (@Trib_Ey) January 11, 2025
I really enjoyed the movie! The movie is greatly chaotic all for good reasons! The entire cast played their roles fantastically and it really did feel like we watched a documentary for the preparation for the first ever SNL! Overall Score: 9/10! Grade: A! 😁 #SaturdayNightMovie
— James Acraman (@JamesAcraman) January 11, 2025
It was like watching a chaotic jazz performance in real time. The cast were fantastic but Corey Michael Smith was a standout as Chevy Chase!
— Cage/Rage - A Nicolas Cage Podcast (@cage_podcast) January 11, 2025
If those reactions have piqued your interest watch Saturday Night at Cineworld from January 31st.
January 2025 is the perfect time to sign up for an Unlimited membership. You can reap a multitude of benefits including access to exciting preview screenings, 10% off snacks and drinks and more. Sign up via the link below.
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