Opening Night (2016) - Opening Night (2016) - User Reviews

7/10

kevr197723 June 2017

Other people are saying this movie fails because it's copying other movies about the behind the scenes of theatres , but this film is so much cleverer than that.

It's wholly based on old 1 hit wonder songs that we all know, the movie is not about taking it serious at all. Some of the songs will take you back to places that some people will remember.

It's no masterpiece of a movie, it's meant to be cheesy but it's still a clever production.

Give it a go.. it's all about having a little bit of fun.

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6/10

Easy watch!

meliz9 June 2017

I had not read about this movie when I watched it, but I was pleasantly surprised by the witty comments and references. It had me laughing quite a few times. I feel it is a bit of a "parody" in some ways, but no overkill by any means. It was a fun and easy watch. I think you have to like the genre musical, even if this is not a 100% musical. A bit goofy and silly overall, just as I like it. Cast was OK as well, good mix of known and less known. Movie of the year? No, but worth 1.5 hours in my opinion.

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7/10

Awesomeness

Laiath7 June 2017

Well color me happy there's a sofa in here for two! This must be one of the most entertaining movies I've seen in a long time. Such an amazing script (all those hilarious lines, all the pop culture references in every other sentence, the light-hearted self deprecating humor...), and such fantastic delivery, I tried to will it not to end. Excluding the cheesy AF unrealistic ending, I loved every scene. One has to be well-versed in the music and celebrity tidbits of the past three decades to get everything, to say the least, though.

There was also quite a bit of soul-searching for quite a few characters, and amazingly, it was all done smoothly and with just the right amount of depth. That's a tough thing to accomplish in such a short time, but they nailed it!

So yeah, I definitely recommend it. "Treat yo self".

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7/10

Fun! - well mostly

cekadah26 December 2016

I jumped at this movie because Anne Heche is in it. Unfortunately she's only in it briefly, but that's not a real problem. The real problem is that the story starts as a fun goofy comedy musical and becomes a sentimental love story and the segue is poorly done.

The plot revolves around Nick (Topher Grace) who is the back stage manager for a musical titled One Hit Wonders. The lead singer Brooke (Anne Heche) is knocked out and her understudy Chloe (Alona Tal) must take over and it's opening night with a full house. The rest of the cast is made of 'has-beens', 'hopefulls', 'burn-outs', and 'wanna-bes'. There are some fun musical numbers both on stage and back stage.

We learn that Nick was once a popular singer that gave up singing and he and Chloe are in love. Nick must learn a lesson and take a big step (for him) or he will loose Chloe. In the mean time everything that can go wrong back stage does go wrong and Nick is torn in two directions. Finally he takes his big step to get Chloe back and that moment in this musical comedy is too romantic and sentimental to blend into the previous comedy and screwball humor.

Watch it and judge for yourself!

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6/10

Opening Night will close on Opening Night

ccorral4197 August 2017

What happens when a Music Video Director (Isaas Rentiz) gets his shot at making a feature film? Well of course, he makes a musical-ish type movie. Unfortunately, not even the always terrific Topher Grace ("That Seventies Show"), Anne Heche, Taye Diggs and/or NSYNC's JC can make this embarrassing so called musical comedy entertaining. Grace is a failed Broadway star, now stage managing the Broadway Show "One Hit Wonderland". The musical tells the story of many a one hit wonder song, lead by JC, co-starring Heche and directed by the always yelling Rob Riggle ("How to Be a Latin Lover"), all done to the Christmas Past theme. NSYNC joke are a plenty, over the top acting is at its highest, and stage and behind the scene sporadic dance numbers (choreographed by Aakomon Jones) are weak. Writers Gerry De Leon and Greg Lisi just didn't know when to stop, so they didn't (especially with the NSYNC jokes). Luckily for the viewer, a few actors weren't encouraged to "let it fly," thus Lauren Lapkus ("Crashing") and Alona Tal ("Hostages") ground the chaos that encompasses this production. It is no wonder this film (released by Wolfe Video 8/1) is going directly to DVD release. One can only hope that the actors involved here "paid off an outstanding debit" for their involvement and can now move on.

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6/10

Sadly, missed the mark with an abrupt ending.

ladybug253512 September 2017

I actually like musicals, but this one just didn't quite work for me. I am a huge Topher Grace fan, and I liked the rest of the cast--it wasn't their fault. The cast delivered what was asked of them. It was a grin hearing all of the "one-hit wonders" again, but some of the arrangements didn't do the music justice--especially for a musical based on popular and well known songs. Of course the story line had all of the usual musical ingredients--love story, boy loses girl, etc. etc. with some fine dancing thrown in. I really should have enjoyed the film much more than I did.

I believe the fault was in the way the story was told--there was simply too much of the "poor me" aspect, and not enough of the rallying, let alone the come back. It's like they emphasized the wrong part of the movie, or else rushed the ending to wrap it up before the story was fully told. It left an empty space where character development/growth should have gone. The uplifting ending was just too abrupt. If it was a song, it would be a three note lullaby.

If you like musicals you should like this. If you don't care about character development, especially in a musical--then you'll like this. It just didn't quite hit the mark for me. Could have been much better with a little more development. It wasn't terrible, or even bad, just- -forgive me, flat and a little "pitchy".

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6/10

A film made for Broadway people

siderite21 January 2021

Occasionally you get the movie about movies, or the play about plays, or - as it is in this case - a musical about musicals. I will give it what it's due: the music didn't feel out of place until the very end. I mean, it's a film about the musical business, of which it makes fun of for having people breaking into song for no good reason, so it makes sense to have people break into song all the time, especially if you like circular reasoning. And the acting was OK, although I really feel Topher Grace was pretty weak as a lead and the show was stolen by Taye Diggs, as always.

Other than that it is a straight stage movie, with the high stake opening night as a background, the fast pace of everything, having to work with people that are very different and often overdramatic, the obligatory romance between coworkers and the eventual stand-up ovation that was cringeworthy at the end.

So, I didn't feel the film opened any new world to me. I still dislike musicals and all they stand for and the antics of over-drugged drama queens are of no interest to me. If you like that kind of thing, you might enjoy this. Still I rate it low because I just thought it was a weak movie, not because of the subject matter.

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5/10

A Movie about Show Business that Doesn't Take Itself Too Seriously

svikasha7 July 2017

Warning: Spoilers

In the 2016 musical comedy, "Opening Night", Topher Grace from the iconic "That 70's Show" plays a failed Broadway singer turned production manager who struggles to save a show that is seemingly doomed to fail because of its selfish cast. Every character in "Opening Night" is a caricature of some of the worst things about Broadway and show business. The film takes off in the spirit of the Oscar winning film Birdman, but fails to deliver a compelling plot by the end despite delivering a few noteworthy laughs.

Topher Grace is mildly funny in his role as a production manager struggling to keep a Broadway show going on opening night after things get particularly awry when the main singer gets humorously knocked down by a toothpick. Witnessing the chaos on stage is amusing and the comedy offers a respite from the singing.

Musicals aren't everybody's cup of tea. "Opening Night" even acknowledges this fact by making plenty of quips making fun of both musicals and the people who attend them. But, despite making fun of musicals, "Opening Night" is a musical. So the critique of musicals in a musical film was clever to say the least.

While Opening Night isn't profound or enlightening, it is highly entertaining and simply funny. The domains of show business and Broadway theatre tend to take themselves too seriously. "Opening Night", on the other hand, doesn't take itself too seriously and consequently offers a refreshing change of pace from the usual fare. In fact, the film even offers a few brief moments of clarity about the price of fame and its nostalgic quality despite its short runtime. In one intense scene, the audience witnesses the old Broadway star coronate the newcomer. As she does this, she reminds the young singer to cherish the moment because a star's first opening Night, "It's the best it's ever going to get".

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7/10

A Good Movie, but Still a Rip- Off of Rock of Ages!

tesswysko11 May 2019

This movie is a funny, zany, film about a man who quit Broadway musicals after a bad review, and went into directing them. This is his first, it it's A BIZARRE musical about one hit wonders, and he has JC Chazes from Nsync, and a female who was a Broadway prima donna to be is the lead actors. The rest of the cast is a Motley Crew made up of extremely eclectic characters, some of whom he's worked with before so they know him pretty well. But it's very strange, how even behind the scenes, they'll be talking to each other normally and then all of a sudden they will break out and just song it's a one hit wonder! It just makes the whole movie a very strange watch! I really had to force myself to keep watching this. All know I guess it was a decent movie, I just kept getting dragged down by the fact that it's like a total rip-off of Rock of Ages! And I kind of feel like they treated the audience in many ways like we were stupid. There was a lot of drugs dealing and usage going on so I would not recommend this two children, there is also a lot of sexuality discussions so yeah this is definitely not for someone under at least 18. I guess if you're of age you would be an okay thing to watch it's not like it's going to be a great movie I would say watch it if there's nothing else.

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2/10

Waste of a talented cast

phd_travel23 June 2017

Why are shows about behind the scenes Broadway a little disappointing? Smash ran out of ideas after a while. But this one doesn't get off the ground at all.

Topher Grace acts as the stage manager of a show featuring JC Chasez in a musical about one hit wonders. The jokes wear thin and resort to crudeness to fill in the gaps. Poor Anne Heche is wasted here as an aging over the hill star who can't go on stage. Alona Tal of Veronica Mars shows she can sing.

This is a waste of time - don't bother watching it.

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8/10

Never the 'twain shall meet

belialalberts16 July 2017

I love movies and i love music(being a musician myself) but for me it's a case of "Never the twain shall meet". In short I hate people singing in my movies. But this was bloody well done, just the right amount of singing and it made sense. In an era where most "comedies" try to depress the hell out of you for an hour (with a few scattered chuckles thrown in), before the funny and "poignant" ending. This was funny from the start and kept going all the way through. Definitely worth a watch and very entertaining.

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6/10

Romcom with a touch of karaoke

NikkoFranco22 May 2018

The title gives it all away, opening night of a musical show in Broadway. This film is like a short trip down memory lane with all the songs and the familiar players, the star of the show, the big egos , the crazy, frantic scenarios backstage before the curtain rises and what happens in the dressing rooms after the curtain falls. The singing is not a la Rock of Ages, ditzy and over the top, but here it's like the characters are practicing in front of a karaoke machine before going onstage to audition for Simon Cowell. Please lower your expectation bar in order to enjoy the cheesiness and candyness of this film.

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5/10

It's harmless fun

danny-reyntiens24 September 2022

First of all, this must be the biggest backstage of a theatre in the universe and the loudest that isn't heard in the auditorium. The music arrangements are very good and the actors are enjoying themselves, which is what makes the film a lot of fun. It's a spoof of how it is in the theatre. The stage manager doesn't leave it's place during the performance, no one is that loud during performance, but a lot of stuff happens backstage during performance. The orchestra doesn't stop playing when things go wrong, The entire production makes sure that the audience doesn't realise the backstage fights, problems and faults that happens in front of them. But, again, it's a fun film.

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5/10

Could have been better

iceman888698 June 2017

It was an OK movie that is easy to figure out how it is going to play out. The acting was great and it had some well known actors. Half the cast is literally gay. Usually in movies, they add one or two gay people. This movie is seriously half gay people. It has a nice atmosphere to it that could have been done like a who done it murder movie with how well it introduced the characters, but instead it went for a boring relationship thing that was easily figured out and you knew how the movie was going to go 15 minutes in.

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1/10

One thing is that I do not like musicals and guess what....!

hellson-86-60884230 August 2017

What an awful piece of...! I was on Netflix searching for a off-line download movie to those moments in my mom's house that she doesn't have internet and I found this, I thought "oh, check this out, there are fine little actors and this could actually be a bit good" BUT NO! Wrong, wrong, wrong! I really don't like musicals but this is the worst one I've ever seen! I don't actually understand how people give this piece of...... 6.6*! Anyways, do not watch it, do not waste your internet on this. AWFUL!

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10/10

Good fun

Impman227 March 2021

Well we ignored the bad reviews and thank goodness we did.

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8/10

Time Means Nothing

thesar-220 September 2020

I know this movie wanted to be so much more and the next Birdman, but it was fine just where it was at. I did find myself loving the one-takes and I did laugh out loud more than I probably should have. So I had fun. My biggest issue with TIMEFRAMES. Our lead keeps rattling off a countdown, but his very short timelines are so inaccurate, you need to add a half hour to every 5 minutes he gives his crew.

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8/10

So much fun!

awvknj24 July 2023

Warning: Spoilers

Of course, it is campy not like real life it's not supposed to be. It's kind of a satire set to a musical, and it was fun to hear. Those old one hit wonders acted out in Broadway style. What a hoot I loved all the backstage shenanigans too a great Cast Simple plot but it's not supposed to be anything but a spoof so don't take yourself too seriously and just enjoy it. You don't even have to like a musical because it's spoofing musicals and if any of the music of that era in any way, shape or form was some thing you enjoyed then odds are you'll get at least a chuckle or two. I laughed a lot. I'm so glad I saw this .

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10/10

A complete joy!

amydennis-338428 September 2021

I love this movie! The bad language is hilarious! The main reason I love it is JC Chasez is in it and has more parts. That man is a natural. He still got it and he's still more than kinda sexy! I wouldn't mind sharing anything with him!

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10/10

If you are theatre nerd like me

jawhoney14 October 2021

Then watch this. It's funny. Rob riggle Is rob riggle. Honestly great time. Also nineties kids will get more from it in terms of hot spot of most relevance but idc how many movies are there like this I want to know. There's like one good from each genre such as horror or Fellinis eight and half etc where you go thru the production. What s fun ride. Snd you don't need to be a theatre contest winner to get ninety percent of the references. Loved this.

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8/10

Really made me laugh

mrh12185724 July 2019

I knew nothing about this movie beforehand. I have to say I really enjoyed it. No, it's not a piece of classic cinema. But I found it really entertaining. It made me laugh. A lot. Most of the characters were over-the-top funny, and a bit cliched, but for me, it worked. I think the only disappointing part is that Topher Grace cannot sing. Not even a little.

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8/10

First impressions .. last

kosmasp21 May 2022

It is not just about the show - but you'll understand once you've seen it. While this seems to be mainly about the insanity of an opening night of a production, this also has the story of a romance. And the failings of our main character - in more than one respect. Some pun intended in almost everything I wrote, including the summary line.

Topher Grace is really giving it his all - but he also has quite the supporting cast to say the least. There is so much insanity going on - if you've ever been behind the scenes of any production, you may be able to recognize some of it. Of course this is heightened ... although to be fair, it may have happened like that in some instances ... not everything altogether mind you ... that would be insane. Plus the love story - again all well told and put together.

The actors and the script are building quite the interesting and amazing pair. Really fun to watch - if not entirely perfect. With an emotional Finale that should be able to get to you ... if you are human and went along for the ride.

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10/10

Enjoyed it alot, repeatedly seen it, will see it again

MiraTheOneAndOnly3 November 2023

If you performed, played in the pit, or a crew member for musicals, you'd get the humor easily.

You follow the stage manager, main character, as well as his boss, his support team and the singers and dancers, and everyone's relationships and learn a little bit of each individual who all play an important role in getting the first night of the musical show running. The humor is you are on the inside of the trials and tribulations, the hurdles, as if you, yourself can identify a little bit as the stage manager and how to deal with each and every hiccup while solving those hiccups, plus there's this girl he never got over and works with, but he needs a paying job so that's why he's a stage manager and not performing on stage itself.

If you are a fan of *NSYNC's JC Chasez, this is a must to see, be sure to stay and watch the closing credits.

Not for kids. I'd recommend for high schoolers and older.

I've seen it a few times. R. I. P. Anne Hecht, she did a really good job in her role.

Alot great talent, was fun to watch, and I'll watch it again and again.

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9/10

A Musical Comedy That Will Keep You Entertained Despite its Flaws

open4u14 May 2023

The film has a strong cast, with Topher Grace delivering a great performance as Nick, the show's director, who is trying to keep everything together despite the numerous challenges and setbacks that arise during the rehearsal process. Alona Tal also shines as the show's lead actress, Chloe, who struggles with her own insecurities and fears of not being good enough.

The musical numbers in the film are catchy and well-performed, with each song adding to the story and character development. The film also explores deeper themes such as the nature of creativity, the pressures of the entertainment industry, and the importance of personal relationships.

While the film is entertaining and has some great moments, it also has some flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, and some of the characters feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the film's attempts at humor can be hit-or-miss, with some jokes falling flat.

Overall, "Opening Night" is a fun and enjoyable film that is worth watching, especially for fans of musical comedies. While it may not be a perfect film, its strong performances and catchy music make it a worthwhile experience.

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8/10

Silly but cute...

RosanaBotafogo30 July 2023

A failed Broadway singer who now works as a production manager must save the opening night of her new production by having to sing in the show due to disputes from the eccentric cast who fight all the time. It's up to her to either save the show or sink it for good.

Silly but cute... A nonsense trying to be comic, the drama convinced me more than the comedy, some good tirades, good and rare, sometimes tiring, sometimes unpretentious... My companion in a morning of insomnia and work... I like it however regular... I can't believe I cried at the very end, with the choir singing "To be with you", because after all, it's more than a comedy, it's about taking risks, it's about going after what you want...

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Opening Night (II) (2016)

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