The thumping beats to the Haddaway song “What is Love” have become so synonymous with the 1998 movie “A Night at the Roxbury” that if you hear it now, some 21 years later, you instantly picture Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan mindlessly bopping their heads in a failed attempt at impressing women.
‘Saturday Night Live’ was rejuvenated in the 90s with huge names in comedy like Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, and Mike Meyers. From the mix emerged Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan, both of which make their leading role debuts in “Roxbury,” itself based on the popular SNL sketch.
While its nothing more than exactly what you would expect it to be, it’s a simple and fun film that, skimpy plot aside, has enough moments of laughter jammed into the minuscule 82 minute run time to make it a decent relic of the greatest decade that there was.
The movie pokes fun at the clubbing scene of LA, but anywhere really, as the Butabi Brothers hop from club to club in a continuous failed attempt at picking up women, conversing awkwardly and making fools of themselves along the way.
Yes, its as simple as too carefree losers trying to score, but its got a touch of heart. Doug Butabi (Kattan) has dreams of opening a club of his own alongside his aloof brother and best friend Steve (Ferrell). They are awkward and obnoxious, but its par for the course as they meander about the city at night, working menial jobs at a plant shop owned by their wealthy parents (Loni Anderson, Dan Hedeya).
While the antics and story are nothing short of pure nonsense, the overall plot has some meat to it, I guess. The brothers want desperately to open up a club of their own as cool as the legendary Roxbury. “How are we gonna open up a club like the Roxbury when we can’t even get in?” Steve asks Doug. The humor comes also from the obvious; the pair love dressing in club clothes and dancing, but know nothing about operating a business.
Some big names make appearances throughout the movie. Chazz Palminteri plays the suave and creepy owner of the Roxbury, and a mentor/idol figure to Doug and Steve. SNL star Molly Shannon is a love struck neighbor. Michael Clarke Duncan, Colin Quinn, and Eva Mendes make cameos as well.
As expected from a 1998 movie that is set in and around dance clubs, “A Night at the Roxbury” has a great soundtrack. And the costumes Ferrell and Kattan dress in will have you in tears. Typical night club attire that makes normal guys scream “Tool!”
“A Night at the Roxbury” is no “Citizen Kane” but you already know that. It’s the type of movie that really should be forgotten and yet, its unforgettable. You’ll hate yourself, but I dare you to watch it without laughing.
