Only 4.9? Lighten up, people!

Rating: 7/10 (25 August 2004)

I will be the first to agree that a great many SNL skits have translated poorly to the big screen. This isn't one of them. Unfortunately since so many of these SNL films have bombed, most people seem ready to trash them if they aren't classics. The last time I checked, the only SNL film to reach classic status was the Blues Brothers. A Night at the Roxbury is no Blues Brothers, but there are still more than a few laughs in it.
I like this film. I'm not ashamed to say it one bit. It makes me laugh. Chris Kattan and Will Ferrel are hilarious as the Butabi brothers who try too hard to be cool, and always fail to get into the best clubs. Will Ferrel has seen his career blossom since this film was made. Kattan has had less success, but I think he runs circles around Ferrel in this one. He is basically the snotty, whiny, and spoiled son of a rich man who sells silk plants. Ferrel is his dim-witted brother. There are quite a few nice supporting parts by veteran actors who now probably wish they hadn't been in the film due to its poor reviews.
As I said earlier, this is no classic. In fact the last 20 min or so where Ferrel is planning to marry Molly Shannon are pretty dumb. I do find other parts particularly amusing, though.
How about their walk down the beach in those "very European-looking" bathing suits? How about them getting ready to go out clubbing while that Rod Stewart song is playing? How about them being too chicken to actually score with those club vixen when they get the chance to? Their ride home from the failed meeting with Mr. Zadir was also rather funny.
I guess I'd say this: Don't let the fact that this is a SNL movie scare you off. Give it a chance. This is a good film to watch with your friends before going out on the town, for example. I'm sure at least someone will spout a one-liner or two from it before the night is done.
A solid 7 of 10 stars.
So sayeth the Hound.