The Night Shift

Plot synopsis:
Chuck (Winkler), formerly a successful stockbroker, has found a refuge from the ulcer-inducing Wall Street rat race in his job as an attendant at the New York City morgue. His displeasure at being "promoted" to Night Shift Supervisor to make room for his boss's nephew is exacerbated by the irrational exuberance of Bill "Blaze" Blazejowski (Keaton), his new co-worker. They are inspired by the plight of Chuck's prostitute neighbor, Belinda (Long), to apply Chuck's financial acumen and Bill's entrepreneurial spirit to open a prostitution service headquartered at the morgue.
Chuck falls in love with Belinda, but their relationship becomes complicated when Belinda refuses to quit prostitution. Chuck's passiveness keeps him from telling Belinda he loves her. Meanwhile, Chuck and Bill's foray into the prostitution business draws the ire of dangerous pimps who come to the morgue and threaten to kill Chuck. Bill inadvertently leads undercover cops to the morgue where Chuck is being assaulted by the pimps. A shootout ensues. Chuck and Bill are rescued, but are arrested for promoting prostitution. Because their arrest would be a political embarrassment, the guys are offered their old jobs back and a dismissal of all charges. Chuck accepts this, but Bill sees it as an opportunity to bargain with the mayor's office. Chuck and Bill fight and part ways. Chuck's fiancée breaks up with him.
Chuck sees Belinda in the hall of their apartment complex, but again fails to express his true feelings for her. Belinda leaves, and Chuck becomes angry with himself for being afraid. With renewed determination, Chuck finds Belinda working in an adult club and professes his love for her. He also finds Bill is employed there. The three leave the club together and go out on the town.

Tags: paranormal, cult

Review:
Audacious Indie. Based on the 2009 short film of the same name, The Night Shift comes to us courtesy of writer/director Thomas Smith and surrounds events occurring in a cemetery where the dead seem to rise and cause trouble within the graveyard's grounds each evening.Responsible for keeping things in line is guard Rue Morgan (Khristian Fulmer), who just happens to be one of the undead inhabitants as well. Rue takes direction from Claire Rennfield (Erin Lilley) who is one of only a handful of 'live' characters in the film. Claire makes regular visits to the cemetery both herself and Rue discuss ongoing developments that are usually of the unusual nature. We learn fairly quickly about Rue's affection for Claire, in particular through his conversations with his skeletal friend Herb voiced by Soren Odom.But Rue's attempts at wooing Claire (Necrophilia, anyone?) are put on hold thanks to more pressing matters that are cascading upon the grounds. Like the recent werewolf teenager that is on a terrorizing rampage or the zombie Roderick (played by Jonathan Pruitt) who is attempting to open a portal to another dimension.If the love story, the werewolf and the other dimension plot points seem like a lot to house in the frame of an independent film, you'd be dead right. But Thomas Smith was smart enough to surround himself with an incredibly competent acting crew that keeps us interested through the trivial moments of an overly stretched 120-minute feature. Odom's Herb might get most of the laughs, but the film hangs on the performance of Kristian Fulmer and he proves to be a capable actor up to the task at hand.With all due respect to the efforts on behalf of the production team of the independent film, the story was interesting and involving enough that you could easily see a marketable big budget film squeezed out of the script sponge (The Night Shift had a reported budget of $10,000. Source: IMDb.com).The Night Shift makes no bones about going for more comedic moments than serious drama or horror. And on a humor scale, more lines hit their mark than fall flat of their target. There is very little for us to classify as true horror and although the make-up department did their best to represent the undead and werewolves that filled our running time, the film is easily classed as family entertainment and is generally safe in nature.The Night Shift has been doing its rounds on the Festival Circuit and has generally been met with grand praise. As independent films go, this one is an audacious and daring attempt in utilizing near non-existent funds to construct a feature filled with zombies and ghouls. It is not without flaws (most particularly the running time) but the spirit of both the material and the effort of those involved allow for an entertaining piece of independent fun.www.killerreviews.com. The Night Shift reviews. "It's in good company with THE LOST SKELETON OF CADAVRA and ALIEN TRESPASS...charming and fun...THE NIGHT SHIFT is for those who can laugh at how silly this little horror genre can be."--Ain't It Cool News "Full of campy fun...entertaining"--28 Days Later Analysis "I love this film! Fulmer...was likable, affable and relatable. Lilley...was equally enjoyable...I absolutely loved Herbie! Story was also very well done with perfect pacing and progression...never gets mushy or lame...really nice chemistry between (Fulmer and Lilley). Fulmer played the character with just the right amount of humor and seriousness to keep the character real. The oddity, the interestingness, and the affability of the main character; everything comes together and makes for a really good experience. A definite buy. It's just that good."--A Little Dead Podcast"Funny, action packed little film with a lot of potential to be a cult classic. The story was unique and the acting was all very professional. The story definitely had enough substance to fill out the running time and there weren't really any slow points. It's nice to see something as original and entertaining as The Night Shift."--B Movies and Beyond"Scores an 'A'. Seek out this campy and infectiously enjoyable horror comedy...a feast for all to enjoy. The Night Shift is pure and simply fun. It infects instantly with a vibe of sincerity...The reins are confidently gripped in the largely untried hands of this young Mr. Smith. He displays a deep and considered passion for his craft and an obvious respect for the eclectic heritage of the ghouls he has gathered here to conduct. Rue Morgan (Khristian Fulmer)...delights as the graveyards perpetually flummoxed caretaker. He also comprises one half of comedic double act that surprises by actually succeeding in drawing out both humor and empathy. Herbie (Soren Odom) is a scene-stealer...Erin Lilley's plucky portrayal of Cemetery overseer Claire Rennfield is nicely restrained...Jam-packed to overstuffed with inoffensive fun... a special treat...do yourself a favor, go give it a look-see – just don't forget to bring the kids."--Suite 101"Thomas Smith's THE NIGHT SHIFT is one of these special films with a great concept and a love of fun accessible entertainment. Smith's core concept with THE NIGHT SHIFT is pure gold. The interplay between Morgan and Herb is one of the best things about the film...it's classic Laurel and Hardy interplay and gives the film an immediate nostalgia for those bygone days of cinema...quite fun and engaging. (Smith) does what all great next-generation filmmakers do...(THE NIGHT SHIFT is) sweet 80's fare with a sly nod to the absurd, nostalgic heart and ample breadth of imagination."--Independent Film Reviews. I'M REALLY TRYING TO AVOID RELATIONSHIPS THAT INVOLVE NECROPHILIA. Rue Morgan (Khristian Fulmer) is an undead cemetery caretaker tasked with keeping the undead on the grounds at night. His day time counterpart is the living Claire (Erin Lilley). Rue likes Claire, although she doesn't see herself in a physical relationship with a dead guy, no matter how nice he may be. Rue is troubled by rare happenings on the grounds that task him.The film includes the proverbial dead guy playing chess with death and a bunch of Zombies watching a zombie movie. The film is "Dylan Dog" cute, but the execution was terrible. The acting was bad highlighted by long conversations that did nothing but take up film. The film is way too long and boring.Parental Guide: No F-bombs, sex, or nudity. Minor PG language.