A Night at the Roxbury (1998) User Reviews

Catchy and Fun

[steve-862 · 7/10 · 23 April 2002]

This is a film that is better than you expect it to be. It's sort of Last Days of Disco meets Wayne's World.

It is based on an idea that came from Saturday Night Live about three guys who are trying to get into discos/parties and are so uncool. They all bob their heads to the music in a funny fashion and try to pick up women, which of course they are useless at but think they are excellent at. The third person from this original skit was Jim Carrey. For whatever reason Jim Carrey was not in this movie but the other two are and despite Carrey's absence the comedy has his distinct style in many ways, particularly with visual comedy.

The music, if you like European 90s disco/house is very good and the support actors are excellent. There are more than a couple of people from the original Clueless film if you can spot them all.

To give you a basic plot, which in this type of movie isn't really important anyway, you have two sons of a rich LA shop owner. They live for parties and think they are well into the scene but their dad thinks they are a waste of space. They try to get into a club called the Roxbury which is more exclusive and through a series of events, mistaken identities and so on move into the partying fast-lane. There are some ups and downs for our two guys though but in true tradition there is a happy ending.

If you liked Wayne's World and Dumb and Dumber there is enough similar humour for you. It's worth seeing in my opinion, I gave it 7 out of 10 and I'm normally quite tight.

This is one of my guilty pleasures

[AlsExGal · 7/10 · 11 November 2018]

Yeah, it's one SNL skit stretched out to an hour and a half, but twenty years later it is still funny. It is dated. Lots of people will not know who Richard Grieco is or anything about "Twenty One Jump Street", and why are those people talking into bricks? but the human element is still recognizable and therefore funny.

You have two very childish geeky brothers close in age and aspirations - they want to own their own club - but they have a dad (Dan Hedaya) who is completely unhappy with them and their lack of interest in his business and what he hopes will be their business someday - an artificial flower shop in Beverly Hills.

The Butabi brothers think that they are much cooler than they really are, would starve if not for dad's wealth, and go out every night in hope of getting into an exclusive club - the Roxbury. The bouncer is having none of it. Then one night they get rear ended by Richard Grieco, and to avoid a possible lawsuit he gets them into the Roxbury. The plot takes it from there.

What are the human elements that are familiar? Two guys well into their twenties trying to hide their lack of sexual experience, and falling for two party girls who would not give them the time of day if not for who they think they are - rich guys with connections. A man with lots of wealth and business savvy actually liking these two guys who have nothing going for them that anybody else can see. A dad who is particularly angry with one son maybe because he reminds him of himself at that age. And a girl who chases after the other son because she knows she can manipulate him into marriage and unite two empires - her dad's lamp store and the Butabis' flower shop.

I have no idea how one fake flower shop could make Mr. Butabi that rich, but it is still funny after all of these years. And the soundtrack is to die for. It's too bad Hollywood is so broken these days that they just can't make silly movies whose entire point is just plain fun.

With Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan as the clueless and close-as-twins Butabi brothers, Dan Hedaya as the constantly yelling father, Loni Anderson as the unconditionally loving mom who has a permanent scaffold built around her for all of the plastic surgery she gets, and Molly Shannon as the aggressive and mercenary girl chasing after Ferrell's character, sometimes literally.

A New Cult Classic!

[simbajak · 7/10 · 24 January 2001]

We watched NATR originally at a friends insistence, well, it has become one of those movies to us that we can watch over and over again. Like a background movie. Sad to say, my girlfriend, best friend and I can quote most of the movie. Obviously, it's a goofy movie, it's supposed to be, but we feel they did a wonderful job with the plot they were given.

Did I Like This Movie? no.......YES!!!

[lil_miss_duckey · 19 March 2003]

This was an awsome movie! Chris Kattan and Will Ferrell are awsome in this movie! It is amazing how they can do the head bob walking!! This movie had everything! Laughs, tears, head bobbing, clubs, romance...............SCORE! I would love to go to a club where the inside looks like the outside, and the outside looks like the inside. I recommend this movie to everyone! That's right.. everyone! 9.2/10

Hilarious

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 3 June 2010]

This movie was funny as hell! I was laughing hard throughout most of the movie.

Well, lets get down to business shall we? The story in the movie was pretty straight forward, easy to follow and quite catchy. Lots of funny moments and you easily got immersed in the characters portrayed in the movie.

As for the cast, well... They were simple amazing. Lots of talented (and funny) faces on the screen. Every single person was doing a really good job with their respective roles, making the movie work so very well.

If you like comedies, then you definitely have to check this out. It is one of Will Ferrell's better movies, or at least I think so.

A funny movie...

[Garys1266 · 7/10 · 25 May 1999]

Who hasn't gone clubbing and not seen 2 "swingin' single guys" in love with themselves like the 2 young men portrayed in this film? I went to college in the 80's and you could always guarantee you would see 2 guidos like this in any bar that you went to. The only problem is that the 2 characters in the movie weren't driving a Trans Am with a gold emblem on the hood like the people I used to run into in the 80's. Bravo to the script and to the soundtrack for taking me back to my "clubbing" days in the 80's.

Fun to watch!

[sports-6 · 7/10 · 30 December 2000]

This is a fun movie to watch! You follow 2 guys who cant go to the roxbury(the best club in town) so they try every way to get in. They always wanna pick up babes but it never works, until the 21jumpstreet star crashes their car. He let's them in the roxbury but it isnt what they expected... so they want to build there own club. The movie has a great soundtrack and if you like to see watch a movie with guaranteed laugh pleasure see this one!

Go to the dentist instead.

[david_fish · 1/10 · 21 March 2000]

Don't let the 81 minute tally fool you. This movie is 75 minutes of jaw-droppingly bad movie making. I saw it for free and I actually consider walking out. It's one thing to rag on SNL movies; they are easy targets to be sure. Night at the Roxbury, on the other hand, opens new doors. The holes created by stretching the dead-horse TV skit to movie length were too big to be filled-in by boring cliches already shriveled from years of overuse.

To be fair, there are several chuckles in this movie. However, this may have simply been a knee-jerk reaction from the need to find something, anything to laugh at in the midst of this horrible flick. As it turns out, one of these "funny moments" was lifted from Say Anything (I have been told). I think Will Farrell is (usually) fantastic and his was the only line delivered that made me guffaw. Overall, the performances weren't even phoned in, they were delivered bulk rate. Don't get me wrong, I love stupid, even bad movies if there is something likeable about them; an earnestness, some charm or good humor. This has next to nothing in the "redeeming qualities" basket.

secretly wonderful

[dr_foreman · 8/10 · 22 June 2004]

I'm going out on a limb here. I've just bombed "Joe Dirt," and now I'm going to do an about-face on modern comedies and argue that "A Night at the Roxbury" is brilliant. Most critics didn't see a distinction between these two bombs, but I do.

Comedy oftentimes depends on suffering. Comic protagonists always take a beating, and we either laugh with them, or at them, or maybe we laugh not at all because we couldn't care less. The essential question is, are the protagonists of "A Night at the Roxbury" lovable losers or just totally annoying dweebs who deserve all the grief they get?

You know my answer already. I love the Butabi brothers. They have a strong fraternal bond, they're obsessed with Emilio Estevez, and they can't get any play. What's not to love?

Dan Hedaya is great as the brothers' disgruntled dad, and Chazz Palminteri does a hilarious cameo as an entrepreneur obsessed with ass-grabbing. Richard Grieco demonstrates a remarkable sense of humor about himself by allowing the Butabis to build him up as a big celebrity, when the joke is obviously that he's a total has-been. What a sport, eh?

Nice song, too. I like this stupid movie. Really, I do.

This feels like a Dumb & Dumber remix that's hilarious and an absolute must see

[kevin_robbins · 7/10 · 4 March 2023]

A Night at the Roxbury (1998) is a movie that I recently watched for the first Tim in a long time with my wife on Amazon Prime. The storyline follows two brothers in the family business who decide they want out and to open their own night club. Their struggles to balance love interests, their dad and their ambitions may destroy the relationship between brothers.

This movie is directed by John Fortenberry (Jury Duty) and stars Will Ferrell (Elf), Chris Kattan (Undercover Brother), Michael Clarke Duncan (Green Mile), Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie), Loni Anderson (WKRP in Cincinnati), Molly Shannon (Super Star) and Dan Hedaya (Cheers).

The cast in this is absolutely amazing. Every character is played by a super star actor. Ferrell and Kattan are awesome, have great chemistry and deliver a unique brand of comedy that's brilliant. The dialogue and their interactions were hilarious. The soundtrack for this picture is legendary and well selected. The storyline is fairly straightforward and a bit cliche but still fun to watch unfold.

Overall, this feels like a Dumb & Dumber remix that's hilarious and an absolute must see. I would score this a 7/10 and strongly recommend it.

Loved the music

[ericstevenson · 5/10 · 10 March 2018]

I had never even heard of the "Saturday Night Live" skit this was based on. All I knew about this was the massive amount of buzz it created as a meme on YTMND. I honestly think it set a record for biggest meme on that entire website. I admit to not knowing really why, because the movie's mediocre at best. This movie features two brothers who try to get in at a nightclub called the Roxbury. Actually, only half of the movie is that.

The other half is them trying to get girls. It's pretty clichéd, especially with how it's about two guys who split up and have to get back together. I kept thinking Jim Carrey was involved in this somehow. Apparently, he WAS, but it was only uncredited as a writer. Some jokes are good, but for the most part, it's pretty forgettable. Again, the music is amazing. **

Great and really funny movie.

[PQTaggart · 10/10 · 3 December 2004]

"What's up?" - Either you love it or you hate it. Actually to me Roxbury is one of my favourites. Of course the two guys are hilarious - but that's what they're supposed to be. This movie is full of great innuendos to disco chicks ("Is this your first time?"), to stupid and bored upper class people ("Do you like my new chin? Is it better than last years?") and to some movies ("You had me at hello!"). Even after watching it the 3rd or 4th time you still can discover some new hints and gags.

It's a funny movie but certainly not dumb!

Emilioooooh!

I laughed my ass off

[stephhapgood · 6/10 · 22 February 2000]

This movie was really funny, but, the plot was dumb and it didn't make much sense. I find those guys from Saterday Night Live really funny, but, they talk about dirty stuff too much and that ruined the movie since I was with my Mom when I watched it. Thats why I gave this movie a 6.

Sub moronic

[madahab · 1/10 · 14 October 2021]

I have never been a fan of Will Ferrell. He is tolerable in supporting roles and a little goes a very long way. His approach to humour is as subtle as a kick to the groin. Chris Kattan on the other hand is just untalented. Even in his years at SNL he had little to offer and his characters were uninventive. Together they are a lethal coctail of comedy poison. I imagine there was an attempt to recapture the success of the Wayne's World films, but the lack two key items: likeable characters and talented actors. Even on SNL these characters were less than one note and I could never imagine that someone thought that they could carry an entire film....but look at the It's Pat movie to show that they were just dredging the bottom of the barrel. Wayne and Garth were likeable in their annoying way but they were never as obnoxious as these two idiots. Just five minutes of this abomination is torture to watch. I began rooting for everyone who opposed these two idiots, which is always a good sign that a film is failing horribly. A one-star rating was far too generous and go a notch lower to less than zero. I imagine that it died a quick death at the box office and a handful of stoners attended its limited run and found it hysterical. The only way this might be amusing would be heavily medicated. It's fascinating how this even got made and then released. Using the term "worst movie ever made" has no real meaning but this would surely make the list. I feel bad Michael Clarke Duncan, Dan Hedaya, Loni Anderson, and even the usually intolerable Molly Shannon for having been talked into appearing in this junk. I hope the paychecks were substantial.

An absolute cult classic

[loftus_jim · 31 December 2002]

I completely understand why someone would not care for this movie. In addition to the whole 90's "club" environment (which many people may not be able to relate to), it's silly as hell. But I must say, in my opinion, A Night at the Roxbury deserves legendary status as a comedy. To be honest, I didn't think it was all that funny the first time I saw it, but much like the movie Austin Powers, it really grows on you after repeated viewing. I've seen it at nearly 20 times and I'm still not sick of it. I know at least a dozen people - friends and family members - who absolutely LOVE this movie, and I run into people all the time who say they love it as well. Okay, it may have initially tanked at the box office, but SURELY A Night at the Roxbury has accumulated enough profit through VHS and DVD sales to warrant a sequel. To the studio: please, for the love of god, MAKE A SEQUEL!!!

Good laughs, Wassup!

[Brenman33 · 7/10 · 7 October 1998]

I came into this movie knowing it wasn't going to be a classic, but I knew there would be lots of good laughs, and there were. Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan have great chemistry together on screen. It's worth the money, it's fun, go see it. A great spoof of Jerry Maguire at the end. Score!

Only 4.9? Lighten up, people!

[TOMASBBloodhound · 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.

Excellent Film,Stop Whining!

[Stealth-5 · 7/10 · 27 May 1999]

A Night At The Roxbury was a terrific movie,funny at a lot of parts,and brilliantly displayed.I loved the set-up of the movie the characters were very likeable.Although the upsetting scenes weren't really well put off,the rest of the film was excellent and well worth the $7.50... I am also tired of people whining,such as "I was going to walk out of the theatre"that is the most stupidist thing i have ever heard,you're really that low...??You'd even jump out of a theatre because of a movie,i mean those comments are ridiculous,grow up people and enjoy the movies.

What a waste...

[pure_waves · 1/10 · 10 December 2001]

This movie is clear proof that the majority of Saturday Night Live sketches, while funny each week for a few minutes, cannot hold their own on the big screen. Unfortunately the list goes on and on...Roxbury, Coneheads, Superstar, Its Pat, Stuart Saves His Family, etc. the only exceptions being Waynes World, and the Blues Brothers. How long before we get a Dominican Lou, Mr. Peepers, or Nude Male Model movies?

One gets the feeling from the first 5 minutes of the movie that every second afterwards is totally unnecessary, the gimmick already having been delivered.

A waste of time, talent and money. Surely Kattan and Ferrel are capable of better than this.

10 thumbs up

[funkiie01 · 10/10 · 19 February 2005]

THIS MOVIE IS GREAAAAAAAAAT! i guarantee you'll be laughing throughout the movie. I'v read some reviews about this movie and i can't help but wonder why people say its horrible? Maybe your not the type who enjoy a good comedy once in a while. The two brothers are absolutely hysterical. They just keep the laughs coming. AND, what about the music? The music just happens to fit the movie so good that i think its a 'must see movie'. I'm a proud owner of this movie. When i'm in need of a good laugh this is the movie i watch. The story is wonderful, and the actors and actresses have done the greatest job on this movie. If i could i'd give it 100 OUT OF 100 :)

Yeah

[michaeltrivedi · 6/10 · 10 September 2020]

Classic really. Gets kinda boring but it's a classic, c'mon. Will Ferrell is the best. Beverly Hills party boy slackers. Doesn't really get any better. Great time.

Recommended

6 stars

So many bad things to say...

[DarthZardoz · 1/10 · 13 April 2002]

I had an ongoing debate with myself while watching "Roxbury" as to whether this was the worst movie I'd ever seen, but in the end it comes out just slightly above such "classics" as "Bio-Dome," mostly because it isn't trying to be patently offensive.

Unfortunately, it's trying to be hilarious and misses that mark by light-years. As some others have pointed out, most SNL spinoff movies fail miserably, with the two exceptions being "Blues Brothers" and "Wayne's World."

This one should fall into a class of its own, though - it had utterly failed in the first three minutes, which is probably a record. Put it this way: when you make a movie, whether intentionally, that starts off looking like someone shot it on a Sony Handicam in their basement, you're not setting yourself up for success.

And of course, then you get smacked in the head with the idiot story, the moronic dialogue, the forced nature of pretty much everything - the conflicts that fly up to drive the plot are among the most ridiculous and hackneyed pieces of drivel ever to get written into a film.

Sure, there are brief moments where you'll laugh, but not so much because the film is funny. You'll laugh out of pity. You'll laugh because you're uncomfortable and laughing's the only way to escape the mindlessness you're facing.

Skip this one, just like you should skip most SNL spinoffs. You'll never get back the time you waste watching "Roxbury," and you'll regret that.

Awesome Comedy

[ice_smk · 9/10 · 21 February 2002]

After watching this movie on television, I automatically went on the net to find out what other people thought about it...I was extremely surprised to see that Roxbury wasn't even given an average higher than 5, many people expressing their disgust for the movie...But, I Loved it. I have never laughed so much during a movie, and there was an actual point to the movie. Some of the gags has me laughing for at least 10 minutes, and I still laugh thinking of them (the ambulance noises, the Emilio story, LoL). I can't believe so many people don't like this movie, it's a great comedy, much better than horrible flicks like Dude where's my car, and Saving Silverman. At least this movie has a point, I came to like the characters of the Butabi brothers. Was this a Good Movie? Noooo....YES!

Great dumb comedy - if that is what you are looking for.

[serbsrdjan · 7/10 · 12 July 2007]

Most of the comedies now days are just either plain stupid, or too confusing that you have to think. Night at the Roxbury is a simple, stupid, yet very funny comedy. Director didn't use the dumb approach where everything revolves around farts, falls and stupidity, this movie is much better than that. This is the movie where you will laugh out loud if you really want to see a movie that involves 80's and the dance era that made us all wonder did we really look like that? We did look like that, but its only Will and Chris who can put it into the move to perfection. This is a must see comedy for anyone who wants to laugh a bit, and if you like any of other Will's movies, you will very much enjoy this one as well.

What a waste of time!

[Tom Erik · 1/10 · 16 April 2004]

To be honest this is probably one of the worst films I have ever seen. I saw the movie only knowing that it was a comedy, not having read or heard any critics about it. I later found out that the critics had slaughtered the film. And this time I couldn't agree more.

Here's the "story" in this film; two morons are trying to get into a nightclub called the Roxbury to get chicks. The only achievement here is the producer being able to stretch this to a 81 min movie. By filling it with plain and dumb humour.

If you are under 15 years old you might laugh one or two times watching this movie, for all others I'm sure you have thousands of better things to do than to see this film.