The Lather Effect (2006) User Reviews

Poor nostalgia film

[kasimir8 · 5/10 · 5 July 2008]

Despite a rebellious beginning, the movie offered nothing original in film-making. An 80's version of "The Big Chill", but going back to a vapid teen nostalgia? Not worth telling. Even having an off-screen character named Lex was a more rip-off than nod. It didn't help that the soundtrack overlapped in several places with "Gross Pointe Blank", a far superior 80's nostalgia film.

Unconvincingly conceived and unconvincingly portrayed (least hung-over looking group of 30-somethings ever). The characters' biggest regrets were ending up in the wrong fantastic relationship? Too pat, too clean, no point.

Relatable and funny.

[dallas-74 · 7/10 · 14 October 2007]

I saw this movie at the KIFF film festival in Kansas City and it was one of my favorites.

I thought this was just going to be a film about wishing to be young, but was pleasantly surprised. I found myself relating to just about every character in the film and I'm only in my 20's. There are many surprises about the characters as well. The lifeguard was especially interesting. It turned out to be a great exploration of the question "what if?" many of us have asked ourselves. It also questions whether we should worry about what could have been and move forward from where we are now.

Many great laughs sprinkled throughout too!

Humour and drama in equal proportions, with a few twists.

[paulclaassen · 7/10 · 30 December 2022]

I accidentally stumbled upon this movie and must say I enjoyed it so much more than expected. (The DVD title is 'One More Night', and I only later found out it was released as 'The Lather Effect'. Interestingly enough, I couldn't find any record of this movie being released as 'One More Night'.)

After a wild party, a handful of guests who stayed over wakes up in different stages of hangover. The house belongs to Valinda (Connie Britton), who is selling the house and must get it cleaned up for a viewing. Her husband Will (Tate Donovan), who couldn't be at the party, arrives to find the house in a mess, but he is a wonderful, understanding and very optimistic guy - and even helps with the clean-up. The guests decide to stay one more night reminiscing the past.

However, this night would reveal many secrets about some of the characters - some funny and some with disastrous results. I enjoyed the different characters and was impressed by the fantastic performances from the entire cast. Every actor portrayed their character so well, it was convincing and relatable. It was so natural as if I was at the party observing them, instead of watching them on a movie screen.

'The Lather Effect' dishes up humour and drama almost in equal proportions. This is a film that will make you laugh, and gasp. There are shock twists and seriously funny moments, and the film handles every aspect so incredibly well. The script is very good, and the director did a great job. The film has a distinct 80s feel. And oh, what a satisfying ending! This is just an absolutely wonderful movie. I love it!!

Generation X comes home.

[pk-2 · 30 March 2009]

Found myself watching this a month ago on cable, saw maybe 80 percent of it. Saw the entire film on a second viewing and found myself really liking it. Like one user said, it is sorta the Big Chill film for my age group. With all the crap out in the theaters now, It was nice to see a film with some good music and a bunch of people my age remembering the old times. All the songs brought back good memories for myself and I almost felt like i should be crashing there little reunion type get together. Kinda wish they had a prequel to this with the actual party the night before. I'm sure that would be a interesting thing to view. Curious why this wasn't released to the mainstream. I see it was shown at some Film festivals. Makes you wonder if the Big Chill was released today would they do the same thing. I guess its the times we live in.

Disappointing Effort

[Mustang92 · 2/10 · 23 November 2008]

I was hoping this would be a good movie, but was quite disappointed. There is absolutely no story here, no story arc, no character arcs, no real beginning, middle, end. The movie takes place over a 24 hour period, and is just a group of 9 people talking the entire movie. Where's the conflict? Where's the tension? The drama?

There is none. Well, one conflict (a lukewarm one) but it comes very late in the movie, perhaps 70- 75 minutes in. And the way that conflict is handled was poorly directed. Here's why: We learn that the Valinda and Jack characters were manipulated to break up, back in high school. Supposedly they really dug each other, yet they were torn apart by a lie told to each of them by someone (another person at this weekend party). Okay, so as the truth comes out, Valinda leaves the scene greatly upset. (She's married now to another person, who's present this weekend and during this scene.) So, 2 issues here: One, this was 18 or so years ago, would she really get this upset, given she's well set in her current life, presumably happily married and all? Well, let's give the writer/director of this movie the benefit of the doubt and say 'yes.' Fine. BUT THEN shortly thereafter, Jack finds her at some empty stadium somewhere (presumably the school stadium), sits next to her and they talk. Then he kisses her and... she doesn't feel anything reawakening. They try it again. Nothing. Pulleease.

If Valinda is going to be all upset 18 years later that the love of her life back then hadn't truly dumped her, we're supposed to believe that she'd feel nothing when they kiss? Are you frickin' kidding me? Where's the logic of this character? Or the emotional logic of this character? This is either a REALLY bad story point, or really bad directing here.

Overall, this movie is boring. There is just nothing happening throughout. These first or second- time writer/directors need to learn story structure, or the importance of conflict and character development. 9 actors on screen telling stories from the past does not hook the audience in to them emotionally, or to the story. Clearly they had distribution issues (i.e., they couldn't get distribution), and that is due to the story. Anchor Bay released this movie on DVD (there was no theatrical release), and when Anchor Bay releases a direct-to-DVD movie, you know it usually sucks. It got a release because of the names in the movie. I don't mean to be brutal. This filmmaker has potential, I think, but she needs to learn how to write, if she's going to direct her own scripts.

One last note. Lot of music used in the movie, stuff we've all heard from the past. But the music isn't used to its best effect throughout the movie, so... note to the filmmaker again: You need to learn how to use the music better in your movies. Or hire a better music editor. This didn't even come close to the way Cameron Crowe or Quentin Tarantino uses music in their movies. You had a ton of good music, and it surely cost a lot to pay for those licenses, so use the music effectively! And better!

Very obvious and unoriginal... contains very minor spoiler.

[clarimore · 3/10 · 24 January 2007]

While I found this movie to be at times somewhat entertaining, I felt it lacked any sort of originality or soul. One reviewer called it "John Hughes for the 36ish crowd" which is a fairly good description, except for one thing: The reason 16 candles, pretty in pink, etc. are fun, classic movies is because they represent the actual angst-ridden, dramatic, and totally ridiculous times that is youth for most people in a way that is both easy to relate to and fun to watch. This movie, I feel just takes a bunch of older people and makes them act like teenagers as a way of "taking you back." But honestly, who still acts like they're 17 when they're in fact 36? Nobody I'd want to know or could relate to. The dialogue is neither original nor believable and the amount of things going on between this group of friends is just absurd. And the characters are just lame as well. Of course there's the wise old hippy guys who gets the hot girl in the end (by showing she's more than just a hot girl), the popular couple who haven't hashed our their real feelings all these years later, the asshole dork friend who screwed everyone over, etc. It's just so formula it's sad. But even I will partake in something so sinfully bad from time to time, so I can't say I hated it, but I really don't understand all the praise it's getting thus far. It's a good effort, but the end result lacks anything really worth watching if you're over the age of 15.

A lot of fun

[karen-128 · 9/10 · 20 July 2006]

I saw this on the last night of the LA Film Festival, and it was a treat.

The plot, such as it is, is about a group of friends getting together for 'one last party' at a house about to be sold, an '80's Rage', where they dress up like their favorite 80's icons, Madonna, Tom Cruise, etc. There's even a funny reference to 'that Gorbachov dude'.

But it's really about a lost past, missed opportunities, and cleaning out the cobwebs of old relationships. Sounds kind of heavy, but it's really really funny.

The cast is great, from the radiant Ione Skye (Say Anything) to straight laced Tate Donovan (The O.C.) to David Herman as the 'former child star', who just about steals every scene that he's in. But the 'jubilant engine' that kicks it into high gear is Eric Stoltz (Pulp Fiction), who I didn't' know even did comedy. He's hysterical, and every time he's on screen the film goes to a different, wackier place.

It has one of those soundtracks that make you want to go out and buy it. Which I tried to do at the Virgin Records outside the theater, but they didn't' have it yet. Every 80's hit song you can remember is somehow in this film, it's a little like BEING at the actual party!

In fact, the whole film is like being at a party. A lot of fun.

A "Big Chill" for Generation X

[Annie-27 · 8/10 · 11 April 2007]

This movie inevitably will be compared with The Big Chill, and that's okay. The Lather Effect is funny and poignant, and explores a lot of themes that are common to most people in their thirties regardless of when they grew up. I saw it when it played at South by Southwest, where it was well-received by the audience, who laughed and cheered in all the right places.

Valinda (Friday Night Light's Connie Britton) throws one last "rager" at her parents' house on the weekend before it is to be sold. The party's theme was "Come As You Were," so everyone was dressed in Eighties costumes, but along with their memories they also brought their unresolved issues from their teen years, as well as their adult fears about the future. On the morning after the party, the house is a huge mess that Valinda and her circle of friends have to clean up. In the process, long-buried secrets are revealed and old wounds are opened. The characters begin to come to terms with how their pasts affected the present, and contemplate the future.

The cast is excellent. Connie Britton carries the movie well, and Eric Stoltz steals many scenes as the slightly-older guy who used to crash every party when they were teens, in what feels like a reprisal of his cameo in Say Anything (minus the chicken suit). The soundtrack is great as well -- when can I buy the CD?

Very Funny

[windeebsmith · 10/10 · 20 April 2007]

Saw this movie at the Sonoma Film Festival and it was really funny. Went with a group of friends of all ages and everyone was laughing out loud. Not to mention the soundtrack is really good. Have told so many of my friends about this movie. They can't wait for it to be released so they can see it first hand. It is a kind of Big Chill for all of us who grew up in the 80's. It takes you right back to High School. It also deals with the issue of growing up and moving on and getting older. This seemed to strike a chord in everyone. It is the reason, within our group, that everyone found amusement in this film. No matter what age, if you have a chance to see this film, do yourself a favor and go. You will be in a good mood for the rest of the day.

John Hughes for the 36-ish crowd

[jkennedymo · 9/10 · 13 November 2006]

I saw this movie last night at the St. Louis International Film Festival. It was a great film from a terrific idea. Writer/director Sarah Kelly was on hand to answer questions. She said she wanted to make a sort-of follow up to The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, to see what happens to those kids 20 years later, and based it on an actual party that she had. In the movie, there is a lot of angst and longing for high school, along with hilarious lines, fashions and outstanding music. The stars are great - I usually think William Mapother is a bit creepy (even before his character on Lost) but he's really good in this role. It made me laugh a lot, tear up once, miss high school, miss my brother, miss my friends and want to dance. Please go see it, wherever you have the chance. It's a great movie for the Gen X crowd, and everyone else.

"Big Chill" for the kids of the 80's!

[sishick-1 · 8/10 · 14 November 2006]

Caught this movie at the St. Louis International Film Festival, and loved it! The cast was great with Eric Stolz giving the best performance in my opinion. The movie starts the day after a big blow out party. Our core group of friends are facing the task of cleaning up the house and revisiting all the highlights from the night before. I'm sure it may hit home with people in their mid thirties - am I where (or with whom) I should be? What would my life have been like if past events happened differently? In the end we realize that sometimes you have to revisit the past in order to appreciate your present and move on to your future. The director was at the festival and was great with the Q&A after the screening. I hope this movie will get picked up for a wider release. Good Luck!

A real treat

[dmaxfield · 8/10 · 15 September 2007]

This film manages to capture some of the magic of the John Hughes 80's without being a complete re-hash. Most amazing is the well-rounded nature of the group cast. You get a picture of each of these people's lives. Hughes' movies always had an undercurrent of drama, pain and misfortune. The director/writer was at the screening I saw (at KIFF) and said the movie was loosely based on an 80's party she threw.

I felt that the movie did a great job of being nostalgic without going overboard, pulling in the anxiety of thirty-somethings who grew up on those 80's classics, and ends with you feeling strangely connected to the whole group. This party could happen in your house tonight, and along with it a good, if a little painful sometimes look back, and, by its conclusion, a realistic look at the ahead.

Hope this gets distributed to more screens so more people can enjoy it themselves. Penis pirate for life! -D

A gem of a comedy.

[andrewmayer · 10/10 · 22 April 2007]

This film is hilarious. I saw it at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, and the audience was laughing all the way through. The casting was excellent, which led to a totally believable ensemble that gave the script an authentic rendering. One felt as if they were at the party, as if it was a real enactment of a great weekend in one's life - you know, a party that actually reveals some important "lessons" in life. The screenplay was honest and direct, fast-paced and layered. I was especially impressed by the first-time director, who also wrote the script. She has a talent for crafting the plot so that there is a lot going on without losing the cohesion of the story, and bringing in cameos that added even more enjoyment. The title may need to be rethought, but thats relatively easy. Maybe just "Lather" will do, because thats the feeling that I got, that yummy moment in the shower when the lather is all whipped up and feels so good.

Classic

[pk19652001 · 10/10 · 16 November 2016]

Like allot of reviewers, This is like my generations version of the Big Chill. The plot sounds weak- the day after a big bash 80's style party of 2 children taking care of the house they grew up in before the parents sell it. But you know. This works. All the characters are interesting. From the former child star who really pulls out a real shocking secret to the group to all the various subplots. Music is spot on, brought back memories of mine back in the 1980's. Eric Stoltz is hilarious as the stoner guy who lived up the street who crashes the party and brings his crazy personality to the fold. Funny seeing Ione Skye here which I haven't seen her in a movie since 20 years earlier in Say Anything. So this sorta fits into the plot. I never see this on cable anymore, yet they play tons of crappy movies on a constant basis. If you can find this anywhere and are from a generation that grew up in the 80's this should hit the spot on memory lane.