As a devoted fan of comedy and its history, I can confidently say that the upcoming film “Saturday Night” is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art form. The casting choices have been nothing short of brilliant, with Nicholas Braun stealing the show as both Jim Henson and Andy Kauffman. But it’s Cory Michael Smith as young Chevy Chase that has me genuinely excited. His portrayal is spot-on, capturing Chase’s cockiness and confidence perfectly.
On NBC, the popular late-night comedy sketch series Saturday Night Live is marking its 50th anniversary of providing entertainment. Ariana Grande, famous for her role in Wicked, will host the October 12 episode, with Michael Keaton following on October 19. As it turns out, this wouldn’t have happened if Lorne Michaels and his original group of miscreants hadn’t started the show back in 1974 – a defiant move that’s soon to be celebrated in Jason Reitman’s upcoming 2024 film titled Saturday Night.
In the initial lineup of Saturday Night Live, there were some big names in comedy, and Jason Reitman’s latest film shines due to its talented cast portraying these legends during their early careers. Succession‘s Nicholas Braun, who is brilliant as Cousin Greg, almost steals the spotlight playing both Jim Henson and Andy Kauffman. I found Lamorne Morris and Ella Hunt exceptional in their roles as Garrett Morris and Gilda Radner respectively. However, it’s Cory Michael Smith as a young Chevy Chase who truly stands out. He’s arrogant, he’s confident, and he’s just so incredibly good at playing the younger version of Chevy Chase that I can’t help but wish he would start remaking old Chase movies to continue his impressive impersonation.
On a recent Saturday, during a press event, when I inquired from Cory Michael Smith about which timeless Chevy Chase film he’d be interested in reprising, he didn’t opt for “Vacation” or “Fletch”. Instead, the performer shared with TopMob his preferred choice.
His debut role was in the movie “Foul Play,” alongside Goldie Hawn. That’s pretty cool! It’s a fantastic film, one I wouldn’t necessarily want to replicate. But it’s quite fascinating. As I delved into his background and persona, one aspect that required careful observation was distinguishing between the on-screen and off-screen Chevy. I was always on the lookout for signs of anxiety or vulnerability, most of which I found in interviews. However, I did observe a unique quality in “Foul Play” compared to his other films. Being his first feature, you can sense him experimenting and learning the ropes. It’s as if he’s not just doing sketch comedy; he’s taking on a serious Hollywood film with a prominent star like Goldie Hawn. And I must admit, there are moments in that performance where I could see a greenhorn actor at work, and I find myself appreciating that authenticity.
See if you can spot some of those moments in the Foul Play trailer, from 1978:
Two years following “Foul Play”, Chevy Chase would join the star-studded cast of the renowned golf comedy film, “Caddyshack”. This movie, not only one of the best in its genre but also incredibly humorous, marked a turning point for Chase. With no regrets, this led to Chase’s rise as one of the most prosperous Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast members transitioning to Hollywood. Over time, Chase dabbled in television again, notably on “Community”, and made returns to SNL during anniversary celebrations.
However, Saturday Night provides a glimpse into the beginnings of Chase and several others, as the movie officially premieres in theaters nationwide on October 11th.
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2024-10-08 16:07