Rating: 4.5/5 stars

They were destined to fail. Broken light rigs, fights and an unwilling crew plagued Studio 8H in 30 Rockefeller Plaza on the night of Oct. 11, 1975, when a rag-tag group of twenty-somethings took the stage, completely unaware of the history they were making with what they called a “counterculture revolution.”

Today, their show is a staple in the comedy world. “Saturday Night Live,” was created by Lorne Michaels to encapsulate the generation that grew up watching television through comedy sketches and musical performances relevant to their time.

On the 49th anniversary of the show’s debut, director Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” was released in theaters. Comedy fans could easily walk into the film with a level of skepticism, especially if they know anything about the first cast of SNL. However, every actor shines, beginning with Gabriel LaBelle (“The Fablemans”), who portrayed Lorne Michaels.

LaBelle instantly pulls audiences into the frantic 90 minutes before SNL premieres. His nervous, yet determined demeanor accompanied by dizzying camera pans perfectly captures the excitement, fear and uncertainty as he hits obstacle after obstacle. While Michaels himself gave LaBelle his blessing, he lacks the producer’s well-known speech patterns and mild manners. Despite this, LaBelle excels at capturing the passion for his vision to become a reality.

There are many standouts within the film’s cast, including Cory Michael Smith (“May December”) capturing Chevy Chase’s well-known charisma, Andrew B. Feldman’s (“No Hard Feeling”) goofily lovable aura as Lorne Michaels’ cousin/talent coordinator Neil Levy and Rachel Sennott’s (“I Used To Be Funny”) performance as show writer and Michaels’ ex-wife, Rosie Schuster. 

One of the more notable cast members is Ella Hunt (“Horizon”) as the late Gilda Radner. Hunt’s portrayal is sweetly funny and unapologetic. She is among the few to master the voice of whom they are portraying. Another is Nicholas Braun (“Succession”) as both Jim Henson and boundary-pushing comedian Andy Kaufman. Braun does fantastic with bringing both the iconic puppeteer with dreams of Muppets on late-night television and the controversial comedian back to life. Braun serves as comedic relief throughout the film’s stress with Kaufman’s comedy routine, but fails to show Kaufman as a person. This includes only using Kaufman’s character voice and neglecting his combative over-protection of his avant-garde comedy style. Kaufman appeared numerous times over the course of the show’s first few years until he grew hostile towards the audience, resulting in fans voting him permanently off the show in 1983.

Sadly within the film is the shallow portrayal of John Belushi. Industry newcomer Matt Wood excellently captures the stubbornness and substance abuse-fueled confrontational attitude of the iconic “Animal House” star, failing to show the warm, fun-loving man he is remembered as by colleagues The film also neglects showing the close friendship between Belushi and fellow “Not Ready For Prime-Time Player” Dan Aykroyd (played by Dylan O’Brien in the film). They would go on to create their film-spawning Blues Brothers alter-egos and establish the famed chain of House of Blues venues. 

“Easter eggs” in the film reference future sketches and key individuals throughout the history of SNL. These include the brief portrayal of comedy duo Franken and Davis, two original show writers responsible for sketches like Aykroyd’s Julia Child and hints at their later featured acts. Others include a box of “Colon Blow” seen on a desk, referencing a 1989 commercial parody for “Colon Blow cereal.” Also included is a reference to Gilda Radner’s character Emily Litella as she sits in her dressing room, practicing a high-pitched voice with glasses sliding down her nose. Just over a month later, the character would debut on “Weekend Update.” 

“Saturday Night” was spectacular in bringing a new perspective to the show and cast praised as comedy giants. Reitman’s film is seat-gripping and real as audiences share the stress and hope rampant around the studio, even if they go in knowing what happens. Regardless of the level of knowledge one may have, they will still find themselves saying “God, I hope they make it.”

Image by Sony Pictures Entertainment from Youtube