By Melissa Antoinette Garza
I just realized that I never reviewed NIGHT TRAIN (2009). I watched the film when it was originally released on DVD. Back then, I rented it at a local video store and then immediately purchased it afterwards. I’ve watched it several times since then, but for whatever reason, never actually reviewed the film.
In the last few weeks, I have had a delightful time detailing my infatuation with Richard O’Brien. Considering, he has a key supporting role in this film, I’m elated that I’ve waited until this moment to put pen to paper or, more accurately, finger to key.
Before discussing the living perfection that is O’Brien, allow me to describe the film. I hear that’s a good thing to do when reviewing a film. The film opens with a man coming aboard the train with a box. He dies soon thereafter. The conductor Miles (Danny Glover) and two passengers, Pete (Steve Zahn) and Chloe (Leelee Sobieski), are immediately drawn to the contents within the box only they don’t know that each one of them saw something different. Unaware of the paranormal activity, the three team up and form a wicked alliance.
They decide to hide the body from the rest of the passengers until they can get rid of it, with the goal of splitting the riches. When it comes time to actually dispose of the corpse, Chloe takes control and reveals a dark and twisted side to her character.
Pete, on the other hand, is transparent. He’s a lovable buffoon, who seems to have made a lifetime of horrible decisions and has no intention to stop. Despite all the red flags, when Chloe bats her eyelashes, he turns to mush. He’s a sympathetic idiot, who you hope will find a backbone, yet you know he never will.
Miles, thankfully, has a better head on his shoulders. Of the three, his moral compass is the strongest. There are times that he wants to turn back and do the right thing, but circumstances keep making that impossible. Still, he’s much stronger than Pete. Whereas, Pete immediately caves with Chloe, Miles not only stands up to her, but makes demands. Not that she complies. In fact, his assertiveness tends to make her crazier. To be fair, she is a cool kind of crazy. She’s a sociopath with seemingly no regard for anyone or anything but the bottom line. It’s sexy, but in a psychotic way.
Now, speaking of sexy, (I call that a seamless segue) Richard O’Brien is in this movie! You see, one of the passengers aboard this night train is the lovely Mrs. Froy. Mrs. Froy comes on with a sweet if not slightly ill-tempered dog named poochie. She’s kind, concerned for the welfare of the other passengers and nostalgically recalls loves long gone. She is just seemingly a very nice lady.
Needless to say, (SPOILERS) Mrs. Froy isn’t all she appears to be. Underneath the sweet woman’s cheerful voice, her conservative clothes, and permed gray wig is an intoxicating and breathtakingly superb man, who wants that box and will stop at nothing to get it. And personally, in my unbiased opinion, they all should hand it over to Froy. He has a dog to take care of and he seems like he wants it the most. Yes, those are my legitimate reasons. It surely has nothing to do with my infatuation with Richard O’Brien and my desire for even his characters to get everything they want. I definitely wasn’t talking to the television, saying “hand it over Glover. Do the right thing! Give Richard what he wants!” That would be the actions of an insane person. Moving on.
This film is fantastic. The cast all around is great. Glover is ALWAYS a treat. Whether he’s in a comedy like THE COOKOUT (2004) or in a straight-laced direct and strong drama like SUPREMACY (2014), he shines. He’s such a versatile and dynamic performer that I always look forward to seeing.
I always have a soft spot for Zahn and the characters he portrays. He perfects the likable loser. Whether SAVING SILVERMAN (2001), HAPPY TEXAS (1999) or RIDING IN CAR WITH BOYS (2001), I always sympathize with him and root for the character’s success. Here it’s the same thing. It is Zahn’s likability that makes one forgive even the dumbest decisions.
Sobieski’s performance is fantastic. I’m always in for sexy crazy women, especially when they’re smart. That’s a check in all the right boxes as far as I’m concerned. For awhile, Sobieski was rocking out some great thrillers. She has cult legend written all over her. She was great in the outrageously campy remake of THE WICKER MAN (2006), the teen thriller JOY RIDE (2001) and the over-the-top, ridiculous 88 MINUTES (2007). I really hope to see her in some mainstream hits soon. Even in some of the most affected projects, her acting always comes across genuine and her performances are always memorable.
As for NIGHT TRAIN, I suggest you check it out. I enjoyed it immensely. It adds a bit more to the found money trope that is used quite often. The paranormal element flowed perfectly and added an unknown element that made the feature quite compelling.
Most importantly, and I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this, but Richard O’Brien is in this movie. If there is ever someone’s filmography you should go through it is that of Richard O’Brien. Every single moment that he’s ever on screen is just magic. Though, Mrs. Froy does not meet the end I would have chosen for her, watching O’Brien rock out the character is extremely entertaining…and sexy. God, I love that man.
Scared Stiff Rating: 7/10 BUT Richard O’Brien Rating: 11/10
