Dan Aykroyd Reviews Saturday Night — Was the OG SNL Cast Member Impressed by Jason Reitman’s Movie?
An original SNL cast member is singing praises for Saturday Night, a new movie (now in theaters) that’s based on the true story of what happened prior to Saturday Night Live‘s very first broadcast.
Turns out, Dan Aykroyd, who starred on the late-night sketch series for its first four seasons, was a fan!
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“Cracking a Head to applaud Jason Reitman’s triumphant SNL film,” the actor posted on X. “Wow! What a propulsive, engaging, funny, beautifully cast and acted, suspenseful, adventurous, music-filled ride. A perfect window into the creative process at its highest level. Pretty accurate too. I was there that night and got to relive it wonderfully again. Congratulations Gil, Jason and Blumie. Don’t miss it whether you know the show or not. It is a stand-alone masterpiece and surefire candidate for Best Picture.”
SNL Movie: See Who’s Playing the 1975 Cast
The film takes place on Oct. 11, 1975 — and, fittingly, released in theaters on Oct. 11, 2024 — when “a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever,” per the official synopsis. “This is the true story of what happened that night behind the scenes in the moments leading up to the first SNL broadcast, retelling chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, counting down the minutes in real time to the infamous words, ‘Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!'” (Get eyes on the trailer here. Also of note, it’s the 49th anniversary of SNL’s premiere!)
Aykroyd left his mark on the series by creating numerous classic characters over the years. His impression of American chef Julia Child in the 1978 sketch “The French Chef” was particularly memorable. Plus, he and John Belushi originated the Blues Brothers, who got their own movie in 1980. In addition to being in the cast, Aykroyd was a writer on the series, winning an Emmy for his work in 1977.
Will you be seeing Saturday Night in theaters, and if you already saw it, what did you think? Let us know in the comments.
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