Main Cast: Vinny Argiro, Donnie Montemarano, Vinnie Jones, Natasha Lyonne, Ann Magnuson
Release Year: 2002
Country: US
Run Time: 87 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
A pair of elderly career criminals may have ended their old lives before they can start a new one in this streetwise drama. Tommy (Donnie Montemarano) and Mic (Vinnie Argiro) are a pair of aging wiseguys who used to work on the fringes of the New York mob. Now in their mid-sixties, Tommy has just been sprung from prison after spending seven years behind bars, and Mick has offered to put him up at his place -- a room in a seedy Los Angeles flophouse called the Golden Eagle, which is overrun by junkies, streetwalkers, and bums with no where else to go. While Tommy's been in stir, Mick has been living the straight life; he's gotten a legitimate job, quit drinking, stopped doing business with prostitutes, and has saved up enough money that he and his best friend can head to Las Vegas and start new lives with real jobs there. However, Tommy isn't so sure he wants to live quite so clean, especially on his fight night out of the joint. Tommy meets another resident of the Golden Eagle, Amber (Natasha Lyonne), an attractive young woman who happens to be a hooker. Not having been with a woman for seven years, Tommy is eager to retain Amber's services, but Amber is working for Rodan (Vinnie Jones), a brutal and short-tempered pimp. Tommy's treatment of Amber manages to anger Rodan, and now Mick and Tommy have to get away from the pimp if they have any hope of getting to Las Vegas (and out of Los Angeles) alive. A low-budget labor of love for director Adam Rifkin, A Night at the Golden Eagle's supporting cast includes James Caan, Ann Magnuson, Sam Moore (of the popular singing group Sam and Dave), Fayard Nicholas (of the legendary dance team the Nicholas Brothers), and Francesca 'Kitten' Natividad. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
This astonishingly effective indie, shot with a smeared palate of intense reds and yellows, is infused with noir-like sweaty heat, both literally and figuratively. Three parallel stories about losers and dreamers are told in an arresting script that engages the mind and a kinetic visual style that grabs the eye. Outstanding performances by newcomers Donnie Montemarano (who served 11 real-life years in prison for racketeering), Vinny Argiro, and Nicole Jacobs are bolstered by beyond-the-call-of-duty work by Ann Magnuson, Vinnie Jones, and Natasha Lyonne. Cameos by James Caan and Russ Meyer-favorite Kitten Natividad don't hurt either. There are some things here you've never seen -- an innocent young girl losing her virginity on her first night as a prostitute comes to mind -- but nothing is so far-fetched that it can't be accepted for absolute reality. Everyone makes the most of the hardworking script that explores society's underbelly without arrogance or condemnation. This is serious cinema, but it can appeal to much more than the usual art-house crowd. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide
Nicole Jacobs - Loreli; James Caan - Warden; Fayard Nicholas - Mr. Maynard; Sam Moore - Sylvester; Francesca 'Kitten' Natividad - Ruby; Miles Dougal - Desk Clerk; Badja Djola - Gabriel
Credit
Mindy Marin - Casting, Peter Schink - Co-producer, Lisa Perkins - Co-producer, Mynka Draper - Costume Designer, Adam Rifkin - Director, Peter Schink - Editor, Mindy Marin - Executive Producer, Morgan Sackett - Executive Producer, Tyler Bates - Composer (Music Score), Spring Aspers - Musical Direction/Supervision, Sherman Williams - Production Designer, Checco Varese - Cinematographer, Steve Bing - Producer, Adam Rifkin - Producer, Steve Bowerman - Sound/Sound Designer, Adam Rifkin - Screenwriter
Night at the Golden Eagle is a 2002 American film written and directed by Adam Rifkin.
Plot summary
Two elderly criminals spend their final night in Los Angeles, California at the Golden Eagle Hotel prior to their departure to Las Vegas, Nevada, to lead a life without crime. Unfortunately, on the hottest night of the summer, these two ex-criminals seemingly get caught in the malice of prostitutes, pimps, drunken bums, fighting monkeys, and young runaways.
