Winkler is perfect as the redeemed nerd, and Keaton is a super find, bristling with raw energy. Director Ron Howard sometimes takes the easy route to a laugh, drawing from his wealth of sitcom experience, but he also pays attention to his characters.

Still, Howard's assured style and instinct for comedy keep "Night Shift" light and breezy for most of the time.

Night Shift makes it apparent that Howard acquired an enormous amount of savvy about comic staging and acting during those 20 years or so on the tube.

Keaton's epiphany over tuna fish sandwiches is beautiful to behold.