Midnight Run on DVD (1988)

They don't make them like this anymore

Jack Sewell from Midlands, England [Highly rated reviewer] , 18/03/2006

I saw this film upon its original release and thought it was fantastic. However with most 'buddy' movies of the 80's these have seriously been affected by time, garish clothing, an electro pop soundtrack and homosexual references between the characters that nowadays are totally cringe worthy.

I'm pleased to say that Midnight Run has none of this and was still as good as when I first viewed it 18 years ago. The films of the 80’s are the most dated than any other decade in time, but given that the only mentionable difference from this and the films of today is the use of mobile phones, we use pay phones in this film, should give an indication of how well this stands up to being in a classic status.

Martin Brest seems all too happy to ditch the tasteless action/comedy that he lovingly directed in Beverly Hills Cop and introduce us to a thought filled talky, with heavy slices of laughs and enough underplayed action to please the audience. A method he has continued to use in his later films Scent of a Woman and Meet Joe Black.

George Gallo's screenplay is oozing with tongue and cheek humour, in depth character development making the comic chemistry between De Niro and Grodin inspiring and Oscar worthy. Plus an array of one liners you’ll never forget. “Is this moron number one? Put moron number two on the phone.”

It's very interesting to see how original this film actually is, Gallo was later to write Bad Boys which features Joe Pantoliano practically playing the same role he does here. Dennis Farina's pathetic villain, who can never get anything right, is a wonderful parody character that he continues to be cast in, reaching a pinnacle with his part in Get Shorty.

The only thing missing from this film was Oscar recognition. Highly recommended.

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A comfort blanket...

Tony34 from London , 28/11/2004

One of my favourite films of all time. A comfort blanket of a movie.

The two central characters play off each other brilliantly, and at times the film is genuinely moving. I defy you not to have a tear in your eye when DeNiro's estranged daughter tries to give him her babysitting money. DeNiro has never been better than this.

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Please don't bury the phone in my head

Kenneth Day from Dundee , 24/03/2005

Normally I would spend around ten minutes writing this review, pontificating on the splendid plot, striking cinematography and fantastic supporting cast. This is not necessary. Midnight Run is possibly the best De Niro film ever. It is worth viewing just to see the interplay between between De Niro and Grodin, a masterclass in repressed rage and bating. The plot races along, and has the simplicity of a brick (in a good way), never getting in the way of the superb perfromances. Each part of this piece perfectly complements the others; from Yaphet Koto as the incendiary Mosley to Dennis Farina, as probably the best mob villian in history (a role he reprises in Get Shorty). The film manages to evoke peels of laughter, whilst at the same time allowing for an exploration of the complex nature of male friendship that is sadly lacking in most other 'buddy movies'. This is a film that I make liefestyle decisions by, meaning that if you cannot see the excellence on show, your opinion is not worth listening to and I will forever vanquish you to the margins of society.

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Roo#5 from BLACKPOOL , 20/05/2004

This is one of the best movies i've ever seen. It has superb acting, superb plot and i was kept gripped for the whole of the 2 hours it was on. Well worth renting.

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They don't make them like this anymore

Jack Sewell from Midlands, England [Highly rated reviewer] , 18/03/2006

I saw this film upon its original release and thought it was fantastic. However with most 'buddy' movies of the 80's these have seriously been affected by time, garish clothing, an electro pop soundtrack and homosexual references between the characters that nowadays are totally cringe worthy.

I'm pleased to say that Midnight Run has none of this and was still as good as when I first viewed it 18 years ago. The films of the 80’s are the most dated than any other decade in time, but given that the only mentionable difference from this and the films of today is the use of mobile phones, we use pay phones in this film, should give an indication of how well this stands up to being in a classic status.

Martin Brest seems all too happy to ditch the tasteless action/comedy that he lovingly directed in Beverly Hills Cop and introduce us to a thought filled talky, with heavy slices of laughs and enough underplayed action to please the audience. A method he has continued to use in his later films Scent of a Woman and Meet Joe Black.

George Gallo's screenplay is oozing with tongue and cheek humour, in depth character development making the comic chemistry between De Niro and Grodin inspiring and Oscar worthy. Plus an array of one liners you’ll never forget. “Is this moron number one? Put moron number two on the phone.”

It's very interesting to see how original this film actually is, Gallo was later to write Bad Boys which features Joe Pantoliano practically playing the same role he does here. Dennis Farina's pathetic villain, who can never get anything right, is a wonderful parody character that he continues to be cast in, reaching a pinnacle with his part in Get Shorty.

The only thing missing from this film was Oscar recognition. Highly recommended.

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80s Classic

vvill from Greater London , 11/02/2005

This is quite possibly my favourite comedy. It is an action-comedy but De Niro and Grodin (in one of his better performances) make the blase 80s storyline into something memorable. De Niro's character is decidedly human and although this isn't exactly the deepest movie there's more than enough going on to keep you occupied for the whole movie.

Yaphet Koto also does well as the stern but personable chief Fed.

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