Midnight Run - A Movie Review

This is either going to be the worst trip or the best trip of your life. Guess I’ll see.

Midnight Run was released to theaters in 1988 after an epic adventure. Jack, a bounty hunter, is on a mission to bring a former mafia accountant back to New York. In five days, an unlikely friendly stems between the duo. As they converse on their tales, this adventure is the most chaotic trip ever.

As described by my friend, Midnight Run is a gritty adaptation of the 1987 classic, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. I was impressed by the direction in this film along with the dialogue. You never know what anybody has been through until taking an adventure.

Robert DeNiro and the late Charles Grodin worked tremendously together. They had the best interactions. Some of their dialogue was improvised. Learning that they have more in common than they thought, a repressed side is brought out from each.

Unfortunately, Grodin’s wrists were left with red marks from the cuffs. I have only seen Grodin in two other films, but this was the first time seeing him in a comedic role. He had the best facial expressions in one scene. Comedy is not just about delivery, but reactions, too.

While Grodin is excellent with his comedic deliveries DeNiro showcases his rare emotional side. Jack is prepared for anything. While he is the most able-bodied bounty hunter that you’ll ever see, DeNiro achieved a significant emotional arc about his character.

The sequence where he reunites with his estranged daughter for the first time in years is one of his best performances. It was the first instance in which I saw a different side of DeNiro. Now I want to see more.

The ensemble of Midnight Run is filled with memorable characters. Everyone does an excellent job of connecting to the story. Joe Pantoliano is an underrated actor, in my opinion. He can do range. John Ashton was another favorite. Marvin always has his luck.

This film has fun with the side characters. For someone who had a fever during filming, Yaphet Koto was superb. Other credits include Dennis Farina, Richard Foronjy, Robert Miranda, Jack Kehoe, Wendy Phillips, Danielle DuClose, and the best ensemble of cops and gangsters.

Midnight Run is all about the dialogue. You never know what you could learn about someone through conversation. The interactions between every character, specifically DeNiro and Jack are the best part, studying relationships.

I am astonished by Martin Brest’s excellent direction. I have seen one other film that he has directed. His main focus is always character. Moral is also another theme that is well-achieved in his eyes. He guided his actors, most notable DeNiro and Grodin to the utmost highest degree.

Brest also paid close attention to the journey of the story. I was impressed with how he tackled elements of comedy. Everyone had great comedic timing. There was great direction all around, especially during an epic car chase.

Locations were also good picks. In some ways, Midnight Run is a travel film. No matter what use of transportation you have, you get to see new destinations and meet new people.

I enjoyed Midnight Run. The storyline and interactions kept my attention. The dialogue between the mobsters got a bit tedious. Otherwise Midnight Run asserts that sometimes you just have to let go. Make your life what you want it to be and go on an adventure. Adventures are eye-opening.

If you have not seen Midnight Run, I greatly recommend that you put it on your Netflix watch list. This adventure is not to be missed.