Midnight Run [1988]

Midnight Run is a rare gem, a top class action comedy with one of the most unusual screen "buddy" partnerships in cinematic history, which has sadly been somewhat overlooked by the majority of people and that's a great shame because it boasts great characters, great comedy, great action scenes, a wonderful plot and a brilliant script with stand-out performances from Dennis Farina, Charles Grodin and in particular Robert De Niro who proves what a great comedic (as well as character) actor he is.

Expertly directed by Martin Brest, who directed Beverly Hills Cop (and Scent Of A Woman), this is in my opinion a much better movie than the much lauded Eddie Murphy movie and a must see, particularly if you are a fan of Robert De Niro. In fact it is so good I'd give the movie five stars if it weren't for the lack of extras on the DVD but (especially at a budget price) this is definitely one well worth adding to your collection.


Short for Redwood   November 16, 2001
7 out of 9 found this review helpful

This is one of those films that you can just tell the actors had a great time making.

De Niro and Grodin are as well matched and blend so perfectly, you'd think they were a long running team.

Thank God they're not. This movie is just so spot-on everywhere that it would be a crying shame if some bereft of ideas idiot producer dreamed up a sequel.

It's a perfect, self-contained jewel. Just leave it.

"Aliens" apart, no sequel has ever been a patch on the first one, and when you get into the franchise class of film, you think by no.III, "How can these actors have any pride at all?"

The acting is what it's all about. Even down to Jack's daughter. Little screen time, but showed she had the same integrity as her dad and demonstrated his.

Every character was properly drawn, and almost everyone did frustrated impatience really well.

Moscone, because he had no control, and everything was in the balance, Walsh because he was being needled all the time, Moseley ditto and Cerrone (who I'm sure won't mind me mentioning that he did not seem to be coping at all well with his anger...) because he was surrounded by real idiots.

Mardukas was the exception, because just sort of floats in the middle, the source of all the trouble, and passes the time getting to know Jack, whether he wants to or not.

Charles Grodin held his own well. Definitely not being eclipsed by De Niro, not mugging too much, and getting loads of laughs.

You can watch this more than once. I can pay no higher compliment.


excellent film   August 7, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is an excellent film. De Niro does comedy so well. Why he hasn't made more, I don't know. I reallly liked 'we're no angels', but then i saw this, and it just has everything you want from a film. The script is great, the acting first class (especially from the ever-professional Grodin), and you genuinely don't know what is going to happen next. I reccomend this film to any viewer - it's a definate 5 stars.


Just about the best buddy movie you will ever see...   July 12, 2000
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I have long been a fan of this movie. It was shamefully overlooked as just another buddy/road movie at the time, but the performances of all involved are truly fantastic.

De Niro works in bailer bonds (I know, American stuff - but not complicated) basically he chases those nasty old criminals who have skipped bail. He is an ex-cop who is fed up and wants out. He is soon granted the opportunity in the form of a $100,000 contract to catch a seemingly harmless accountant who ripped off some Mob guys and, fearing for his life, has disappeared.

The pursuit that follows is hilarious, action packed and Charles Grodin is exceptional as the quiet but still annoyingly-in-your face accountant.

I aint gonna tell you anymore other than get it...it is a whole lot of fun (and the soundtrack is great too).


Walsh got the Duke!! Walsh got the Duke?! He got the Duke!!!   February 24, 2004
- Marvin Dorfler - (Remember to speak into the Microphone *smack*)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This movie is dynamite, I could watch it over and over.

It's road movie with bounty hunters, mafiosos, cops, the FBI and one accountant who they all wanna get a piece of.

It's hilarious and with so many different scenes the pace never lets up.

Danny Elfman's score is to die for, it is superb, I've been trying to track down the OST for ages ( 25 quid on Ebay is the cheapest I could find it). The music really makes every scene that bit more special.

The DVD does lack extras: there aint any!! Which is a big shame but this is one DVD movie that doesn't need extras to get you to buy it, the film is whats important here.

Sit back and enjoy this flick anytime, even better with a cold beer and Walsh will make you wanna light up a smoke (he does in nearly every scene!).

Great film, get it.