MIDNIGHT RUN - DVD Movie

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It features some of the most genuinely stupid and amusing tough guys in the history of cinema, and a tantalizing slow burn by Deniro, a shortchanged ex-cop, who just wants a peaceful little coffee shop as payment for his decency and integrity. The comic chemistry between Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin is top-drawer. Surrounded on all side by ethical infants, these two characters at least know the difference between virtue and vice, and are ironically the moral backbone of the film.

Comedies that don't wallow in their humor are twice as much fun, and Midnight Run maintains a swift pace throughout. Situation-wise, it's a dynamo of action. I found the denouement to be quite moving as well, at the very least it provokes thought.

If you're looking for a comedy with depth, bite, wit and excitement, then catch Midnight Run. The DVD's spiffy special features quite simply reinforce my recommendation of purchasing this one, not just renting.

24 of 25 found the following review helpful:

DeNiro displays his comedic chopsSep 25, 2004
By R. J. Marsella
This film pairs Robert DeNiro and Charles Grodin in a Buddy/ Road film/ Action story combination that results in one of the best pairnings ever in this type of movie. Both actors are in top form and play off of each other beautifully. The supporting cast is also excellent particularly Dennis Farina who delivers a superb performance as a sleazy mob boss who has an endless supply of creative threats to use to motivate his subordinates. Yaphett Koto is also very good as frustrated FBI Inspector Alonzo Mosley. It is the combination of DeNiro and Grodin that really drives the flim and provides both it's best comedy and it's more dramatic moments. One of the best movies of this type I've ever seen. Highly recommended. There are so many memorable lines that the movie holds up to repeated viewings.

12 of 12 found the following review helpful:

TOP NOTCH ACTION COMEDY!!!Nov 10, 2000
By Mr. N. Carnegie
This is the story of a bounty hunter (De Niro) trying to get to LA with white collar criminal (Grodin) to collect a million dollar bounty. Unfortunately for him though, not only his bounty ann incessant pain in the ass but he's also got the mob, the Feds and another bounty hunter all trying to stop him collecting his pay check. 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.

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:

Midnight Run is the Best Buddy Movie of the 80'sJun 15, 1999

Midnight Run is one of those celluloid addictions. One viewing is just not enough, sooner or later it becomes a library movie, the kind where you've learned to memorize the supporting characters by name and anticipate the pithy dialogue so you can laugh along in time. Albeit laced with a slew of demonstratively foul language, the heart and soul of this film is the chemistry between Grodin and De Niro, its absolutely right on the mark, not a misstep or illogical development. Martin Brest directs with a madcap spirit of flight, veering back and forth between a delightfully angry Dennis Farina as the evil Jimmy Cerano and the hillarious bounty hunter Marvin Dorfla (John Ashton)who's also in pursuit of Grodin. Soon the FBI, mob, local police, and everyone else meet in Las Vegas for the entertaining climax. Cheers for this one from beginning to end, especially enhanced by a very effective score which builds wonderfully atmospheric tones by plucking a few guitar strings and letting them roll along with our dynamic duo. The very rarest of film, an action adventure that refuses to insult your intelligence, makes you laugh even while the guns are firing.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

nostalgic love for DeNiroFeb 16, 2005
By WAMophile
When you feel cynicism each time DeNiro does another Analyse That or 15 Minutes, rent or buy this classic and your faith in his greatness will return. Not much needs to be added about how great this movie is, just wanted to add my voice to the chorus.

My favorite scene-and it's tough to pull out one scene from a film which has no weak moments-is also DeNiro's visit to his home and his interaction with his daughter, one of the most tender moments in an action film.

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