Review of Midnight Run (1988) by Mark B — 13 Mar 2008

One of THE greatest buddy movies of all time - few films since have been able to replicate the chemistry on display between these two lead characters.

Robert De Niro plays a down-on-his-luck ex-cop who is eeking out a miserable living as a bounty hunter. After catching another low-life, his bail bondsman boss, Joe Pantoliano, informs him that unless he can bring in wanted accoutnant Charles Grodin in a just a few days - he's out of business.

What follows is a cross-country race to get 'The Duke' back from New York to LA. The trouble for De Niro is that the FBI, a rival bounty hunter and Chicago mobster Dennis Farrina are all after Grodin too.

Both De Niro and Grodin are oustanding in this film, and I cannot stress that enough. Their performances truly reflect the wonderful writing that has gone into each of their characters.

De Niro excels as our irritable hero who is cursed with an absolute sense of right and wrong which has often been to his detriment. Grodin exploits this side of him beautifully, out-smarting his captor at every turn whilst doing his best to convince De Niro that he is still in charge.

In fact, every role in this film is blessed with wonderful characterisation executed by talented actors.

John Ashton as the talented, but very gullable, rival bounty hunter is fantastic, Joe Pantoliano is hysterical as the victimised shyster, Yaphet Kotto nails his role as the frustrated FBI chief and Dennis Farrina is perfect as the comical, yet villainous gangster.

Danny Elfman's score is also perfect for this film - both broody and fun in the right places.

Midnight Run is Martin Brest's best work by far, and along with Beverly Hills Cop, it's a real shame we didn't get more from him during the 80's.

This film is a really good laugh and, despite the pacing being a tad sluggish while De Niro first tracks down Grodin, is very entertaining from start to finish.

Brilliant.