Midnight Run
User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22

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  1. PatrickB.
    Feb 7, 2003
    10
    This is my favorite movie of all time! I have seen 2000+ different films and titles, and there are films both visually and story more complex and better. But there isn't a movie that mixes the human emotion of laughter, fright, intense, amazement, wit, and even tears better than MIDNIGHT RUN. I've been saying for years before ANALYZE THIS came out that Robert DeNiro can do comedies and do them well. This film proves it, along with a excellent performance by Charles Grodin (his best film). And the now famous supporting cast: Yaphet Kotto (ALIEN, t.v.'s HOMICIDE), John Ashton (BEVERLY HILLS COP), Dennis Farina (GET SHORTY, SNATCH, BIG TROUBLE), Joe Pantoliano (MATRIX, DAREDEVIL, HBO's THE SOPRANOS), Phillip Baker Hall (BOOGIE NIGHTS, MAGNOLIA) and other familar faces. Sadly, there isn't much for female roles in this film. But the kind and warm-hearted feelings between Jack Walsh and Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukis will make any female understand that this isn't a typical "buddy movie." Plus I think the best film score that Danny Elfman has done in his career. It's out of his signiture style, yet it's so well done! Everybody has a movie that they personally hold close to their heart and emotions. For me MIDNIGHT RUN is that film. Because the characters of Jack Walsh and Jonathan Mardukis are the most realistic characters that I have ever seen (i.e. the story behind the gold watch Walsh has). If there is ever a movie that deserves to be seen and talked about for years and decades to come, MIDNIGHT RUN is that film! … Expand
  2. Patrick
    Jul 12, 2007
    10
    This is as well-written a movie (the fire-side chat between DeNiro and Grodin; the scene where DeNiro visits his ex-wife, Wendy Phillips; when Kotto interrogates Ashton; the scene at the airport between DeNiro and Dennis Farina) as I have ever seen. Add to that how well-cast (the aforementioned DeNiro, Grodin, Kotto, Farina, Pantoliano) it was, and i feel badly for anyone who doesn't give it an 8 out of 10. Probably those perves who liked the depth of "Sideways".… Expand
  3. NeilF
    Oct 19, 2009
    10
    I will never tire of this. Grodin is sublime and De Niro proves he CAN do comedy.
  4. BarryS
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    Outstading at every level and something rare, a movie that has many outdated elements (smoking on the bus, guns on planes, etc.) yet remains fresh today as it was so many years ago.
  5. BlancoA.
    Feb 7, 2003
    10
    Incredibly good movie (in fact, it was a very cool, ice-breaking first-date movie). Also, a very respectable drinking game. Every time a character drops an F-Bomb, drink. Trust me, you'll be hammered faster than the third "I'm Moselely."
  6. CharlesC.
    Oct 10, 2008
    9
    A classic buddy comedy thriller. By far my favorite roles by both Grodin and de Niro!
  7. YoonC.
    Sep 22, 2003
    10
    A true miracle, a rare instance where a formulaic piece(road movie/crime thriller/buddy movie)attained the level of art. Brilliantly written, directed, and performed it will warm your soul as well as thrill your senses. Best of all the chemistry between Grodin and Deniro is pure magic, and the development of their relationship grows richer by finely measured increments. Minor characters all shine in one of the most stunning assemblage of character actors ever. Even the villains are not without complexity. Also, remarkable are scenes as quiet, touching, and personal as any caught on film: the nighttime conversations between the two leads as they coast down the highway, Deniro's refusal to accept money from his estranged daughter, etc. A wonderment as action film, comedy, drama. … Expand
  8. JaeheeK.
    Nov 25, 2007
    10
    Classic. Absolute classic!
  9. themacmeister
    Mar 9, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is without a doubt one of the best buddie action/comedies ever put on celluloid. I missed the theatrical run in Australia (did it even have one?), but this became a staple VHS and DVD rental.

    The Danny Elfman music is not as subtle as it could be, but this is an action/chase film as well, so there is not much need for subtlety here. I catch myself (and my brother) belting out the closing riff, and it is very hard not to remember the wonderful music in the quiet moments too.

    DeNiro is in fine comedic form, and apparently spent three months with a real bounty hunter to research the role. His timing and delivery are sublime. Grodin isn't too far behind, with some fine moments on screen, but one or two moments, his deliver feels a little forced. The addition of Farina, Ashton and especially Pantoliano, makes this almost an ensemble comedy. The entire film from start to finish has an edgy realism, and many moments in the film feel like "fly-on-the-wall" documentary, as far as the dialogue and acting go. There is an honesty in this film that is sadly lacking in most.

    Martin Brest is at his best when it comes to the Mob, and crime. He has succeeded so well here, whereas other lesser directors may have destroyed the entire thing.

    There is a few tiny moments where this film feels a little "forced" or "scripted", but blink twice and you'll have missed them.

    Also, if the F-word is not to your liking, then you will not appreciate most of the dialogue in this film. I have seen the "cut for television" version, and it ran for about 20 minutes :-)

    Apart from those small gripes, I give this film 10/10, and it is easily the one film I would run into a burning house to save. My favourite of all time.    … Expand
  10. BigBiggo
    May 19, 2013
    10
    Midnight Run has a real sense of journey both physical and in terms of character development which is not prevalent in most films. The balance of comedy, sentimentality and of course action is well calculated, the script is great and all the actors are clearly enjoying themselves. A flawless film and way ahead of it's time. Danny Elfman's score is uplifting and compliments the visuals in every scene.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    80
    There isn't a single performance in Midnight Run that doesn't have a pulse, that doesn't show the actors at their best or near-best, especially De Niro. [20 July 1988]
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    88
    Whoever cast De Niro and Grodin must have had a sixth sense for the chemistry they would have; they work together so smoothly, and with such an evident sense of fun, that even their silences are intriguing.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    100
    One of the most entertaining, best executed, original road pictures ever.
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