A stunning comedy action movie with Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin about the uncomfortably duet of a former police officer and half-righteous thief-accountant, who always get into absolutely ridiculous troubles on their surprisingly clumsy, but completely uncouth path.
The picture is rich in the usual audience with obscene vocabulary, incessant cigarette smoke, tirelessly exhaled by heroes, fervent blues-rockenrole music, unstoppable action, disassembly of corrupt cops and unholy bandugans of different colors with ubiquitous feds and simple yawn, which together forms from the tape in a hurry to watch the old man, when he is completely satisfied with all those who would like to go out of the time, when they are desperately looking at the opportunity to escape.
The tandem of De Niro and Grodina is one of the best in the above decade, which is why it is perceived incomparably, amusing with an energetic combination of aggression and calm, hard-headedness and cunning, determination and coolness. Both actors phenomenally coped with their artistic tasks set by the magnificent director Martin Brest, who by that time had already presented another example of a high-quality action movie with a comedic mood, namely the notorious and best in the series original Cop from Beverly Hills. After "Achieve Before Midnight", the director will conquer the whole thinking world with such impeccable films as "The Scent of a Woman" and "Meet Joe Black", thereby forever leaving his name in the history of cinema. A great director is an equally beautiful film!
Thus, "Midnight Run" is a high-speed comedy action movie of the eighties, intriguing the viewer with a magnificent tandem of two amazing actors and a winding plot, fascinatingly mesmerizing with the simplicity and ease of submitting braking action, to reach the level of modern films of this genre exactly does not shine.
They were able to shoot comedy action films in the 80s, so that it was funny and that they had a social agenda. Here, police corruption is a big evil. And what to do with a police officer whose conscience does not allow. And social issues in such films were inscribed organically. But the film is obviously entertaining. He is doing his job well.
Pros. A typical road story, where in the process of forced long stay together, the characters get used to each other and become friends.
The picture forces the viewer to try on the possibility of a moral choice, on which the reality around a person depends; a kind of Christian maxim: if evil inevitably triumphs, then let not through me. Here, the main characters are in an equal – persecuted – position because of their principledness and once made a difficult choice, they are similar in this, and, knowing each other better, involuntarily imbued with mutual respect.
Throughout the journey, one traveler continually admonishes another to stop leading an unhealthy lifestyle, to end bad habits. He does it from the heart, with love, without arrogant criticism.
Cons. The film is frankly sinning with an abundance of logical inconsistencies. For example, as a surveillance professional, Jack was constantly on the same rake about wiretapping his conversations. And only at the end did he take this fact into account and put a humorous emphasis on it. The second vivid example, the FSB for a long time could not cope with the task that one former cop solved in one day.
I didn’t like the fact that “Duke” remained calm in every situation, although I did not forget to stress that he was being taken to the slaughter. Calmness and equanimity - it felt good in the character of this character, but still for drama he lacked emotionality.
Conclusion. A good old movie, where everything that happens is clothed with light comedy and a world of kindness not yet lost. Look boldly, and only in translation Goblin.
I feel like I’ve seen this movie before. But in fact, it turned out to be so faceless and memorable that in the process of watching I did not remember a single frame.
7 out of 10
Jack Walsh is a canonical bounty hunter. Former cop with a divorce, alcohol and tobacco addiction, and an ulcer. The new chief gives him the task of finding and delivering in a week the "Duke" - an underground accountant who robbed his mob boss and went on the run. Finding it was not a big problem, but deliver it from New York to Los Angeles just the opposite, because the Duke cannot fly. As a result, I had to travel across the country on the billboards, simultaneously escaping from the mafia, the FBI and competitors.
The excellent chemistry between De Niro and Grodin is half the success of this film. Their mutual dislike, gradually developing into respect, and then friendship - it is strong and it is felt when watching. But even without this, the film is excellent, very dynamic, at the right moment diluting the tension with an unobtrusive joke. If it weren’t for Die Hard, it would have been the best crime movie of 1988.
9 from 10
This film by American director and screenwriter Martin Brest is one of the representatives of the golden period of cinema of the 1980s, it was a real era, during which legendary directors such as John Hughes, Robert Zemeckis and many others created many wonderful paintings. These films received a cult and to this day look with great interest. This classic also includes the tape "Be in time until midnight", which has become one of the most prominent representatives of the road Movie direction. Before us is one of the best examples of the genre, recognized by both film critics and viewers.
The dynamic adventure comedy tells the story of a long journey through America by an experienced bounty hunter and fugitive criminal, who must be brought in on time. The director fervently and with knowledge shows the mind-blowing adventure of a former cop and an intelligent accountant - a criminal through the vast expanses of American territory. The whole action is imbued with excellent humor, dynamics and charm. In terms of the plot, nothing original is offered to us, but thanks to a successful approach and a qualitatively worked out story, the tape does not let its viewer go to the very final credits.
The film is incredibly atmospheric. Watching it now involuntarily feel a fit of nostalgia, because it is a similar movie many of us watched in childhood on videotapes. The picture is light, simple and fervent, but this does not prevent it from carrying an important semantic message. This is a family film, which reveals the theme of honesty, correctness and justice. The main characters undergo a transformation during their journey and one helps the other to change their views, so they mutually help each other.
The picture immerses the viewer in the cycle of adventure. Thanks to excellent camera work and well-chosen locations for shooting, we enjoy the landscapes of desert plains, wild rivers and dusty roads. Wildlife in the frame creates a kind of comfort while watching. The humor in the film is simply magnificent, it concerns both jokes and the behavior of all the characters of the tape.
Before us is one of the best screen duets of the genre of road movies. Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin showed an amazing interaction in the frame. The first acted in the form of an experienced private investigator who always achieves the goal and has life principles. This is probably his best work in the comedy genre. The second masterfully demonstrates his charisma and comedic gift. Showing a diverse personality, a criminal with an amazing motive and a worthy person. A brilliant duet of two wonderful actors. Not far behind is the background in the face of such excellent performers as Jafet Cotto, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano and the unsurpassed John Ashton in the role of the hilarious Marvin.
To make it to midnight is one of the best representatives of the comedy genre in general and the direction of the friendly film in particular. The picture immerses in the unforgettable atmosphere of the 1980s, gives a lot of positive emotions and charges with warmth and nostalgia for childhood. A beautiful acting ensemble, a dynamic pace of storytelling and sparkling humor will conquer the hearts of the audience. This is a classic of world cinema. I definitely recommend it.
From this film began my acquaintance and love for De Niro.
And even though I don’t like movies like this, it’s an absolute masterpiece for me. As already written, which you watch as much as they show, and it still seems amazing.
Brilliant acting, even quite episodic actors - for example, I was shocked by a girl, De Niro's daughter. Dynamic without failure. Absolutely masterpiece images of secondary heroes, there is no shit in the plot. And dialogue... This is the second Dog Heart... It’s just a catch phrase
I would also like to add that one user has already written. Not everyone notices that there is a high percentage of drama, it is drama, not melodrama.
It is incomprehensible to the mind. how in such a plot it is possible to put the moral sufferings of a decent person whose life is broken and before whom there is a serious dilemma.
The central duo is the best in history. And De Niro. How he goes from humor to drama, how he plays face... One profile on the train is already just at the Oscars.
We must pay tribute even to the costumers, the images are refined and they brilliantly
Elegant not by years and camera work, but how beautifully shown America - from big cities to forgotten by God Indian settlements, canyons.
A masterpiece, and it's all here.
12 out of 10
Are there any movies you’re willing to watch over and over again? Are there many films that, even with multiple re-views, cause you to feel complete pleasure from what you see? Personally, for me, such a picture has always been an adventure-comedy action movie “Before midnight”, which in my humble opinion I consider not only one of the best films in the filmography of Robert De Niro, but also one of the best pictures of the glorious 80s.
Giving the world an immortal hit in the face of the “Policeman from Beverly Hills”, the director of the film “Martin Brest” did not forget the experience gained and magnificently showed it again when creating this picture 4 years later. As a result, we have a truly magnificent sample of the genre, which even after so many years causes only the warmest, positive and positive emotions when viewing.
Director Martin Brest managed to shoot a very light, funny and unobtrusive, but at the same time very dynamic film. Allows you to relax while viewing the picture with your soul and mind, but at the same time, without reducing the tension and pace of the narrative for a minute. Thus, sending the viewer on a dizzying and exciting adventure through American cities along with the main characters of the film.
The plot of the picture at first glance is nothing special. The main plot of the picture is as old as day, and the culmination of the whole picture is obvious from the beginning. But despite this, watching what is happening on the screen is incredibly interesting. In many ways, due to how interesting and charismatic all the characters of this picture turned out. As if the main characters of the tape, or competing bounty hunter, local members of the mafia and FBI agents who simultaneously hunt for the Duke. Repeatedly intertwining the fates of the main characters, Brett with fully revealed the potential of the comedy of positions on the screen and provided the picture with an impressive number of really funny and bright moments. Ultimately, creating one of the best examples of baddy and road Movie on the screen.
The main find of the director is certainly a magnificent acting duet Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. Both actors not only masterfully coped with their tasks separately, but also together – created perhaps one of the brightest and most charismatic acting duets in my memory. Special attention should be paid to such wonderful artists as John Ashton, Jafet Cotto, Dennis Farina and Joe Pantogliano, who adequately complemented the film with their bright characters and drew most of the humor of the picture. Especially Ashton and Pantogliano .
10 out of 10
To have time before midnight is definitely one of the best representatives of the genres of Buddy and Road Movie. Very funny, funny, interesting, light, positive, dynamic and funny adventure-comedy action movie with a great acting duet of Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin at the head. A real classic of the genre and just a film of my childhood, the likes of which, alas, no longer shoot.
This movie surprised me, which in itself is a pleasure. Starting to watch, drew attention to the general timekeeping - it is more than 2 hours! However, the film looks easy, the plot is interesting, and the actors want to applaud.
In this film, the discovery for me is the talent of Roberto De Niro (another film I love with him is Lover, with Meryl Streep). He is very natural, you believe his hero: he is principled to perfectionism, but also human, although he hides it. It is surprising that when he was young, he was a very attractive man (though why not?!). Probably this impression arises from the little attractive current roles, but it is a matter of taste.
Very pleased with the masterfully constructed plot, when the heroes meet Detective Marvin for the third time, there is absolutely no sense of repetition. The same story with attempts to catch the main characters (FBI and gangsters): they are numerous, but do not cause boredom.
The film is still very good in that, despite the fact that the hero De Niro has to make a choice between mercantile calculation and moral principle, it does not have the usual American nunnies about honor and conscience and love for the homeland; when the characters make soulful faces and even shed a stingy man’s tears. So that's all there is to it.
And finally, morality is usually this: choose what is right (according to conscience) and then you will definitely be left with nothing. So our hero can get a big jackpot for his work. But! Viva to the director and screenwriter who have changed the usual: for a good deed, a reward should be received.
9 out of 10
For two hours, the viewer immerses himself in a fascinating trip from New York to Los Angeles in the company of Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin, as well as FBI agents, gangsters and a bounty hunter.
The magnificent duo De Niro/Grodin just shines on the screen. It is especially interesting to watch the main characters turn from enemies to friends. And from the very beginning of the film, this thread can not be caught. After all, for one it is a chance to earn big money and for the second it is a prison.
It is worth saying that this film is from the category of those films that throughout its duration are kept at the screen. Of course, all this is due to the fascinating journey we are watching. There is everything, the complex relationships of the main characters, the FBI, gangsters, fights, shootouts, helicopters, broken cars, etc.
Again, the journey from New York to Los Angeles involves all modes of transportation, whether it’s a plane, car, train or bus. And due to the large number of ridiculous and sometimes dangerous situations, I want Jack Walsh to quickly bring Jonathan Mardukas to the designated place.
Movies with a similar plot in our time enough, for the distant 1988, this is a very original story. Moreover, it is very saturated with various actions, events and turns, even sometimes seemingly unnecessary scenes, and then somehow reveal some details of the lives of the characters.
In the murderous impact gallery of films directed by Martin Brest, there was a place a little modest, but no less interesting film “Achieve before midnight” with Robert De Niro in the title role. Of course, this is not a movie on a par with “Scent of a Woman” and “Meet Joe Black” will not be put, but you will not send it to the back. Those films take exclusively genre affiliation. But this comedy thriller, if you consider it exactly as a film of its genre, is simply excellent, neither more nor less. You won’t fall asleep under it, and you won’t spit indignant at the actors, the script and the dialogue. And don't forget the hand of the master. She is the one who will put in the future beautiful mystic and dramatic tapes.
A man worked in the police, worked and came to the simple idea that lily spin is not worth it. Responsibility is higher than the roof, and there is no satisfaction from what has been done. And Jack (Robert De Niro) retrained as a private detective. He started working for a police delivery agency. That is, practically nothing has changed, except for the fact that in material terms, the hero began to live much better, because for these very suspects, a good reward is due. That's how I got to live.
And here in the very debut of the picture, Martin Brest already makes it clear to the viewer that he is not baldly sewing. The Negro escapes, he is caught up by the hero De Niro, but is intercepted by another man, Jack's rival for the right to own green money. But De Niro wouldn't be himself if he didn't handle that type. Here and embarrass not far away, and word of mouth police radio quickly spreads rumors, both good and bad. As a result, a young Negro, that is, a suspect, under white pens, was transferred to the police station. What's the dialogue? Not dialogue, but resolute chatter of old friends.
- Are you a cop?
- No, we're dancers. Did your mother teach you not to shoot strangers?
And then, when the trifle pusate was delivered to the law enforcement agency, the dialogue did not wither and fade like an autumn leaf, but took a slightly different form, since former colleagues of Jack intervened.
- Did he behave well?
- Did you behave well?
- Screw you.
This is a simple, lively beginning. But next, one of Jack’s acquaintances, namely, the one who actually organizes orders for certain criminals and pays him for his work, will offer one serious case. Well, how do you tell me to give up such a tidbit, to annoy not someone, but Jimmy Cyrano himself. What order? Find an accountant, that's all. And spin a whirlwind in which the hero De Niro will show all the skills and techniques of his business. And in his arsenal of such a car and a small cart. What's worth is how he stole a police badge from under the nose of the FBI sheep Alonso Moseley. How did he feel in his police car? Not life, but the name day of the heart, as the hero Valentin Gaft would say from the film Garage.
- Nice glasses. Are they part of the uniform or do you shop at the same store? This is a pebble in the garden of those same servicemen who do not like when someone does their work, and if they wish, their nose can be wiped. There. In general, the film is cool and with a light heart worthy of ten points!
10 out of 10
- You're a good guy, Jack. I think that under other circumstances we would ... still hate each other!
Since the mid-eighties in Hollywood, there has been a fashion for action movies, in which two or more heroes act, who do not resemble each other either in their characters, their views on life, or their financial situation. Thus, the antipode heroes appeared before the viewer, who for most of the film tried to work together, but most often they only interfered with each other. The mass audience liked this idea and soon such films as “Lethal Weapon”, “K-9: Dog Work” and “Tango and Cash” became a parable in the pagans and received the status of cult. And our guest today also tells about the adventures of two different heroes who found themselves in a difficult situation and were forced to act together. I’m not going to say, “I’ll be there before midnight.”
Jack Walsh was an honest and decent cop who never took bribes and always brought it to the end. Naturally, the police do not like such people and naturally Jack is set up, after which he is shamefully driven out of law enforcement. Jack threatened his corrupt colleagues with a fist, after which he decided to do a job that was well paid and performing which could make this world a little cleaner. Jack Walsh became a bounty hunter. A person who catches dangerous and not very criminals and gets a good fee for it. Thus, Jack continued to do what he loved, only he did not become happier from this, and therefore gushes at others, and at any opportunity he is ready to punch his competitor Marvin, whatever it was. This behavior, however, is something of a norm for the heroes of Robert De Niro, so let’s not criticize it too much. Jack’s final assignment is to track down and catch the computer genius, Jonathan Marduk, nicknamed “The Duke,” who stole fifteen million dollars from the mafia. To track down that Jack tracked him down, but the problem is that the mafia sent assassins with a clear order to do everything in their power to keep the Duke forever silent, the FBI is also trying to find Marduk, as he is a valuable witness for them, Marvin will also not stand aside and will also try to get to the hacker before our hero, well, on top of everything Jonathan Marduch suffers from aerophobia and therefore will have to go all the way by train, car, but most often on his own. Don’t say it, it will be an unforgettable adventure.
This film was made by the master of his craft, the man responsible for such films as “Meet Joe Black”, “Smell a Woman” and “Beverly Hills Cop” – Martin Brest. A man who is endowed with remarkable talent, which consisted in the fact that he skillfully juggled genres and combined seemingly incompatible things in his films, making both critics and ordinary viewers applaud the maestro, and standing. Not bypassed this glorious tradition and our today’s guest and this film, although it did not receive such fame as a film trilogy about the adventures of the brave police officer Axel Foley, but it certainly deserves the closest attention. Why? The answer, as usual, is slightly lower.
In essence, the viewer is presented with a film that at another time and elsewhere could be called pure-blooded drama. We have two idealistic heroes who believe they can make the world a little better, and they're willing to do anything for that. For example, John Walsh is a big child, as he tried to ambush a large crime boss from his youth, for which he paid for losing his job, and his wife decided to go to another, and John held a grudge. I am offended, as at my wife, who preferred a corrupt police lieutenant to him and with whom the hero De Niro did not see for a long nine years, resentment against the law enforcement system, which was so cruel to him, resentment against ordinary and not very citizens who live better than him. And it does not matter what it is “better” in family happiness, in the fulfillment of dreams or in a suitcase of money. John Walsh walks darker than the clouds, sprinkles snide comments, snaps at people who want to help him, but at the same time the hero De Niro still believes that there is justice in this world and that if you do not give up, and continue to confront the bad guys and help the good guys, sooner or later justice will prevail. Childish, of course, the view of the world, but damn such heroes are lacking in modern films. Heroes with a complex character, but at the same time believing that if you do not retreat and do not give up, then good people will win, maybe not tomorrow, but in ten years, but they will win. And the same views are shared by Jonathan Mardukas, who found out that he works for gangsters, could not cope with it, and therefore the hero of Charles Grodin collected dirt on his boss and stole money from the mafia, but not for himself. The Duke transferred all the money to a charity fund for orphans. A very human and insanely kind act that I wholeheartedly approve of. That's just Jonathan Mardukas is not a cool action hero, not a dodgy and cunning thief. He is a simple man who, although he has a couple of aces up his sleeve, but he cannot cope with an armed man, and therefore he simply cannot survive without the help of John Walsh.
So the film sounds like a drama, looks like a drama, and there are touching moments, but with all this Martin Brest diluted what is happening with a shock dose of action and quality humor. Humor, which is devoid of vulgarity, and action devoid of cruelty, and therefore this film should appeal not only to adults and wise people, but also to their children. Fortunately, in addition to the main characters in the picture there are memorable characters of the second plan. That the gloomy FBI agent Alonsa Mosley, who for most of the film will be walking around with the look on his face, "If I find John Walsh, I'll eat him!" That is not very smart, but wise life experience "Bounty hunter" Marvin. Other equally talented actors. Also there is a chic soundtrack, well, the work of the operator and all a fairy tale. So yes, I highly recommend this movie to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, so why not watch it? The film is good.
What could be better than watching a good old movie! Except for watching a good old movie I've never heard of. It’s like finding a solid stash in an apartment where you’ve lived your whole life and know all its hidden corners. I was tearing my hair out of resentment for not seeing this movie before.
Actors: The cast is unmatched. Couple De Niro and Grodin are created to play together. And Jafet Cotto as an FBI agent! Well, this is just a classic image of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the cinema of the 80s.
Plot: The storyline is easy and unpredictable. And at the same time, it flashes a touch of drama that makes you think about morality and banal human decency. In general, the storyline is a classic of a good funny action movie of the 80s and 90s, or rather its happy period before cruelty and special effects came to the fore. There is a lot of quality humor in the film, not vulgar or stupid, but one over which you can laugh from the heart and the impression remains good.
Before I saw the movie, I knew I loved it. The film is very fun and atmospheric. In my opinion, it is very suitable for viewing in the family circle. And after the movie, there's a lot to think about. I think every viewer will find something interesting and close in this film. Maybe, being under the impression of watching, I was biased towards this film, but I did not see any shortcomings in it.
I highly recommend watching. I was in a good mood!
Comedy action movie "Have it before midnight" has a rating that almost reaches the mark "8", which is not enough to get into the Top 250, but, however, she has the right to do so, but provided that the film is already quite old by cinematic standards, he is unlikely to get there, but all moviegoers I recommend this picture in advance.
Directed by the director of “Beverly Hills Cop” Martin Brest, the film tells how former cop Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) takes on the task of delivering a mafia accountant (Charles Grodin) to his destination. Only Walsh doesn’t yet know how much trouble he’s going to get, not as the killers and FBI are hunting them down, but as an accountant who turns out to be a humanist and a guy who can get anyone.
The film is full of subtle humor, which is seen from all sides: in the scenes themselves and in the dialogues, and in the facial expressions of the characters, in their behavior. The film has a claim to the magnificent acting duo De Niro-Grodin was called one of the best in the genre. Even despite the “age” of the picture, its humor does not lose sight, especially when the characters of De Niro and Grodina begin to argue with each other. All the time when you watch, you are in anticipation of what else the accountant will throw out and how his convoy will react to it. I laughed, laughed from the bottom of my heart, when an accountant allegedly afraid to fly runs away from the hero De Niro through time, driving... a plane! This facial expression of De Niro, when he watches it, is worth getting into the chronicle of cinema. And so, for example, in the train scene, you can say that these guys, despite the contrast, will become best friends.
Other actors deserve attention. The crooked character of Joe Pantogliano can be called one of the best in his career, besides this image gave him a role in cinema, albeit in secondary roles. Japhet Cotto threw me into a loud laugh when he shouted in a fit of frenzy: “I am Alonzo Mosely!”, and in the final proved that the FBI still has good people, albeit cinematic. Eternally getting into trouble because of his excessive self-confidence and quarrelsome character, John Ashton made excellent competition against the background of a respectable in his own way. And Dennis Farina once again proved that he is perfectly able to play the role of inveterate mafiosi.
A beautiful acting ensemble, wonderfully written characters, funny dialogues, developed dynamics, stylish finale - all this makes To catch up to midnight" a bright example of his genre and those who have not seen it, I highly recommend, the film really turned out to be famous.
Bounty hunters, as these people are eloquently called, do not often become heroes of films. Therefore, the plot, which is based on the need to transport a prisoner from one point of the country to another, and all this bypassing law enforcement agencies, is by default original. Of course, the trip by plane is not destined to take place, and the former policeman promises a dangerous journey. Interestingly, the presence of several stakeholders adds to this story. A local mob boss wants to see his former accountant dead. Federal agents are eager to get a prisoner in hopes of completing years of surveillance. A small crook and businessman sends two of his best men to do it. All these plot twists and turns the film into an incessant marathon of action, where after the introductory scene, there is simply no time to get bored. The two main characters are constantly in danger, one pursuer succeeds the other, and the deadlines are tightening. The story is full of shootings and fights, chasing a variety of modes of transport, tricks and deception.
The journey that the two main characters, as well as their pursuers, are forced to make is a real road adventure across the United States. Cult in a sense, roadside diners and groceries in provincial towns. Constant change of transport, including trains and planes. And most importantly - the very spirit of the adventure and travel, which is undeniably interesting to watch all two hours. Of the most similar in spirit landmarks can be called "Airplane, train, car" and another cult project "Beverly Hills Cop", from the same director. Great importance in the correct perception of the picture is given to humor and its combination with action scenes. It seems that the film absorbed some stereotypes and worked-out ideas from similar projects of the 80s, but if such borrowings are guessed, they are perceived relaxed and fresh. Most of the film can be easily carried out with a smile on his face, and in some moments frankly want to break out to laugh. Humoristic situations successfully alternate with the replicas of the heroes themselves, sometimes full of sarcasm or open contempt. Comedy action movie in its pure form can not be called the picture, but it will help you, if necessary, to improve your mood.
Over the years of his prolific career, the beloved Robert De Niro had to try on the masks of both lawmakers and criminals. His character in this film, a man with principles and a skeptical attitude towards most of the people around him, begins from the first scene to earn points of audience sympathy. Even considering the peculiar way of life and not the best relationship with his ex-wife and daughter, the image turned out to be courageous and disposing. Charles Grodin, who is perhaps better known for his comedic role in Beethoven, initially plays quite boring, but in the second half of the film forms together with De Niro memorable, full of mockery blows. It is clear that the escorted criminal will not help his tormentor and tries in every possible way to escape from clinging hands.
A very bright and truly high-quality film that uses the quintessence of all the best of police films and comedy action films of the 80s. A real road adventure in the company with such heroes will give you a good mood and a dose of adrenaline. When the final credits appear, they are ahead of thoughts about the imminent return to this story.
The 80s lived like militants, mostly comedic. And their stories were often not too intricate. In the case of the movie “Before midnight” the simplicity of the plot is a highlight: the film looks easy, it is entertaining, but the dramatic component is also in place, and this cocktail is quite easy to drink.
Robert De Niro in the XX century not very often played in comedies, and this attempt is very successful: his character is a professional, inclined to finish things for his own benefit at any cost, but in the course of the story we learn more about him, and additional subtext adds interest to the film. It is sarcastic and often helps him.
Another main character is played by Charles Grodin, who played well with De Niro, and this screen duet is the main trump card of this film. We learn a lot about his hero himself, and through Mardukas we learn a lot about the hunter behind his head. Both actors played very well, watching the game itself is a pleasure. Also, the supporting actors, and Joe Pantoliano, and Dennis Farina, and Jafet Cotto did not pump up - all perfectly fit into the overall picture.
The picture pleased with the atmosphere of the road movie, coupled with the musical accompaniment of Danny Elfman, which sounded and spy, and road, and even one that you could dream of, or just music to admire the views of America, which were captured during the thorny journey of the heroes.
As for the humorous component, then everything is also quite simple, but this is no less ridiculous. Some jokes are repeated, but this is done - again - to amplify the comedic effect.
And another beautiful part of the film: there are no unnecessary scenes.
In a word, this should be a comedy action movie: funny, not without action, atmospheric, and such, in the course of which the viewer does not miss.
9 out of 10
P.S. Each appearance of one of the characters, except the first one, is sure to cause a laugh, or at least a smile. You’ll find out if you look, which is highly recommended.
Let me start with the fact that with great warmth I relate to American comedies of the late 80s – mid 90s. Many have been revised once or even dozens of times. With the advent of high technology in the cinema and the appearance of “fashionable” actors of our time, my personal attitude to the films that we watched on “videos”, and even in video salons, has not changed. Relax and have fun in the company of such fun people as Steve Martin, Edia Murphy, Charles Grodin, John Candy and many others, what could be better? Only if it is supported by brilliant, albeit much criticized, translations of Volodarsky or Mikhalev. The combination of all the above has formed a certain inviolable niche in cinema. Say nostalgia? It is possible, but the movie is worth it.
A special feature in this very niche for me is the painting “Before midnight”. The story of how former police officer and now private investigator Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) must find and bring to Los Angeles a fugitive former mafia accountant "Duke" (Charles Grodin), who managed to steal millions from his former boss. It would seem to be a trifling affair for such a master as Walsh, but as later it turns out not everything is so simple, as in the race for the "skin" The Duke is also involved in the FBI, the mafia, as well as a slut-competitor Walsh in his “business”.
One of the few comedies in which De Niro starred and as always brilliantly coped with the role, however, as the entire cast of the film. Very driving and exciting movie, seasoned with wonderful humor. The flagship of his genre.
There is such a profession, the bounty hunter is called, but in the vast majority of states such activity has no official status and is not regulated by law. But in the well-known United States, as well as in the Philippines and some Rhodesia, the status of a bounty hunter is officially confirmed, and in the first named state and widespread. Appreciated, apparently, by many movies about the Wild West hung posters with the inscription Wanted, a picture of the criminal and the amount of remuneration for his capture – part of the culture of “bounty hunters”, when any individual could engage in the capture of the criminal and get a reward for it (was such a game on Dendy, Gun Smoke was called, exciting, about the Wild West, before each level of the hero and had to fight a new criminal in his finale, the formidable face of which was shown on the very poster / leaflet).
Now the practice of “headhunting” has become widespread due to the widespread use in the United States of such procedural action as the release of a person pending trial on bail. And many of these people have an imperative desire to escape justice. Here grow offices with a staff of lucky catchers who are looking for a fugitive, bring him to the police and for their work receive a cash bonus from the office.
It is about one of these cases and tells this adventure comedy action movie with the participation of Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin in the lead roles. De Niro is a former Chicago police officer, forced to leave the police for one simple reason, because of which the local drug mafia sheltered and paid money for silence. De Niro didn’t like it, so he left, leaving behind a daughter and a wife who had been in touch with one of these corrupt cops. Now De Niro is a bounty hunter, he does not like the work and he wants to quickly save money for a more spiritual and measured occupation, open a cafe or restaurant he wants. And here he just turns a big business - the head of their office persuades De Niro to find a fugitive accountant, behind whose dark manipulations lie the mafia millions, promising the catcher $ 100,000 in cash. De Niro quickly finds a man, but soon it turns out that the accountant and people of the drug mafia Serrano, and the black FBI in sunglasses, and thrown into the attack with the filing of the same denirovsk office is another bounty hunter. Along with this Mardukas (yes, the surname of the fugitive is such) De Niro drives almost all over the country, by plane, train, bus, car, on foot, hiding from his pursuers, losing the fugitive, finding him again, recognizing him closer and closer and finding his crime in his story and finally bringing Serrano to clean water and saving his new friend.
The film goes as much as two hours of screen time, but because of its lightness and constant funny rubbing between the main characters is observed without looking back and without detracting attention. De Niro is generally an excellent actor, here he appeared as a sarcastic, to some extent cynical and fearless cop, inherently cheerful and daredevil to the same. He wrinkles his face, actively uses facial expressions and nonverbal means of communication (a show scene is a scene in the police station when De Niro was caught and he called the office). All the phone conversations in the film are excellent, emotional, and funny, looking more like a gangster than a former police officer (the boundaries of time seem to be gradually erased in behavior). Grodin is a heavy, weighty and slow iron, with the face of a real family man and a halo of “I did not think to do anything wrong,” which, nevertheless, needs an eye and an eye. Grodin does not resist, does not kick, and is not at all angry with his fate and De Niro. On the contrary, he tries to find a common language with him, learn more about him, identify psychological traits, constantly provoking fun moments. So gradually, in joint troubles and pursuits, the heroes get closer and become friends.
In fact, virtually all the characters came out colorful, whole, characteristic and memorable. Starting from a black FBI girl in branded dark glasses and a second dumb bounty hunter, and ending with a phone screaming and slimy head of the office and typical mafia accomplices. And the characters like clowns do not dress up, do not run naked on the street, do not shine with toilet humor, and do not do anything supernatural and new at all, but in fact, by talking and subtle situations they create a funny, friendly, honest, bright, soulful and easy atmosphere, in American truth and with an American accent.
Musically, there is also something light, but at the same time rocky and rhythmic. In general, the musical series reminded me of the music for computer games such as peaceful construction, some Tycoon-economic strategy and, in particular, The Movies. Music does not occupy the foreground, but only emphasizes the current mood and situation.
In 1994, three spin-off films were released for television, in which Christopher McDonald played the main role of Jack Walsh. A sequel was also planned with Robert De Niro himself.