Movie buffs who want to see what movies considered quality entertainment looked like in the 80s can pick ‘Midnight Run‘ (1988). The director is Martin Brest, whose filmography includes less than ten titles, of which, however, more than half were great successes. It was his first film after the 1984 mega-success with ‘Beverly Hills Cop’. Robert De Niro, who plays the lead role, was already considered one of the best, if not the best actor of an exceptional generation. Most of his blockbuster films up to that point had been monumental saga productions inspired by the American history or current affairs political dramas. The opportunity of an interesting role in a ‘lighter’ film was therefore accepted with great enthusiasm. It was an opportunity for De Niro to also demonstrate his comedic talent and to participate in the production of an action movie. In fact, it would be his first role in the genre in which he would go on to do many more roles (both of ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’) in the years and decades to come.
The profession of bounty hunter has a tradition in American history and in the history of the American cinema. I knew this mostly from westerns. It’s about catching fugitives with bounties on their heads. I don’t know if it is still practiced today, but if we are to go by this film, it was still practiced in the 80s of the 20th century. Jack Walsh, the hero of the film, is an ex-cop now bounty hunter who receives the mission to catch and transport to Los Angeles Jonathan Mardukas, a mob accountant, so that he can be a witness in a trial. Jack finds him easily, but in a short time he discovers that he is competing with the FBI who wants to charge Mardukas with federal crimes, with the mob who wants to shut him up or recover the money he he embezzled them, and with a redoubtable professional colleague. The film becomes a road trip movie in which the two will travel by plane, train, car and bus across America while trying to stay alive. The relationship between two handcuffed people (variation on another classic American movie theme) also evolves in an unexpected way.
The trivia surrounding this film made 35 years ago informs us that the two main roles were coveted by almost all the stars of Hollywood at the time. The director and producers decided to rely on the presence of Robert De Niro in the credits, without recruiting well-known actors for the rest of the cast. The decision turned out to be inspired. The role of the accountant is played by Charles Grodin and the collaboration between him and De Niro is perfect. The friendship that blossoms on screen is believable and gains consistency as the story unfolds. As an action film ‘Midnight Run‘ will satisfy fans of the genre. It doesn’t contain very original ideas, but all the chases and stunts make sense, are well filmed and have humor. The dialogues are also likable, without exaggerations or vulgarities. ‘Midnight Run‘ was and remains enjoyable entertainment that deserves to be watched or re-watched.