“Midnight Run” (1988) directed by Martin Brest, starring Robert De Niro & Charles Grodin / Z-View
Midnight Run (1988)
Director: Martin Brest
Screenplay: George Gallo
Stars: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano, Richard Foronjy, Robert Miranda, Jack Kehoe, Wendy Phillips, Danielle DuClos, Philip Baker Hall, Tom McCleister, John Toles-Bey, Scott McAfee and Martin Brest.
Tagline: Monday… Escape with their lives from New York… Tuesday… Impersonate F.B.I. agents in Chicago… Wednesday… Steal plane in New Mexico… Thursday… Almost kill each other by accident… Friday… Almost kill each other on purpose…
The Plot…
Jack Walsh (De Niro) is a bounty hunter hired to bring in Jonathan Mardukas (Grodin). Mardukas shouldn’t be a problem. He’s just an accountant who embezzled his employer. The gig should be easy… a midnight run.
Then Walsh learns that Mardukas’ employer is a Mafia boss. The amount Mardukas stole was $15 million dollars. Walsh also discovers the FBI is looking to capture Walsh. To make matters worse, another bounty hunter is also after the reward. With the mob, the FBI and a rival bond recovery agent on his trail, this will be anything but a midnight run!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Before Charles Grodin was cast, Cher, Robin Williams, Albert Brooks, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Steve Martin and Bruce Willis were considered. The film would have been very different if any of them were cast.
Midnight Run would make a great double feature with Planes, Trains and Automobiles. They are both about two guys who don’t like each other at first who in working together to get somewhere on a tight timeline develop a friendship.
Midnight Run (1988) rates 4 of 5 stars.
