Robert DeNiro is on my short list of all-time great actors, with a number of memorable performances in great films spanning 40 years in the business. Midnight Run represents one of his more underrated efforts, a thoroughly enjoyable comedy drama which also boasts a fine supporting cast. DeNiro plays Jack Walsh, an ex-cop who now works as a bounty hunter. He is hired by a sleazy bail bondsman (Joe Pantoliano) to bring in Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Charles Grodin) within 5 days. Mardukas, who has embezzled millions of dollars from gangster Jimmy Serrano (Dennis Farina) is a talkative, finicky pain in the ass who frustrates Walsh, questioning him at every turn and complicating his task. DeNiro overcomes countless obstacles while trying to get his quarry to Los Angeles on time for the payoff while being pursued by mobsters, local law enforcement, rival bounty hunter Marvin Dorfler (John Ashton) and Federal Marshal Mosley (the always enjoyable Yaphet Kotto), all doggedly determined to bring in The Duke themselves.
DeNiro gives his usual entertaining performance, but Grodin steals the show as the fussbudget Mardukas, and the joy of the movie lies in the interplay between the two. On the run and seemingly in conflict at every turn, the duo eventually develop an understanding of one another, and DeNiro is forced to take stock of himself while being hounded by Grodin's bothersome personal inquiries. We find out that DeNiro's character is an honorable guy down deep- doomed to his current profession for refusing to join his entire police squad who was on the take from the very gangster pursuing The Duke. And Grodin is shown as a person that while not without fault, is a decent guy whose honest accounting business was stained by mobsters. This sets up the inevitable meeting of all parties involved in the final part of the movie.
Midnight Run is entertaining from beginning to end and provides just the right balance between comedy and drama. Highly recommended film.
DeNiro gives his usual entertaining performance, but Grodin steals the show as the fussbudget Mardukas, and the joy of the movie lies in the interplay between the two. On the run and seemingly in conflict at every turn, the duo eventually develop an understanding of one another, and DeNiro is forced to take stock of himself while being hounded by Grodin's bothersome personal inquiries. We find out that DeNiro's character is an honorable guy down deep- doomed to his current profession for refusing to join his entire police squad who was on the take from the very gangster pursuing The Duke. And Grodin is shown as a person that while not without fault, is a decent guy whose honest accounting business was stained by mobsters. This sets up the inevitable meeting of all parties involved in the final part of the movie.
Midnight Run is entertaining from beginning to end and provides just the right balance between comedy and drama. Highly recommended film.