Written by: Kevin Berge
He is like Cyclops though which is his real crime. (Image Courtesy of: denofgeek.com)
Quick Take: Midnight Special takes a fascinating twist on the current plethora of superhero and science fiction films, giving it a grounded and rural feel that is driven by stronger performances and engaging direction by Jeff Nichols.
***This is a review for a somewhat under-the radar movie from 2016; therefore, the reader is not expected to have seen the film before reading ahead. Only allusions will be made to the plot points with no spoilers ahead.***
We have all seen the plethora of superhero movies that come out each year. Marvel, DC, and Fox are intent on giving us two each every year now. They are a part of an inescapable genre that defines the top budget films of the modern age.
It was only a matter of time before savvy filmmakers began making low budget explorations of the genre. 2012's Chronicle was proof that the concept could work, and Midnight Special is another success story, using underlying superpowers as a basis for a taught sci-fi tale.
Midnight Special follows Roy (Michael Shannon) and Lucas (Joel Edgerton) as they try to bring a mysterious, special young boy Alton (Jaeden Lieberher) to safety as government officials bare down on them from all sides.
There is nothing overly special about the movie's plot. In fact, it is similar to the popular series Stranger Things from this year in its influences. This feels like a darker E.T., written with the same kind of edge you would typically see from Stephen King.
However, it does stand up well on its own as an engaging experience from start to finish particularly thanks to exceptional performances. Joel Edgerton (Warrior) is the standout with an engaging and sympathetic turn. Jaeden Lieberher (St. Vincent) plays a difficult role at a young age with ease.
We have all seen the plethora of superhero movies that come out each year. Marvel, DC, and Fox are intent on giving us two each every year now. They are a part of an inescapable genre that defines the top budget films of the modern age.
It was only a matter of time before savvy filmmakers began making low budget explorations of the genre. 2012's Chronicle was proof that the concept could work, and Midnight Special is another success story, using underlying superpowers as a basis for a taught sci-fi tale.
Midnight Special follows Roy (Michael Shannon) and Lucas (Joel Edgerton) as they try to bring a mysterious, special young boy Alton (Jaeden Lieberher) to safety as government officials bare down on them from all sides.
There is nothing overly special about the movie's plot. In fact, it is similar to the popular series Stranger Things from this year in its influences. This feels like a darker E.T., written with the same kind of edge you would typically see from Stephen King.
However, it does stand up well on its own as an engaging experience from start to finish particularly thanks to exceptional performances. Joel Edgerton (Warrior) is the standout with an engaging and sympathetic turn. Jaeden Lieberher (St. Vincent) plays a difficult role at a young age with ease.
Superman was mentioned once in the movie, and Shannon immediately broke character and lost it. (Image Courtesy of: theverge.com)
If he had had a bigger role, Adam Driver (The Force Awakens) may have stolen the show in a committed quiet performance. Nichols staple actor Michael Shannon (Take Shelter) does not play a role too out of his wheelhouse but carries underlying anger and desperation well despite being soft-spoken.
Perhaps Jeff Nichols (Mud) made this movie to prove he was ready to take the next step, become the next Spielberg. If he did, the movie proves that idea correct as he drives home this modern E.T. with a strong eye for visuals.
Where Nichols somewhat falls short is the second act of this movie. As the sci-fi mystery unfolds, the movie tries too hard to explain its foundations without revealing too much. This kills the pacing which only picks up near the very end.
Still, you cannot ask for much better from a director in creating and crafting a story with a whole host of intense performances. Nichols has not made a bad movie yet, but this may not be his breakout classic.
Midnight Special at its core is too derivative to be great but too well constructed to not be good. It focuses a story and mystery that stays engaging but does not end with the most satisfying answers.
It is easy to recommend the movie to anyone looking for a strong two hours of entertainment that still makes the viewer think. However, it is not a movie that will be long remembered even just in Nichols' filmography.
Perhaps Jeff Nichols (Mud) made this movie to prove he was ready to take the next step, become the next Spielberg. If he did, the movie proves that idea correct as he drives home this modern E.T. with a strong eye for visuals.
Where Nichols somewhat falls short is the second act of this movie. As the sci-fi mystery unfolds, the movie tries too hard to explain its foundations without revealing too much. This kills the pacing which only picks up near the very end.
Still, you cannot ask for much better from a director in creating and crafting a story with a whole host of intense performances. Nichols has not made a bad movie yet, but this may not be his breakout classic.
Midnight Special at its core is too derivative to be great but too well constructed to not be good. It focuses a story and mystery that stays engaging but does not end with the most satisfying answers.
It is easy to recommend the movie to anyone looking for a strong two hours of entertainment that still makes the viewer think. However, it is not a movie that will be long remembered even just in Nichols' filmography.
