Starring: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano, Richard Foronjy, Robert Miranda, Jack Kehoe
Review: When Eddie Moscone (Joe Pantoliano) hires tight-lipped bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) to locate a mob accountant named "The Duke" (Charles Grodin) and bring him to L.A., Eddie tells Jack that the job will be simple, or a "midnight run." But when Jack finds The Duke, the FBI and the mob are anxious to get their hands on him. In a cross-country chase, Jack must evade the authorities, hide from the mob and prevent The Duke's erratic personality from driving him mad.
Maybe I live under a rock, but I honestly had never even heard of this movie before recently stumbling across it on a streaming service. I'm sure glad I did, as Midnight Run is the epitome of what a good buddy cop comedy should be...and more! Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin's chemistry, dialogue, and clashing personalities come across perfectly as they develop a sort of odd couple relationship traversing across the United States. Buddy cop movies are a somewhat formulaic concept, but this film takes that and elevates it to new heights. There is no shortage of hilarious comedy, exhilarating action, and tender human moments of family and friendship. Even with a runtime north of two hours, this movie is entertaining throughout with great pacing. This movie is everything a great buddy cop comedy should strive to be. You have great characters with layers of complexity, a great script, and even a great score by Danny Elfman. So unless you want to suffer from fist-ophobia (don't think we won't send Jack Walsh after you!), I suggest you watch this movie. I can't recommend it enough, and I think it deserves much more attention that it seemingly receives.
Fun Fact: The boxcar scene where Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) and John Mardukas (Charles Grodin) discuss whether or not they could ever be friends, was almost entirely improvised on-set. With regards to Grodin's famous, "You ever had sex with an animal, Jack?" line, he was told by director Martin Brest to come up with something that was guaranteed to make even Robert De Niro laugh.