Directed by JACK MESSITT
Review by MARTIN BOUCHER


Released by Big Foot Entertainment
Running Time: 80 minutes
Rating: R
Color format: Color
Audio/Subtitles: Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 stereo/Spanish Subtitles
Region Code: 1, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
16:9 Enhanced: Yes
Special Features: Director’s Commentary; Creative Team, Cast, Visual FX/Storyboards Featurettes; Deleted Scenes; Outtakes
Trailer Online: Yes

The masked villain in the low-budget MIDNIGHT MOVIE is one of those mama’s boy types who limps and kills using a thick corkscrew-like weapon that throws off sparks whenever he sharpens it. That is when he is not too busy transporting himself literally off screen from a retro horror flick he’s starring in onto his quest for other potential victims. The candidates this time are a dozen of moviegoers and theater staffers watching him doing his thing on both sides of the screen. Before any of them can recall similar films (Lamberto Bava’s DEMONS or Wes Craven’s SHOCKER) to save their sorry butts here they are trying to survive this crazed tool-wielding maniac impersonating some existentialist dread.

Indeed, it does not take Einstein to figure out that most horror flicks, specifically slasher ones, often substitute angst-ridden themes for on-screen violence. Whether the subject of choice is pregnancy and widowhood (INSIDE) or self-imposed celibacy (P2) or protecting one’s virginity (HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY THE 13th, et al.), people in these films often end up paying big time for life hardships. Just ask those MIDNIGHT MOVIE soon to be graduating high schoolers whose high anxiety towards adulthood sure does come along with a deadly price. Director Jack Messitt plays the mental anguish game fairly well as he pushes them all into a one on one confrontation with a madman—the problem mascot, if you prefer—who just can’t get enough of insecure teens. This guy, played with gusto by newcomer Lee Main, is as imposing as Kane Hodder’s Jason with his signature accouterment of skull-like fiberglass mask and jean overalls. He does his thing with menace and a keen sense of restraint that recall the better days of slasher cinema. In fact, everyone involved in this sub-genre indie does it quite convincingly, from the high quality look of the cinematographer’s touch to the special effect wizards’ onscreen demises, not to mention the professional performances of the mostly unknown cast.

Yet despite succeeding on many levels, MIDNIGHT MOVIE stumbles every now and then with its lack of real focus on secondary characters. What we get is the usual one dimensional stereotypes (the stupid jock, the superficial girlfriend, the unwanted nerd…) whose sole purpose are to fill up the extensive body count. Moreover, when they do take on some screen time besides running and screaming, the script calls for them to act silly and childish as if passing gas or hand-gesturing the art of fellatio will make them look even more interesting. Wouldn’t it be cool just this once to see and hear teenagers intermingling intelligently? It does not have to be in sonnets or anything like that; just your typical adolescent exchange beyond the obvious clichés. As is, however, this over-libidoed under-IQed behavior tires very rapidly, especially for the majority of horror buffs over 17.

But the biggest letdown, besides some continuity problems involving one character’s drug-induced trip turned bad, has to go to the climactic plot twist which, although clever, feels rushed. The reason may lie in the film short 80 minute run which usually is a clear giveaway for super tight production costs and cuts. Speaking of cutbacks, no additional features are available on this promotional DVD copy although judging by the intro bar above they’re aplenty. This reviewer can confirm however that the picture and sound quality is excellent. No grains or dust and scratch in sight (except for the mandatory black and white vintage look of the movie within the movie) but plenty of thrills and chills to satisfy most slasher film enthusiasts. Yes MIDNIGHT MOVIE may be flawed in its overall delivery but is definitely a cut above the many copycat DVD releases. Not bad at all for a little flick that could, now is it.