Review: 'Midnight Special' is Exciting Sci-Fi
Ben Frohman ’19 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
The movie starts out with the two fleeing the police as they search for an unrevealed location that Alton insists on going to, which develops into an even more exciting chase that includes hired guns and other anomalies. Events get incredibly strange when Alton’s eyes begin to flash and turn a bright blue, and this is when the journey truly begins.
The performances are stellar, and compel attention for the whole film. Michael Shannon truly delivers as a dad who will do anything for his son, even if it means putting his own life on the line. Dunst plays a caring mom to a tee, and shows she just wants the best for her son. Her emotions reveal many layers as they go on this trip. Lieberher likewise gives a noteworthy performance, as he copes with a strange predicament that drives the story. The dynamic between the three is strikingly realistic, bringing to light many dimensions of their relationships and the family’s strong connection towards one another. Furthermore something to note is the bond between Lucas and Roy, which is one of trust and friendship that speaks bounds in the movie.
Midnight Special uses a slow pace to build up the story, and keeps the audience awaiting a big reveal. It can be a tad dull in places, and sometimes gets lost in the commentary, but visually the movie is engaging and pleasing to watch with its road shots, landscape images, and special effects. The movie allows the audience to just buckle in and not ask very many questions, because truthfully not many are answered. The big reveal in the end is just palpable enough, to leave feeling satisfied. A few important plot points go unresolved, but the movie stays on track to deliver a realistic, unbelievable tale of a boy’s journey to find the unimaginable.
Overall Grade: B
Watch The Trailer: [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UU_CC81aGM[/embedyt]