Midnight Special (2016)

Midnight Special is about a boy with special powers and a father that will go the distance to keep him from the government and cult that want him for his abilities.

Jeff Nichols is becoming one of my favorite new directors. I saw Mud, a film written and directed by Nichols, back in 2012. The way Nichols sets up scenes and writes characters makes for a very interesting and different take on the superhero genre. Each character feels different as if they have personality. This is something I find lacking in films today.

Michael Shannon plays the boy's father Roy and through and through he's phenomenal. Shannon has become used to playing the villain in movies and it's good to see him play the good guy for once and a while, see The Shape of Water, 99 Homes, and Kangaroo Jack. The interactions he has with his son are heartwarming and the dialog is perfect for a scared father.

Before Stephen King's It, I saw Jaeden Lieberher in this film as the young boy Alton. That and St. Vincent were one of the reasons I knew Stephen King's It would be good. This young actor is destined to continue his career in Hollywood as long as puberty or fame doesn't mess him up.

Adam Driver is also in this film as an antagonist. He plays a government employee from NSA who is searching the nation for him to find out why he can decode top-secret messages through radio waves and satellites. There are scenes in which Driver will make you smile because his character is so well written that he can bring out that in his acting. Another reason why Kylo in the new Star Wars is such an interesting character is that Driver can act.

Result: A (Very underappreciated and unwatched movie)

Comments

Wuthering Heights (2026)

Wuthering Heights is directed by Emerald Fennell , known for Promising Young Woman and Saltburn , and opens with a striking image that immediately signals this will not be a conventional adaptation of the classic novel. The film remains faithful to several of the book's narrative choices, particularly in how it lingers on the characters' early years before fully embracing the central tragedy. While this approach accurately reflects the source material, the pacing occasionally suffers, with several montages and extended childhood sequences lasting longer than necessary. One element that works especially well is the portrayal of Catherine and Heathcliff's adoptive father, whose volatile temper contrasts sharply with the affection he shows the two children, echoing one of the novel's stronger character dynamics. Margot Robbie , known for Barbie and I, Tonya , delivers one of the strongest performances of her career as Catherine. She captures the character's passio...

Supergirl (2026)

Supergirl is directed by Craig Gillespie , known for I, Tonya and Cruella , and written by Ana Nogueira . The film attempts to launch a new corner of the DC universe while simultaneously giving Supergirl her own coming of age journey. While the movie does succeed in giving its protagonist a genuine character arc and lays some groundwork for future stories, the script often struggles with dialogue and plot points. Several lines land awkwardly, pulling scenes out of their emotional moments rather than enhancing them. In many cases, the performances feel less at fault than the direction, as stronger takes or rewrites could have improved several key exchanges. Milly Alcock , known for House of the Dragon , carries the film and easily emerges as its greatest strength. She brings vulnerability, confidence, and determination to Supergirl, making the character feel relatable even when the material around her falters. Alcock does everything she can with the dialogue she is given, and her per...

Citizen Vigilante (2026)

Citizen Vigilante is written and directed by Uwe Boll , a filmmaker whose work has always been divisive, and this film continues that trend. The movie tackles issues surrounding immigration, social tensions, and public frustration, themes that have been prominent throughout the decade. Surprisingly, the film often approaches these subjects from a perspective that many viewers may not expect from a major studio release. While the political themes are front and center, the larger issue is that the writing struggles to make the world and its characters feel believable. Conversations often lack the natural reactions people would have in real life, particularly younger characters who accept lectures and speeches with very little resistance or personality. Armie Hammer , known for The Social Network and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. , plays the vigilante and spends much of the film using a gravelly, Batman-inspired voice. He commits fully to the role, and his physical presence works well for th...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog