Midnight Special is a hidden gem

Movie Title:      Midnight Special

Grade:   A-

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 40 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This sci-fi surprise is a fun road trip mystery.    Indie director Jeff Nichols is a compelling storyteller that allows the audience time to figure out what is going on while the film races along.  I really like it when a director doesn’t spoon-feed the audience.  As the plot unfolds, you’ll see magical elements of E.T.,The Extra-Terrestrial , Close Encounters Of The Third Kind , and even Starman .

Marketing for this film was minimal, so this little gem may pass you buy. 

Uplifting theme: 

• “Sometimes we’re asked to do things that are beyond us.” – electrician
• Sacrifice for those you love
• Family, parental bonds of unconditional love
• Trying to understand one’s true identity

Things I liked:

• There are some cool special effects, like when the satellite debris hits the ground and sprays all over a gas station, as well as other things Alton can do.
• Good for Adam Driver for having 2 movies out in theaters at the same time.  Yep, he plays Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Plus Bonus Features) .  Nope, he doesn’t throw a tantrum in this film.
• Jaeden Lieberher is adorable and does a great job playing Alton.
• The effective musical score adds suspense from beginning to end.
• There’s an interesting element that refers to a savior and a heavenly plane: higher beings who watch over us, but we can’t see them.  You get to see the beings of light, sort of, who are peaceful and good….kind of angelic.
• It’s impressive how much can be done with such a low budget.
• Michael Shannon is captivating as a devoted father who will do anything for his son.

Things I didn’t like:

• We haven’t seen Kirsten Dunst in a while.  She wears no make-up and has gained some weight, playing a devoted mother.  I guess it really has been a long time since that upside down kiss with Spider-Man .
• SPOILER: The buildup is fun and mysterious, but then it simply ends in a clichéd car chase.

Funny lines:

• “Is it too much to ask you to punch me in the face? No? Never mind.” – Paul Sevier
• “Could we go back to Texas now?” - Lucas

Interesting lines:

• “The only thing I ever believed in was Alton” – Roy (Michael Shannon)
• “You don’t have to worry about me.” – Alton

“I like worrying about you.” – Roy

Tips for parents:   

• It might be a little too mature and intense for young children.  Older teens will enjoy watching the story unfold as they find out who/what Alton Meyer is.
• Some profanity and violence.
• Discussion of cults and faith.
• A really bad car accident roughs up some people, but they don’t die.