Midnight Run is one of those rare movies that doesn’t exactly take the world by storm upon release, but still manages to influence the film world, and becomes a must-see classic.
It’s hard to believe that it was 1988 when the ‘buddy cop’ and ‘road trip’ genres got this refreshing revitalization, but the film holds up exceptionally well. It may have a few oddities for the latest generation, but nothing actually problematic, and the humor is timeless. It may have a slightly “awkwardly-80s” feel to it, but with minor adjustments it might have been made today.
De Niro’s effort here telegraphed a lot of the choices he made over the rest of his career, trying even almost 30 years ago to stay out of the pigeonhole. Meanwhile, Grodin has possibly his best role, and one that works so well with his ability to jump from deadpan to outlandish,...
It’s hard to believe that it was 1988 when the ‘buddy cop’ and ‘road trip’ genres got this refreshing revitalization, but the film holds up exceptionally well. It may have a few oddities for the latest generation, but nothing actually problematic, and the humor is timeless. It may have a slightly “awkwardly-80s” feel to it, but with minor adjustments it might have been made today.
De Niro’s effort here telegraphed a lot of the choices he made over the rest of his career, trying even almost 30 years ago to stay out of the pigeonhole. Meanwhile, Grodin has possibly his best role, and one that works so well with his ability to jump from deadpan to outlandish,...
- 8/24/2016
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Read More: London's Biggest Lgbt Film Festival To Open With Football Film 'The Pass' The world's largest Lgbt Film Festival will hit London for its 30th year running come March 16-27. The BFI Flare fest previously announced this month that it will host the world premiere of Ben A. Williams' "The Pass" and will close with Catherine Corsini’s "Summertime." The days in between the two premieres will include over 50 feature films and more than 100 shorts various guest appearances, masterclasses and workshops. The most significant edition to this year's Flare Festival is the BFI's decision to separate the week into 3 sections: Hearts, Minds and Bodies. Of the three categories, films like Neil Armfield's "Holding the Man," Lorenzo Vigas' "From Afar," Rigoberto Perzecano's "Carmin Tropical" and Jack Walsh's "Yvonne Rainer: Facts are Feelings" will screen. The three genres of films will...
- 2/18/2016
- by Elle Leonsis
- Indiewire
(Martin Brest, 1988, Second Sight, 18, Blu-ray)
Martin Brest has directed seven feature-length movies, among them the blockbuster Beverly Hills Cop and Scent of a Woman, which brought Al Pacino a long-overdue Oscar. But Brest gained a reputation for perfectionism that irritated collaborators and infuriated producers. As a result, he hasn’t worked since the expensive, widely derided failure of the Jennifer Lopez-Ben Affleck comedy Gigli, made in 2003 when he was in his early 50s. But if he never worked again he’ll be remembered for this minor classic that approaches perfection, a superbly contrived combination of numerous genres and sub-genres – the comedy-thriller, buddy movie, odd-couple picture, prisoner-and-escort drama and road movie – that were in the air at the time.
Scripted by George Gallo, whose single major success it remains, Midnight Run succeeded in its intention of turning the prestigious Robert De Niro into a bankable comic star. He plays Jack Walsh,...
Martin Brest has directed seven feature-length movies, among them the blockbuster Beverly Hills Cop and Scent of a Woman, which brought Al Pacino a long-overdue Oscar. But Brest gained a reputation for perfectionism that irritated collaborators and infuriated producers. As a result, he hasn’t worked since the expensive, widely derided failure of the Jennifer Lopez-Ben Affleck comedy Gigli, made in 2003 when he was in his early 50s. But if he never worked again he’ll be remembered for this minor classic that approaches perfection, a superbly contrived combination of numerous genres and sub-genres – the comedy-thriller, buddy movie, odd-couple picture, prisoner-and-escort drama and road movie – that were in the air at the time.
Scripted by George Gallo, whose single major success it remains, Midnight Run succeeded in its intention of turning the prestigious Robert De Niro into a bankable comic star. He plays Jack Walsh,...
- 5/7/2015
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
In 1995 and 1997, Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. had Heat and Jackie Brown released into cinemas. Not his best films or his best performances, perhaps, but mesmerising work in excellent pictures directed by master filmmakers: the former saw him convince for Michael Mann as the cool, meticulous leader of a gang of career criminals; the latter had Quentin Tarantino give viewers a dim crim whose uncontrollable anger contributes to the unravelling of a heist.
For a whole generation of moviegoers who have grown up since, however, the adulation that's universally showered upon De Niro must be perplexing. Occasionally he summons up a portion of his old intensity – his turns in What Just Happened, Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle are the (slim) picks of the last 15 years – but for anyone who got into movies from the late '90s on, he's the funny guy in Analyze This and Meet The Parents,...
For a whole generation of moviegoers who have grown up since, however, the adulation that's universally showered upon De Niro must be perplexing. Occasionally he summons up a portion of his old intensity – his turns in What Just Happened, Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle are the (slim) picks of the last 15 years – but for anyone who got into movies from the late '90s on, he's the funny guy in Analyze This and Meet The Parents,...
- 8/2/2014
- Digital Spy
Midnight Run, the 1988 action/comedy starring Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, and John Ashton, is a fairly underrated film. That’s nothing new. But talks of a sequel with De Niro will hopefully not only raise the profile of this classic, but of the public perception of bounty hunting as well.
Allow me to expand on that. A few years ago, I decided I wanted to learn more about the modern state of this profession. So like any good boy, I began at my local public library. I entered a search in the fully digitized ye olde card catalog, and those of you paying attention have likely already guessed what I found: nothing but books written by Duane Chapman, the be-mulleted star of the hit reality show, Dog the Bounty Hunter. Whatever my personal feelings about Dog’s show or haircut, I don’t think I’m too out of...
Allow me to expand on that. A few years ago, I decided I wanted to learn more about the modern state of this profession. So like any good boy, I began at my local public library. I entered a search in the fully digitized ye olde card catalog, and those of you paying attention have likely already guessed what I found: nothing but books written by Duane Chapman, the be-mulleted star of the hit reality show, Dog the Bounty Hunter. Whatever my personal feelings about Dog’s show or haircut, I don’t think I’m too out of...
- 4/21/2012
- by Jimmy Callaway
- Boomtron
At the end of April, Universal Studios celebrates its 100th anniversary. To mark the milestone, the studio has a heavy presence at the eleventh annual Tribeca Film Festival. Its upcoming comedy, "The Five-Year Engagement," opened Tribeca on Wednesday night, and on Thursday, the fest hosted Judd Apatow and Robert De Niro for an hour-long discussion about their contributions to the studio.
De Niro has made twelve films for Universal throughout his lauded career, including "Meet the Parents," "Cape Fear," "The Deer Hunter," "Casino" and "Midnight Run." All four of Apatow's directorial efforts ("The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up," "Funny People" and the upcoming "This is 40") were released by Universal, as was the Apatow-produced comedy "Bridesmaids." (He also produced "Five-Year.") As Universal president and CEO Ron Meyer said at the beginning of the presentation, the two men are "an integral part of [the] organization."
Despite a shaky start -- mostly owing to...
De Niro has made twelve films for Universal throughout his lauded career, including "Meet the Parents," "Cape Fear," "The Deer Hunter," "Casino" and "Midnight Run." All four of Apatow's directorial efforts ("The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up," "Funny People" and the upcoming "This is 40") were released by Universal, as was the Apatow-produced comedy "Bridesmaids." (He also produced "Five-Year.") As Universal president and CEO Ron Meyer said at the beginning of the presentation, the two men are "an integral part of [the] organization."
Despite a shaky start -- mostly owing to...
- 4/20/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
We all issued a collective cringe and heavy sigh when, last month, it was announced that Brett Ratner would be helming a sequel to 1988′s Midnight Run. Robert De Niro‘s not raising his hands in objection — something tells me the original isn’t entirely “sacred” to him — and he’s even taking the extra step here, telling a group of attendees at Tribeca that he’ll be doing some writing on the film.
Although Tim Dowling‘s screenplay was already been the old once-over by David Elliot and Paul Lovett, De Niro offered this quick update; it was also revealed that the “in development” piece would pair his character, Jack Walsh, with the son of Charles Grodin‘s embezzler from the first time out. This is basically what we’ve heard for the past two years and, no, that doesn’t sound much better now that it’s official.
Although Tim Dowling‘s screenplay was already been the old once-over by David Elliot and Paul Lovett, De Niro offered this quick update; it was also revealed that the “in development” piece would pair his character, Jack Walsh, with the son of Charles Grodin‘s embezzler from the first time out. This is basically what we’ve heard for the past two years and, no, that doesn’t sound much better now that it’s official.
- 4/19/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
So Brett Ratner is plotting a sequel to Midnight Run. The beloved 1988 buddy comedy starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin is one of those perfect movies with a screenplay (by George Gallo) that is structurally flawless; a deep and inspired cast that includes Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano, and Yaphet Kotto; and lighting-in-a-bottle chemistry between the two leads, who play a bounty hunter (De Niro) tasked with tracking down the Duke, an embezzling accountant (Grodin) wanted by the feds and the mob. De Niro had played funny before — in Scorsese’s The King of Comedy — but his Jack Walsh was a revelation at the time.
- 3/23/2012
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW.com - PopWatch
Sure, Midnight Run came out in 1988, but why not try to turn it into a franchise 20-odd years later?
Screenwriter Tim Dowling (Just Go with It, Role Models) was hired two years ago to write a sequel script that would allow Robert De Niro to reprise his role as bounty hunter Jack Walsh. Now the sequel may have a director in Brett Ratner (Tower Heist, the Rush Hour trilogy). Deadline reports that Ratner is in talks to direct the sequel for Universal, which has also hired screenwriters David Elliot and Paul Lovett (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Four Brothers) to rewrite Dowling's script.
De Niro is still attached to the project, but it's unlikely Charles Grodin — who played the embezzling mob accountant (Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas) Walsh escorted to L.A. in the first movie — will step out of retirement to return.
This isn't the first attempt to create a Midnight Run franchise.
Screenwriter Tim Dowling (Just Go with It, Role Models) was hired two years ago to write a sequel script that would allow Robert De Niro to reprise his role as bounty hunter Jack Walsh. Now the sequel may have a director in Brett Ratner (Tower Heist, the Rush Hour trilogy). Deadline reports that Ratner is in talks to direct the sequel for Universal, which has also hired screenwriters David Elliot and Paul Lovett (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Four Brothers) to rewrite Dowling's script.
De Niro is still attached to the project, but it's unlikely Charles Grodin — who played the embezzling mob accountant (Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas) Walsh escorted to L.A. in the first movie — will step out of retirement to return.
This isn't the first attempt to create a Midnight Run franchise.
- 3/22/2012
- by Ryan Gowland
- Reelzchannel.com
It has been two years since Universal first planned a sequel to 1988 action comedy Midnight Run. At the time, both Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin were interested in reprising their roles. Now the studio has hired G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra writers David Elliott and Paul Lovett to rewrite the script. Additionally, the studio is negotiating with Brett Ratner to direct. Martin Brest directed the original Midnight Run, about a bounty hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro) who is sent to track down bail-jumping, former Mafia accountant Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Grodin). In order to collect his $100,000 fee, Jack has to take The Duke from New York to Los Angeles, all while evading the Mafia, a rival bounty hunter and the FBI. The sequel will focus on The Duke's son,...
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- 3/22/2012
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
Universal Pictures is moving ahead on Midnight Run 2. Deadline reports that the studio has hired writers David Elliot and Paul Lovett to rewrite the script. They are also negotiating with Brett Ratner to direct the sequel that has Robert De Niro attached to reprise his role as bounty hunter Jack Walsh. The film will be produced by De Niro and Jane Rosenthal's Tribeca along with Ratner’s Rat Entertainment.
Tim Dowling wrote the first draft of the film early last year. The sequel will "continue the storyline of Walsh, the ex-Chicago cop who, when last seen, set free the turncoat mob accountant The Duke at Lax and walked away with a wad of cash he'd use to open a coffee shop." At this time, it is not known if Charles Grodin will reprise his role.
Ratner has a lot of experience directing buddy comedies after getting his start with Rush Hour.
Tim Dowling wrote the first draft of the film early last year. The sequel will "continue the storyline of Walsh, the ex-Chicago cop who, when last seen, set free the turncoat mob accountant The Duke at Lax and walked away with a wad of cash he'd use to open a coffee shop." At this time, it is not known if Charles Grodin will reprise his role.
Ratner has a lot of experience directing buddy comedies after getting his start with Rush Hour.
- 3/22/2012
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Back in the eighties there were several decent comedies that defined that era with Midnight Run being one of those films. Robert De Niro was in his prime, it had a strong supporting cast, and a decent storyline, but there’s a reason why it was "one and done". According to Deadline, De Niro is all set to return as Jack Walsh, David Elliot and Paul Lovett (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) have been hired to re-write the script and Universal is in final negotiations to bring Brett Ratner on board to direct.
- 3/22/2012
- by Kerry Fleming
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Love him or hate him, Brett Ratner is a guy who has no shortage of upcoming projects on his plate. Recently he has been in the process of lining up even more new gigs with development moving forward on Hercules starring Dwayne Johnson and a deal also in place for I Want My MTV over at Sony. Now this week, Deadline brings news that Ratner is also in talks to direct the upcoming sequel to Midnight Run. While I'm sure fans of the original will be dismayed to hear this news, I have to admit... he actually seems like an appropriate choice. According to Deadline, Universal has hired screenwriters David Elliot and Paul Lovett (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Four Brothers) to rewrite the script for Midnight Run 2 with Brett Ratner in line to direct. Tim Dowling (This Means War, Role Models) wrote the previous draft. The sequel...
- 3/22/2012
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
I didn’t see Martin Brest’s “Midnight Run” until just a few years ago. Don’t get me wrong — it’s a fine motion picture, and I thoroughly enjoyed the back-and-forth between stars Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. However, the film didn’t live up to the hype, due in part, I think, to my dislike for Grodin. The guy just rubs me the wrong way. Apparently a lot of people adore this flick, so much so that someone wearing an expensive suit believes that we need a sequel. Universal recently hired David Elliot and Paul Lovett, the literary masterminds behind “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”, to pen a sequel to the 1988 comedy, which will chronicle the on-going adventures of badass ex-cop Jack Walsh (De Niro). If the studio has their way, “Rush Hour” director Brett Ratner will helm the production. God, I can’t even type...
- 3/22/2012
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
Released in 1988, action comedy Midnight Run starred Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin as a mis matched bounty hunter and his bounty on the run from the mob and the F.B.I. It's one of my favorite De Niro films, and comedy's in general, so I'm of two minds when it was announced that Brett Ratner (Tower Heist and the Rush Hour series) is negotiations to direct a sequel, with De Niro reprising his role of bounty hunter Jack Walsh. There is no word of Grodin returning. He retired from acting in 2000 to spend time with his family, he would consider reprising his role from the film if the opportunity ever arose. David Elliot and Paul Lovett, who wrote Four Brothers and G.I. Joe: Rise Of Cobra, are working on the script. Source: Deadline ...
- 3/22/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tom White)
- www.themoviebit.com
Universal Pictures are reviving plans for a 25-years-later sequel to their well remembered 1988 classic Midnight Run, which has original star Robert De Niro attached to reprise his tough bounty hunter Jack Walsh.
Deadline reports that Brett Ratner (Tower Heist, Rush Hour) has now entered talks to sit in the director’s chair which has sent the Internet film community into a furious rage but just like his recent attachment to the MTV origins movie “I Want My MTV”, I actually think this is a property where he could deliver something decent out of. He did himself make a decent mismatched buddy action comedy with the first Rush Hour movie, though where his mindset was for the sequels I don’t know.
G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra and Four Brothers writers David Elliot and Paul Lovett have been tasked with re-writing Tom Dowling’s (Role Models) original script for Midnight Run 2.
Deadline reports that Brett Ratner (Tower Heist, Rush Hour) has now entered talks to sit in the director’s chair which has sent the Internet film community into a furious rage but just like his recent attachment to the MTV origins movie “I Want My MTV”, I actually think this is a property where he could deliver something decent out of. He did himself make a decent mismatched buddy action comedy with the first Rush Hour movie, though where his mindset was for the sequels I don’t know.
G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra and Four Brothers writers David Elliot and Paul Lovett have been tasked with re-writing Tom Dowling’s (Role Models) original script for Midnight Run 2.
- 3/22/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Brett Ratner is in talks to direct Midnight Run 2. Robert De Niro is slated to reprise his role as bounty hunter Jack Walsh from the original 1988 action comedy, reports Deadline. Charles Grodin has not been confirmed to return for the mismatched buddy movie, but had previously said that he would consider a return for the long-gestating sequel. De Niro starred in Midnight Run as a bounty hunter charged with transporting an accountant who embezzled from the mob and gave the money to charity (more)...
- 3/22/2012
- by By Hugh Armitage
- Digital Spy
About two year ago, we learned that Universal Pictures was moving forward with a sequel to "Midnight Run," and both Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin were interested in returning. Now comes word that the studio has hired David Elliot and Paul Lovett (GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra) to rewrite the script, and is in negotiation with Brett Ratner (Tower Heist, Red Dragon) to direct. The original 1988 film revolves around bounty hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro) who is sent to find and return bail jumper and former Mafia accountant, Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Grodin). In order to collect his $100,000 fee, Jack must take The Duke from New York to Los Angeles. However, the Mafia and the FBI have other ideas, as does Marvin (John Ashton), a rival bounty hunter. The new movie is said to focus on Mardukas' son. Since Gordon played Mardukas, his involvement will be needed, but only for a cameo.
- 3/22/2012
- WorstPreviews.com
"Looks like I'm walking."
Those were the last words uttered by bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) just before the closing credits rolled in "Midnight Run," stranded in Los Angeles because his would-be cab driver couldn't break a thousand dollar bill.
Now, 24 years later, we'll soon be seeing whether Jack opened that coffee shop with the $200,000 given to him by his former bounty, mob accountant Jonathan 'The Duke' Mardukas (Charles Grodin), in "Midnight Run 2," according to Deadline.
Brett Ratner, who admittedly gave us another pretty great mismatched pair in the "Rush Hour" series, will be directing the sequel, with De Niro set to reprise his role as Walsh. No word on whether all but retired actor Charles Grodin will be returning as Mardukas, but he apparently expressed interest in doing so if the project became a reality.
The original draft of "Midnight Run 2" was written by Timothy Dowling...
Those were the last words uttered by bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) just before the closing credits rolled in "Midnight Run," stranded in Los Angeles because his would-be cab driver couldn't break a thousand dollar bill.
Now, 24 years later, we'll soon be seeing whether Jack opened that coffee shop with the $200,000 given to him by his former bounty, mob accountant Jonathan 'The Duke' Mardukas (Charles Grodin), in "Midnight Run 2," according to Deadline.
Brett Ratner, who admittedly gave us another pretty great mismatched pair in the "Rush Hour" series, will be directing the sequel, with De Niro set to reprise his role as Walsh. No word on whether all but retired actor Charles Grodin will be returning as Mardukas, but he apparently expressed interest in doing so if the project became a reality.
The original draft of "Midnight Run 2" was written by Timothy Dowling...
- 3/21/2012
- by Bryan Enk
- NextMovie
Rumblings of a sequel to Midnight Run started to arise two years ago, when it was reported that Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin coming back together for a sequel to Midnight Run, the film that followed bounty hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro), a former Chicago cop, hunting a mob accountant played by Grodin in order to collect a $100,000 fee. The movie would be based on a script written by Tom Dowling, but news about the sequel hasn’t surfaced until now.
According to Deadline, new writers have been hired to pen the script and word is that Brett Ranter is ready to direct the movie for Universal. David Elliot and Paul Lovett (G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra) will rewrite Dowling’s script.
Since the Midnight Run was the basis of the buddy cop genre, its safe to say that Ranter’s experience with the Rush Hour series played...
According to Deadline, new writers have been hired to pen the script and word is that Brett Ranter is ready to direct the movie for Universal. David Elliot and Paul Lovett (G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra) will rewrite Dowling’s script.
Since the Midnight Run was the basis of the buddy cop genre, its safe to say that Ranter’s experience with the Rush Hour series played...
- 3/21/2012
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
And you thought the dark and gritty Twain update would be today’s worst news? Wouldn’t that have been nice.
Deadline reports that Universal are putting their resources into Midnight Run 2, which Brett Ratner will direct from a Tim Dowling script that’s been rewritten by David Elliot and Paul Lovett. Before you ask, yes, Robert De Niro will return as bounty hunter Jack Walsh; he’s the one who started this whole discussion in 2010, anyway. Charles Grodin is a different matter, however. Although the (now retired) actor expressed a little basic interest nearly two years ago — and is reportedly “open to participating in this one if it comes up” — his participation still remains a big question mark, on account of his completely inactivity in recent years.
Some have hinted that, plot-wise, Midnight Run 2 would see Walsh going after the son of Grodin‘s character, Jonathan Mardukas.
Deadline reports that Universal are putting their resources into Midnight Run 2, which Brett Ratner will direct from a Tim Dowling script that’s been rewritten by David Elliot and Paul Lovett. Before you ask, yes, Robert De Niro will return as bounty hunter Jack Walsh; he’s the one who started this whole discussion in 2010, anyway. Charles Grodin is a different matter, however. Although the (now retired) actor expressed a little basic interest nearly two years ago — and is reportedly “open to participating in this one if it comes up” — his participation still remains a big question mark, on account of his completely inactivity in recent years.
Some have hinted that, plot-wise, Midnight Run 2 would see Walsh going after the son of Grodin‘s character, Jonathan Mardukas.
- 3/21/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
In 2010, Charles Grodin spoke with Deadline.com about the possibility of returning for a "Midnight Run" sequel, saying that he'd "consider it." Lo and behold, Deadline.com is now reporting that "Midnight Run 2" is a go, albeit currently without Grodin. Right now, the only person attached to reprise his role is Robert De Niro. The first "Midnight Run" was released in 1988 and followed the adventures of bounty hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro) and his prisoner, Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Grodin), an accountant who embezzled millions of dollars from a mobster. The beloved buddy comedy earned $81 million worldwide, and was on the receiving end of some great reviews. "'Midnight Run' is not a formula movie, because the writing and acting make these two characters into specific, quirky individuals whose relationship becomes more interesting even as the chase grows more predictable," wrote film critic Roger Ebert in his three-and-a-half star review.
- 3/21/2012
- by Alex Suskind
- Moviefone
Save for Al Pacino, there's no actor in Hollywood who has worked harder in the last ten years to undercut his own legacy than Robert De Niro. Formerly known as one of the greatest actors of all time, the two-time Oscar winner has spent the last ten years making absolute dreck like Showtime, Hide and Seek, Righteous Kill, New Year's Eve and the Meet The Parents sequels. But apparently he's not content with just making a mockery of his current career - he has to besmirch his legacy as well. Apparently a Midnight Run 2 is now in development with De Niro attached as Deadline reports that Universal has hired David Elliot and Paul Lovett to write the script and is currently in negotiations with Brett Ratner to direct. In the original, directed by Martin Brest, De Niro played Jack Walsh, a bounty hunter who has dreams of retirement but...
- 3/21/2012
- cinemablend.com
Talked about for years and years, we figured the proposed sequel to "Midnight Run" was one of those things -- like "Ghostbusters 3" -- that was never going to happen for a variety of reasons. But who knew that Brett Ratner, of all people, was going to be the guy to get this thing rolling?
Well, that appears to be the case, as Deadline reports that the shrimp enthusiast is now on board to direct, with Robert De Niro returning to star as well. The script by Tim Dowling ("Role Models") has been kicking around for a while, but now David Elliot and Paul Lovett ("G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra," "Four Brothers") will do a rewrite. That doesn't instill confidence. Ages ago, it was said the story would team De Niro's bounty hunter Jack Walsh with up a younger convict who may or may not be the son of Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas,...
Well, that appears to be the case, as Deadline reports that the shrimp enthusiast is now on board to direct, with Robert De Niro returning to star as well. The script by Tim Dowling ("Role Models") has been kicking around for a while, but now David Elliot and Paul Lovett ("G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra," "Four Brothers") will do a rewrite. That doesn't instill confidence. Ages ago, it was said the story would team De Niro's bounty hunter Jack Walsh with up a younger convict who may or may not be the son of Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas,...
- 3/21/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Two years ago there were some rumblings about Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin coming back together for a sequel to Midnight Run, the film that followed bounty hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro), a former Chicago cop, hunting a mob accountant played by Grodin in order to collect a $100,000 fee. At the time, Tim Dowling was hired to write a script, and while De Niro was pumped to return, Grodin, who just hasn't been acting much by choice, didn't seem like he would necessarily jump at the chance. Well, now a new writers have been hired, and Brett Ratner is ready to direct, so a play may be made to get him back. As for the writers, Deadline says David Elliot and Paul Lovett (G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra) will rewrite Dowling's script, and with Ratner involved, we're likely looking at something akin to his Rush Hour series, which...
- 3/21/2012
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive: Universal Pictures is picking up steam on Midnight Run 2, setting scribes David Elliot & Paul Lovett to rewrite it, and negotiating with Brett Ratner to helm a sequel that has Robert De Niro attached to reprise his role as bounty hunter Jack Walsh. De Niro and Jane Rosenthal’s Tribeca is producing with Ratner’s Rat Entertainment. The studio and Tribeca put the wheels in motion on the sequel early last year, when they hired Tim Dowling to write a draft. Elliot & Lovett, who were writers on G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, and are working on the sequel to Four Brothers (which they also scripted) will continue the storyline of Walsh, the ex-Chicago cop who, when last seen, set free the turncoat mob accountant The Duke at Lax and walked away with a wad of cash he’d use to open a coffee shop. When news broke about...
- 3/21/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Depending on your feelings towards the man and his films, this news will either have you high-fiving the nearest available pet / loved one / friend / stranger or contemplating building an apocalypse shelter out of old tin cans and cardboard boxes: Brett Ratner is now in negotiations to direct Universal’s long-gestating Midnight Run sequel.The return of Robert De Niro (who has been looking to make this happen for a while now) and Charles Grodin’s mismatched buddy comedy duo is a truly divisive issue. Some are itching to see more of Jack Walsh and Jonathan Mardukas while others would prefer that all involved simply be happy with the 1988 original.Universal is ploughing ahead with the idea, which, if pulled off well, could be one for the ages. Role Models co-writer Tim Dowling was hired early in 2010 to punch out a draft, but now De Niro and his co-producers have hired G.
- 3/21/2012
- EmpireOnline
Deadline has learned that Universal Pictures is negotiating with Brett Ratner ( Tower Heist ) to direct Midnight Run 2 and has set David Elliot and Paul Lovett to rewrite the script. Robert De Niro will reprise his role as bounty hunter Jack Walsh. Here's the synopsis of the 1988 action comedy: Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) is a tough ex-cop turned bounty hunter. Jonathan 'The Duke' Mardukas (Charles Grodin) is a sensitive accountant who embezzled $15 million from the Mob, gave it to charity and then jumped bail. Jack's in for a cool $100,000 if he can deliver The Duke from New York to L.A. on time. And alive. Sounds like just another Midnight Run (a piece of cake in bounty hunter slang), but it turns into a cross-country chase. The FBI is after The Duke to testify - the Mob...
- 3/21/2012
- Comingsoon.net
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