Midnight Special Review
Special is accurate
Midnight Special is the story of a young boy with supernatural powers, taken by his father from his adoptive family on a ranch, across America while being pursued by the American government. While this synopsis didn’t hold much for me, I was pleasantly surprised by this delightful sci-fi picture.
Firstly I found the opening to be mostly based on shock value but this really worked well to draw you in as a viewer. I could already see this was going to be a rather gripping caper. Along with this, I was thoroughly impressed by Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton alike. Both were intense but believable. Michael Shannon really made the grade as Alton’s father Roy. But Joel played Lucas very well as his sense of wonder and slight confusion really brought the character to life.
The real star for me was definitely Jaeden Lieberher. His portrayal of Alton was absolutely spectacular. He drifts from one end of the spectrum to the other in terms of power. He starts as what seems to be a nonchalant and deadpan child who doesn’t seem to be phased by any of the events going on around him. However, later into the film he begins to be the one calling the shots, especially where his mother (Kirsten Dunst) is involved. He will speak up and tell them where to go and what to do while connecting with his supernatural powers.
Kirsten Dunst really did not wow me at all this time around. Her portrayal of Sarah was rather stale in my opinion and she had absolutely no real purpose other than seeing off Alton as a mother as he leaves the family to be with his own kind. She may have shed a tear or two at the end but everything else seemed absolutely bone dry unless she had to appear to be frightened.
Alton’s send off did have me in tears to be honest though. It was a spectacle to see two world come together but his happiness to be with is own kind was conveyed perfectly. Plus, even to see Adam Driver seem moved by this was enough to bring anyone to tears.
Adam Driver may have been a long jump from his usual light saber wielding self but all in all he was fantastic. Paul Sevier was a delightfully nervous yet informed character. Also Adam really showed his development as a character as he developed obvious compassion for Alton and his cause.
Midnight Special was a pleasure to watch but I believe Kirsten Dunst really let this film down. I think her best years have been and gone, that may sound harsh but I haven’t seen her do anything worthwhile in a long time. I went in wanting to like her but she was a bitter disappointment. Fortunately everything else was spot on for me. A damn good watch.
