If it were a parody of relationship-youth pictures, In Search of a Midnight Kiss would maybe be tolerable, but writer-director Alex Holdridge seems to be playing it with a straight face.
In Search of a Midnight Kiss (2008)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:57
Fresh:48
Rotten:9
Average Rating:6.9/10
Consensus: Funny, quirky, and bittersweet, In Search of a Midnight Kiss is a romantic comedy with a heart and a brain -- and stands as a sharp debut for director Alex Holdridge.
Theatrical Release:Aug 1, 2008 Limited
Synopsis: If Woody Allen had been in his 20s in Los Angeles in the new millennium, he might have made IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. This ode to technology-fueled romance and indie filmmaking features some of... If Woody Allen had been in his 20s in Los Angeles in the new millennium, he might have made IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. This ode to technology-fueled romance and indie filmmaking features some of the hallmarks of Allen's early career: a neurotic and lonely "hero," an unhinged but nevertheless attractive love interest, witty dialogue, and black-and-white cinematography. As New Year's Eve approaches, Wilson (Scoot McNairy) is close to age 30 and far from where he wants to be in life. And if it weren't for the efforts of his roommate Jacob (Brian McGuire), he might be content to spend the holiday alone on his couch. But with some prompting, Wilson posts a personal ad on the online site Craig's List, which leads him to a date with Vivian (Sara Simmonds). The seemingly mismatched pair wanders the streets of Los Angeles as midnight--and the possibility of a kiss--approaches. Fans of earnest indie romances such as BEFORE SUNRISE and ONCE will find it hard not to fall in love with IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. There's an honesty here that is immediately appealing, and it's easy to identify with the film's mix of romantic cynicism and hope. Director Alex Holdridge (SEXLESS) has created a film that lacks the sheen and shimmer of Hollywood romantic comedies, and the audience is the lucky beneficiary of this heartfelt gift. [More]
Starring: Scoot McNairy, Sara Simmonds, Brian McGuire, Katy Luong
Starring: Scoot McNairy, Sara Simmonds, Brian McGuire, Katy Luong, Bret Roberts, Twink Caplan, Robert Murphy, Nic Harcourt
Director: Alex Holdridge
Director: Alex Holdridge
Screenwriter: Alex Holdridge
Producer: Seth Caplan, Scoot McNairy
Studio: IFC First Take
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Reviews for In Search of a Midnight Kiss
In Search of a Midnight Kiss isn't a homage or a recycling job. It's a film with its own organic existence, its own reason for being. It is ultimately a very true and moving story.
The leaps of faith Midnight Kiss demands are many. Among them: If Vivian acts the way she does on their arranged date, why does Wilson worry about impressing her, even for a second, even on New Year's Eve?
The confluence of events allows the film to arrive somewhere that may not be original, but feels honest...at other times, the film seems to be chasing the same old indie dragon of quirky escapades that can be shot on the cheap.
Shot entirely in black and white, this endearing, low budget indie offers as compelling a combination of character development, credible dialogue and surprising plot twists as you're likely to encounter between now and New Year's Eve.
This is the rare movie about the start of something interesting that happens to look a lot like the end of the world.
In Search of a Midnight Kiss is wonderfully romantic and romantically bittersweet. It's not about forever; it's about now.
A visually stunning love letter to the much-maligned city...It's when the actors open their mouths that I start to have a problem.
In looking for L.A.'s historical past amidst its sometimes squalid present, Holdridge has achieved a minor miracle in making the city a romantic backdrop.
Holdridge's film is painfully undermined by its central characters.
Holdridge and his cast are going to get a lot of attention on Wilshire Boulevard.
By the end, Holdridge has captured the bittersweet complexities of romance with a wisdom that proves surprisingly seductive.
A well-acted mumblecore romantic dramedy that actually interprets real life rather than just presenting it.
Lightly sweetened and just a touch bitter, the romantic comedy In Search of a Midnight Kiss treads familiar if appealing ground.
A wholly original and funny movie with superior writing and wonderful performances. Honest,bittersweet and heartfelt. If you're in search of a memorable film experience, here is your choice.
Latest News for In Search of a Midnight Kiss
August 11, 2008:
Lonely hearts rendezvous on New Year's Eve in offbeat romantic comedy. ![]()
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August 01, 2008:
Alex Holdridge Is In Search of a Midnight Kiss ![]()
Just in time for the limited release of In Search of a Midnight Kiss, indieWIRE has posted its profile of director Alex Holdridge -- including a look at the strong similarities... More...
June 29, 2008:
Trailer & Poster review ![]()
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June 12, 2008:
Crafting a Midnight Kiss - Behind-the-Scenes of a Lo-Fi Indie
It brought audiences to tears at Tribeca, kept them coming back at Edinburgh and warmed stone-cold critics' hearts at Raindance. In Search of a Midnight Kiss was described as... More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 90% 90% | District 9 |
| 86% 86% | 500 Days of Summer |
| 63% 63% | Extract |
| 06% 06% | All About Steve |
| 78% 78% | It Might Get Loud |
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