Sorry, this movie sucks

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

'In Search of a Midnight Kiss', the third film from writer/director Alex Holdridge feels like a breath of fresh air in the romantic comedy genre. From the beginning, it becomes apparent that you've got something separate from the majority of modern movies in the genre, as Wilson (Scoot McNairy), a miserable 29-year old, plans to spend New Year's Eve alone and is caught masturbating to a Photoshopped picture of his best friend's girlfriend, by said friend Jacob (Brian McGuire). Consequently, Jacob browbeats Wilson into a posting a dating request on Craigslist and soon after, he ends up on a date with the brash and abrasive Vivian (Sara Simmonds), but remains skeptical as to whether this blind date will be successful.There are numerous aspects of this film that make it quite singular – the black and white visuals that some have likened to 'Manhattan' or the sense of humour that Holdridge described as "perverted, dark and twisted". In my opinion though, one of the most individual things about the film is how its characters feel like real people. Much of this is down to the two highly impressive performances at the centre of it all; McNairy and Simmonds have fantastic chemistry together, holding conversations that feel entirely natural and add depth and nuance to their respective character. They anchor the drama, proving to be very likable despite their flaws and give the film its heart. One of the best romantic comedies of recent years, 'In Search of Midnight Kiss' is bittersweet, genuinely funny and extremely charming, with excellent work from Holdridge, particularly the writing, which not only features a number of relatable characters and situations, but also excellently balances the comedic elements with the more serious.

Just saw this on BBC at around 1am, what a find. Gentle and romantic and beautifully shot this is a wonderful film about love and the way it can chew you up. Superb performances from the leads;Sara Simmonds and Scoot McNairy and LA itself. There are parallels to Before Sunrise(same production team)but where I found that film's characters unlikable I really felt for Vivian and Wilson. Left me feeling maudlin in the way Brief Encounter does which is no bad thing.I just really loved it. I know that's not a great justification but it's that sort of film; it'll creep up on you and you'll love it without knowing. Sort of like love itself really.Would love to see some sort of follow up.

I was sucked into watching this by the glowing User Reviews/high Rating, and was extremely disappointed. The Romance, was pathetic. The Comedy, was non-existent. Think Jerry Springer, meets newbie LA Losers. The only redeeming thing, was the LA locations; they were not cliché.Spoiler alert: The main male character is the definition of 'Loser'. "Suicidal"; Living with his best friend; "smoking bongs"; claiming to be a 'Writer', but writing nothing (lost the only thing he ever wrote); no job, and hasn't looked;, no relationship; neurotic mother; no money; no car; not attractive, or nice body .... basically, nothing going for him. He's not even a good friend (he masturbates to pictures of his best friends girlfriend). He places a vague 'dark' ad on Craig's List (notorious for hook-ups and Escorts). So far, great potential for a comedic character, but he is just tragic!A woman, who claims to be obese, and into Bondage, calls him. She refuses to send him a picture, and claims she is meeting three other guys that very afternoon. He has such low self-esteem, he goes anyways (Ha Ha ha!). He borrows his friend's car to go meet her. She is just a nasty piece of work. Her only redeeming quality, she is mildly pretty. Here is where I regret not turning off the movie. If she was obese, and into S&M, this might have been very funny (e.g. John Waters film). She is an extremely selfish (she disappears for days, and does not return her mother's, or ex's, phone calls ... has a guy travel 90 minutes to meet her on New Years Eve, and dismisses him within seconds, because he has kids); Illiterate; Drinks vodka in the mornings (and she is pregnant); breaks promises; goes through his pockets; asks the main character to be honest, and when he is, runs away; Slaps him (Why is it, when a woman gets emotional, and slaps a man, it is acceptable?) ... I would have walked away from her in the opening scene!!!If the guy was less of a loser, and better looking, and the girl was not a total Beeiotch ... this could have been better (e.g. Masturbation scenes can be very funny (e.g. Something about Mary, American Pie) ... but when you pity the person, and are not just embarrassed for them, it is not funny. Kind of like how a cartoon Coyote getting hurt is funny, but a real Coyote getting hurt is not.I actually pity the people who thought this was Romantic and Realistic ... they need to get out more often ... or maybe they just buy into the belief unattractive Losers, should put up with anything, to get laid, and not be alone on New Year's Eve. The positive reviews can't all be by friends and family of the production?!?!P.S. I also hated how she repeatedly told him she was not having sex with him, and berated him for being responsible and bringing condoms ... and then she has unprotected sex with him, cries, and calls a taxi?!?!

Despite the fact that In Search of a Midnight Kiss was shot with that cheap digital video that I HATE, HATE, HATE, (seriously, I let out an audible sigh every time I realize that the movie I'm about to see uses it) I found it to be pretty enjoyable. Refreshing, even. It's a tale of loneliness, Los Angeles, and New Year's Eve. Depressed and lonely Wilson puts an ad on Craigslist at the bidding of his best friend, in a last-ditch effort to not be alone on New Year's Eve. The ad is answered by an aspiring actress named Vivian, and the two of them meet and spend the rest of the day in a long, rambling, eventful date that takes them through various parts of Los Angeles. It's actually a lot cooler than I make it sound. Sort of a drama and a realistic comedy, with the ups, downs, joys, and uncertainties of a real relationship condensed into the events of one night. There's genuine chemistry between the two leads, and the whole thing feels surprisingly genuine, if you let yourself get into it. Crappy video aside, this is a movie that I'd recommend to anyone, be they romantic or jaded.