It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

Blistering performances.

The acting in this movie is really good.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

I think Eastwood did a good directing job, but should have left about 25% on the cutting room floor. It's a good story, with Cusack being the eyewitness to Spacey's millionaire eccentricities. Spacey is one of the most threatening figures in all of acting. Cusack's character is merely a vehicle for the story. Part of the problem for me is the supernatural stuff. The story could have stood on its own without all that voodoo stuff. Also, the character of Chablis, while entertaining at times, gets really tiresome. His/Her appearance in the courtroom is a big disappointment. This person is there for comic relief but really doesn't advance the plot, other than to show us how open minded Cusack's character is. Shorten this film by a half hour and she the superfluities, and it becomes taut and gripping. I did enjoy the defense attorney with his "aw shucks" mentality (Who's Hobbes?), but without our favorite villain, it was not great. Also, the conclusion was too much. Stop it right there.

It started slow and got slower. After an hour I should have stopped watching it. By a bad decision was made and I kept watching it. After two hours I eventually had the good sense to stop watching because nothing interesting had happened in those two hours. If only I'd given up on it sooner I could have spent the time better, perhaps ironing a shirt or cleaning the oven. The title sounded good and the cast was a good one so I expectations might have been raised, but even if I'd just beamed down from space and not known any of the actors my opinion would be no different. It was one of the worst films I've seen in a very long time, if not the worst. Some poor films have something redeeming, but I struggle to think of one for this film.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (or code name: MITGOGAE – damn, even that acronym is too long) was one of those movies I wanted to like more, but still did a lot. It's an enormously interesting story with fantastic characters and it was one of those films that restored (some) of my faith in John Cusack.This movie should be noteworthy for several interesting characters, such as Cusack's John Kelso and definitely, Kevin Spacey's flamboyant Jim Williams. But, overall, the winner goes to The Lady Chablis. She was amazing. And her interactions between her and John were key to the film's success for me. Okay, not just those scenes, but certainly a huge highlight whenever I revisit this film.Another great aspect of MITGOGAE was the setting and cinematography. The John Kelso character is out of his element in this Deep South surrounding and you'd be lying if you don't get swooped up right along with him, exploring on your own the differences from your world and this one. I get just as mesmerized as he is with all that this film sets up in regards to characters, landscaping, the houses and, heck, even the town is a character.Further, the story, a film noir mystery with multiples of twists, is as exciting to us as the onion peals back as it is to John Kelso. It's a murder mystery with intrigue and intelligence. Spacey and his character Jim Williams are both flipping interesting and exciting, it's absolutely a joy to watch him from scene to scene as he's caught up in this.Basically, writer John Kelso gets a freelance 500-word assignment he thinks he was randomly assigned to, to cover the annual extravagant Jim Williams' Christmas Party. Bummed it's not that big of an article, one-time novelist John Kelso begins his reporting when a "self-defense" murder takes place. Intrigued, John expands his investigation and thinks there's more to this story and this town than meets the eye.He's right.While not perfect and has its moments of slow-down and a totally sad ending to me – see it, and you'll know why I was bummed per my words above, it's a movie that draws me back to (the location of) Savannah time and again.If you're a fan of Cusack, Spacey and colorful backdrops, this is the movie for you. Give it a chance, and you might be a fan for life."I've only been here three days and it's just a shooting, but give it time, okay. This place is fantastic. It's like Gone With the Wind on Mescalin. I know you're my agent. Listen to me, they walk imaginary pets here, Garland. On a fvcking leash. Alright? And they're all heavily armed and drunk. New York is boring!" – John Kelso.

I do not understand why this movie gets low ratings like above.. I stumbled upon this gem a few weeks ago.. while browsing Clint 's work. This movie is undoubtedly one of my favs. The scenery is magic. The story is kinda weird and SEEMS somewhat boring.. hell no! Go & see!This is a movie who gets you to respect a lot of beautiful things about the American southern living, combined with a reserved style of acting. You will feel the dreamy pretty surroundings enter your mind.. The very reserved but glorifying act of mr. Spacey will get you to understand what acting is all about. He can do anything.. this guy is a genius. His accent is flawless... Cusack will do good as usual, staying with his regular next door guy but oh so relatable. But the flat ass shady lawyer (Aussie guy i believe) & Spacey will lift this movie with a mystery & vague feeling i have not ever seen before. It was one of those movies that was not a thrill to go and watch but on 'the watch' list for long, but i was wrong.. I should have seen it earlier. I loved it to pieces!If you care for top notch cast, mind blowing jazzy music, sweet & fairytale-scenery... kinda slow building & somewhat (double) funny & creepy vibe .. you have a golden night!Im not giving away any spoilers, but please see this!Its nothing like anything we know from the nowadays blockbusters. When i feel restless or not very happy .. i turn this on.Absolutely stunning filmingClint your awesome!