User reviews

Alex Holdridge's film 'In Search of a Midnight Kiss' begins as the tale of a loser going on a date with a beautiful, painfully hip, but neurotic girl. This suggests a certain type of movie will follow; but as he gains confidence, and her act slips, a balance grows between them, they start flirting and the film soon starts to resemble Richard Linklater's 'Before Sunrise' (in fact, the resemblance only grows the longer the film lasts). In fact, I hated that film, but here, the characters are less self-regarding and the film has genuinely funny dialogue, coupled with interesting black and white photography, soppy indie guitar music (regulation for this type of film, but nonetheless effective) and a comic vision reminiscent of early Hal Hartley. If I have one criticism, it's that the sentimental mood that gradually takes the movie over possibly starts too soon; it's nicely done, but the film is at it's best before it settles into this comfort zone. This doesn't mean it isn't a humorous, romantic and artistic film.

Can love be found in the sparkle of damp streets? A soft-focus moment as desire is swept and sublimated into the tenderest kiss?

Do these scenes elicit warm memories for you? Or is it an emotional jack-off to a place you want to be in but can't?

In the last few days of each year, activity on sites like MySpace and Craigslist swells 300%. So many looking for love on New Year's Eve. Our ex-video-clerk (and award-winning film-maker), Alex Holdridge, has made them a movie. A dark, perverted, gritty, romantic comedy that, like a new relationship, comes with big indie warts-and-all. Then turns them around in an artsy, offbeat triumph.

Opening black-and-white photography of couples kissing exudes style. Tasteful snogging on sidewalks. Smooching by a river. Under neon. Christmas illuminations. Streetlights and shadows, and quiet corners. Sinatra croons "As Time Goes By" and a convenient voice-over says: "It's not just another kiss - it's all the hope of romance of the year culminating in just one moment."

But lets get real a minute. Our protagonist, love-luckless Wilson, is segueing the female half of one such scene into a private erotic fantasy. It features his best friend's girlfriend, Min. (Here the comedy plays to our discomfort). Determined to find him a life, Jacob and Min cajole him into placing an online dating ad. Vivian, neurotic blonde with openly cut-throat approach, soon 'interviews' Wilson as her potential New Year's Eve date.

Gutsy performances and shambolic production values keep Midnight Kiss rooted to some recognisable reality rather than the glossy romcom it could easily have become. Rambling dialogue is cringeworthy from the characters' awkwardness rather than lack of writing talent. What at first sight seems like an amateurish losers' mess, gradually earns its wings as human interaction shows Wilson to be more substantial and interesting than his tosser persona would credit; and Vivian to be more human than her pill-popping intro would have us believe.

Vivian's location sets were almost too realistic for the film's own good it seems. Twice, the cast and crew were threatened with police action when downmarket hotel managers were spooked by the sight of empty liquor bottles and prescription drug pill boxes. Much of the movie is made in downtown Los Angeles or Sunset Boulevard - surrounded by derelict theatres and decrepit hotels. But its verité style lovingly exposes both the city's decay and its beauty. Originally conceived as bitter critique, its ultimate appeal (like 'thelostshoeproject.com' that Vivian champions - 'everyone is searching for something') is one of jewels in the dust.

Pacing is adroitly achieved through abrupt changes in emotional resonance. From initial, self-consciously polished cinematography, we are thrown into Wilson's desultory world. And just as we want to lose patience with him, Vivian erupts into the dialogue, kicking ass all the way from Texas to L.A. A subplot involving Jacob and Min's romance distracts us long enough for the outcome of Wilson and Vivian's date to develop the needed tension. And perhaps the fact that the film doesn't sell out at the end persuades us to view the whole episode more kindly. The palpably low-budget allows the skills of the filmmakers to shine through - whereas a market-perfect production could well have glossed over them. Rather than a movie for couples out on a date, In Search of A Midnight Kiss is for all the people who wish they were out on a date. Or for couples brave enough to ask if they are any better off.

The film, for all its flaws, connects in a way that sanitised romantic comedy can not. Perhaps in idealising love it is all too easy to ignore the grubbier roots and miss what is in front of our eyes.

Finding love – or any sort of emotional bond, or even just a one night stand – on the web might not be easier than in the "real world", but it's certainly a way to start looking for that someone if you're too shy or depressed to go out and meet people.

Alex Holdridge's extremely low-budget, black-and-white "In Search of a Midnight Kiss", is another variation of the "brief encounter" subgenre ("Lost In Translation", "Before Sunrise/Sunset") that I just love, and one of the finest feel good movies of the year. Despite some clichéd gimmickry of first-time filmmakers (this is Holdridge's third feature, actually), the movie relies on the chemistry of its protagonists, Scoot McNairy and Sara Simmonds, who are up for the task.

McNairy plays Wilson, who just got dumped by his long-term girlfriend (this is semi-autobiographical – Holdridge got dumped by his girlfriend and had his laptop stolen in real life, just like Wilson in the movie), who posts a Craigslist ad following a friend's idea. He decides to meet the first woman who calls him, Vivian (Simmonds), a chain-smoking, temperamental aspiring actress. But they hit it off. The movie is essentially their day together, while we wonder whether they will share a New Year midnight kiss or not...

"In Search of a Midnight Kiss" will be enjoyed by those who had a similar experience (that is, finding a nice person online – that can be as unlikely as getting randomly picked by a Belgian hottie on his last night in America - but I met my best friend online, so yes, these things CAN happen!), or those who dream of finding someone special. This film proves that a not so original premise and lack of technical resources can still make a good movie if the talents involved are able to make you want to go for the ride with them. And this search was a lovely ride. 8.5/10.

To tell the truth I wasn't really expecting much from this indie romantic comedy. Much in the line of other great indie movies like "Clerks", "Before Sunrise" or "Walking and Talking" nothing much happens in this movie apart from a lot of talking. Wilson (Scoot McNairy), a scriptwriter going through a terrible patch in life, is caught jerking off to his best friend's girl photoshopped picture. This naturally is the newest low in his disastrously low last three months. More entertained than mad his pal convinces Wilson to sign up to a dating service as 'The Misanthrope' in an attempt to avoid him having to spend New Year's alone. His first hit is Vivian (Sara Simmonds), a Texan girl, who has just left her man and is out to dominate in an attempt to have a fun night out. After a not-so-good initial meeting the pair suddenly seem to start hitting it off... but will they last till midnight and the midnight kiss? Funny, honest and filled with those awkward moments that populate any real conversation this is a refreshing change of pace from most American movies. There is absolutely nothing to distract you from the picture in the shape of cinematography (which is adequate and somewhat amateurish), music and other such typical movie filler. Therefore the dialogues and interaction of characters has to work in order for the movie to hit home. Several times I felt the movie is close to falling off the edge, but time after time it miraculously pounces back to make a heartwarming and almost perfect finale. I must admire the script as a whole, although not all of the conversations really seemed to work and some scenes seemed forcibly overcooked.

Scoot McNairy almost singlehandedly keeps this picture together with a commanding if reserved and exceptionally natural performance. The rest of the cast is OKish with Sara Simmonds sometimes giving in a strong performance, but multiple scenes she borders on being irritating and unlikeable. Somehow even when in danger of that happening the director with the aid of McNairy manages to put the movie back on track. And the last 15 minutes or so are really poignant and make the whole experience extremely worthwhile.

Just finished my first viewing of the film. I feel compelled to write a review in the hope that it persuades just 1 more person to see this film. This film is a great piece of writing, directing and acting. It's just a great film. That fact that it is not perfect makes the film as close to perfect as you can get. Just when I was thinking I would have wrote/shot this scene differently because I got annoyed with it I realised maybe the point was to invoke the emotion.

What to expect is nicely paced movie which, as expected, focuses on the 2 main characters and the dialogue they have. You will laugh out loud, you will get annoyed, you will feel up, you will feel down and you will feel some genuine heart ache. Not to mention everything feels real. The scene just after they have some chewing gum is SO REAL to me that I find it hard to believe most people have not had an experience exactly like that.

Honestly I kind of sad that Hollywood is built in such a way that many people won't get to see or hear of this movie. Do your bit and spread the word.

BRILLIANT. Buy this film. Watch it and tell your friends to watch it.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss (2007) was written and directed by Alex Holdridge.

The film's basic plot line is simple enough--two lonely people don't want to spend New Year's Eve without being with someone they can kiss at midnight. Wilson, played by Scoot McNairy, posts a personal ad that reads, "Misanthrope seeks misanthrope." He's probably not a misanthrope, but the woman--Vivian, played by Sara Simmonds--apparently is misanthropic to the core. (Well, maybe not to the core. I think we're supposed to realize that deep inside she's a lovable, philanthropic person.)

The camera follows these two as they wander through Los Angeles and undergo various adventures that are supposed to be funny. I didn't see the humor, but maybe the film was aimed at someone in a different demographic niche.

The saving virtue of the movie is the way the director shoots the streets of Los Angeles, and the inside of some of the city's abandoned movie palaces.

We saw the film at the Rochester International Film Festival, with Sara Simmonds in attendance. Even though I didn't enjoy the film, it's a pleasure to hear one of the stars talk about her concept of the character she plays, and about what it was like to make the movie we have just seen. Hats off to the festival leadership for bringing Ms. Simmonds to Rochester.

I can't recommend this film, but, if you're intrigued by it, I think it will work better in a theater. On the small screen you'll follow the plot, but you'll partly miss out on the great photography.

Very special movie about millennium love in L.A. It brought tears of both empathy and joy to my wife's eyes. Great date movie because the guys like it, too. Lots of spontaneous laughs from the audience, even without cue cards. Images of Sara Simmonds as Vivian, the female lead, may stay with you and even haunt you for a long time. The writer/director, Alex Holdridge, has created real life characters that we can relate to because they seem like real people. You also get a most interesting background story revealed in graphic images of old Los Angeles, including a visit inside buildings of the old theater district, whose musty stages are now dark and silent forever. See this movie. You won't be disappointed. Strap on your seat belt, though, because Vivian will take you on a "Looking for true love" ride that is different, fun, happy, sad, snappy, and in the end, most pleasurable. I look forward to director Alex Holdridge's next movie.

This movie was great. The cast meshed well together. Felt like it was something I could relate to. Everyone has a year they "don't want to get out of bed and acknowledge New Year's Eve" and all it stands for. Ialso enjoyed seeing Twink Caplan again. I loved her in Clueless. Trying to find a date for New Year's Eve is something we can all relate to and In Search of a Midnight Kiss makes it something we've all been through or felt. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone of any age. I felt it was just the right length. I can't wait for it to open nationally so my friends and family can also enjoy it. Well worth the ten bucks which seems to be rare these days.

Wilson, a man almost thirty years is alone on the night of the New Year. He has fantasies with Min, girlfriend of Jacob. It recommended that he put an ad on a popular dating site and is contacted by Vivian, a rebellious girl, strict and that seems to want to do everything in a very big hurry. After they met between the two occur events which reveals that they could match but not before he take her out to dinner in a fancy restaurant and being put in a position to talk to her former boyfriend from witch receives threats and so he have to rush to help her go home to recover some things before Jack comes and gives them fire. Did this for then to go to the party where his friend Jacob will propose marriage to Min. Things take a strange turn when she jumps on him to kiss but he then rejects her. He tells Vivian what happened but it does not upset because both understand the situation and what they wanted exactly happens will not be alone New Year's Eve and eventually Wilson finds what he wanted, the most desired midnight kiss. Although the action takes place in December, in the winter, I have not seen even a snowflake not an inch of snow on the streets and do not know why it was filmed in black and white. Maybe it was hiding the fact that the outside was another season? Anyway a good movie about love differently than others seen so far from where we can learn something because it can happen in real life.

This is one of my favorite films of 2007. It captures perfectly the feeling of living and dating in this day and age. Midnight Kiss is also one of the few films I've seen that manages to convey both the male and female points of view, in a very truthful and funny manner. The actors are all fantastic, in particular the expressive Scoot McNairy and the lovely Sara Simmonds.

This is what every independent film should be - unique, engaging, laugh out loud funny and tear-inducing as well. I was never bored and left wanting more. The audience I saw it with included twenty-somethings on up to people in their 70s, and everyone raved about it afterwards - amazing to see a film connect with so many people from different age groups. I just hope Midnight Kiss is given a great marketing campaign and a chance to build audiences with word of mouth and good reviews, because this is a jewel of a film that deserves a chance to be seen and succeed at the box office. Well done!

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.

It's little low budget Indies like this that make going to the movies a genuine joy. Alex Holbridge has crafted a sad & funny tale of lonely people on what is probably the worst holiday for them (New Years Eve). The central protagonist is pining for his lost love, when his room mates suggest he look for a hook up through Craig's List. Whom he connects with is everybody's idea of the blind date from Hell. Undaunted, out of loneliness, he tries to make the best of it, with some very funny & very harrowing results. This well written,directed,photographed (in stunning black & white)and acted out film is one to keep your eyes out for if you're sick to death of the same old cine crap from the Hollywood sausage grinder. As this film is unrated, expect some uber rough language & sexual situations (suggested and depicted).

This movie is both hilarious and touching with one of the funniest openings I've seen in a long time. It's a great example for all writers of how to start a movie. This film captures so precisely the pressure to belong, to be with someone, to be a part of a moment that society deems special. In this case - the New Year's kiss. Wilson meets up with a girl, Vivian, who is so annoying at first and only the pressure to not be alone on New Year's Eve keeps him hanging with her. As the story continues, we see more into Vivian's character and grow to like her more. It's beautifully shot and well-written. It's one of the strongest films to come out of last year's film festival scene. It's a little indie film that deserves a long life at the box office.

This movie grows on you, so I recommend that you give it a chance. You may well find yourself initially annoyed by the main characters, but after a while they become sympathetic and even, in their own way, heroic. The main female character especially has more depth and insight than you might credit her with having on your first impression. The dialogue is good, as is the acting, and the plot turns are surprising. The scene that takes place in an old movie theater reveals the beauty of a bygone era. The couple in the supporting role bring their own complications and thereby add to the drama and fun. Altogether, an engaging movie.

I went to see "In Search of a Midnight Kiss" after I read some reviews online to see what it was about. The reviews were diminishing this film and giving the impression this film was not really worth to be seen. I took the challenge and said I wanted to see it and have my own opinion. Well, "In Search of a Midnight Kiss" turns out to be an introspective journey that makes you ask yourself why so many times you look for love but you only find somebody who's going to play with your feeling, and then trash them. But still, if you want to live and not vegetate, you keep playing the field to find your match to get together and have a little piece of happiness.

There's something so utterly charming about these big-hearted slacker-type films that appeals to so many of us who have been there before: directionless, hopeful, longing for someone special to hold at midnight...

After an incredibly bad year, some loser says, "F it," and puts out an ad' for a date, because at least it's a step in the right direction. When his advertisement is responded to by a seemingly neurotic hot blonde in sunglasses, the possibility for comedy is nigh boundless... only, we instead come to know these two lost souls as real people, with real emotions, real dreams and real baggage. And that's where the charm of this flick lies: in the way that the characters go from something you've seen too many times before, to sneaking inside of you so that by the end, you really care what becomes of them.

So, why only a 5?

Well, unfortunately, I've seen a lot of films like this one, and compared to them, it's pretty much middle-of-the-road, albeit, compared to Transformers, it's the 10 others have gifted it with. Also, I had a big problem around mid-point with the fact that Wilson (the "loser") didn't just walk away after being slapped. Had this been resolved instantly, I'd have thought nothing of it, but the situation dragged out to the point of stalking, which kind of made me lose a lot of respect for his character.

The other fault is that I just couldn't shake comparisons of Before Sunrise, which is a film that changed the way I view films forever! Hell, even the ending of this is... Well, I shan't ruin it.

A very recommendable film if you've not seen the aforementioned, otherwise, I can't honestly say that you're missing a great deal.

This was an unexpected delight. I love these movies that are as much a love letter to the cities in which they are set as they are love stories for the characters involved. Reminiscent of Woody Allen's Manhattan, but on the West coast, I laughed out loud and enjoyed every moment. Well directed. Beautifully captured. Good script. Bravo Scooty. What happened to Sara Simmonds, the co-star?

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 don't necessarily agree with all the Woody Allen hype, but I must say I absolutely loved this movie.

I was interested in seeing it after hearing comparisons to Mutual Appreciation and Kicking and Screaming, and this thing lived up while also having very little in common with those films.

I actually think it had more in common with Swingers than anything else, although that's sort've an unfair assessment as well.

The fact of the mater is, it's wholly original while also being completely relatable, and that's a fine line to walk (especially for an indie film!).

The character were always honest and true, but not in a trite way, and that's what made the difference for me.

And it actually kind've surprised me too as far as the comedy is concerned; it was a lot funnier than I was expecting.

Between this, Box Elder, and Ballast, I'd say the last few months of 2008 were pretty strong for independent film.