MOVIE REVIEW
Miracle Mile (Special Edition) (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller, Romance, Drama
Year Released: 1988, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Steve De Jarnatt
Writer(s): Steve De Jarnatt
Cast: Anthony Edwards, Mare Winningham, John Agar, Lou Hancock, Mykelti Williamson, Kurt Fuller, Denise Crosby, Kelly Jo Minter
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Some films manage to fully immerse you from the first scene, pulling you into a world where time feels like a ticking bomb. This movie is a brilliant example of how a simple premise, combined with creative direction, can evolve into something genuinely captivating. With its blend of high stakes and raw emotion, it crafts a story about human resilience, love, and the choices we make when the clock is against us. I can’t, for my life, understand how this didn’t become the cult classic it deserves to be!

The story starts with Harry Washello (Anthony Edwards), a man whose day turns upside down after he answers a phone call with an apocalyptic warning. What follows is a frantic race through a city unraveling at its seams. Harry tries to connect with Julie (Mare Winningham), a woman who has unexpectedly become central to his life. The decision to present events in real-time intensifies the unfolding narrative, making each second feel significant and heightening the sense of urgency.

This film stands out because it honestly depicts how people react under extreme pressure. The diner sequence, where Harry shares the details of the phone call with a group of strangers, becomes a microcosm of human responses to impending disaster. From denial to panic, the varied reactions of the characters feel exaggerated yet uncomfortably plausible, creating a layered look at humanity on the brink.

Edwards delivers a relatable performance as Harry, grounding the chaos with his portrayal of an ordinary man navigating extraordinary circumstances. His vulnerability and determination make him an anchor in a story that could have easily veered into melodrama. Though given less screen time, Winningham adds a layer of warmth and sincerity, making her character’s connection to Harry emotional beyond its time constraints. Together, their chemistry provides an emotional core that helps to keep the audience invested.

Visually, the film transforms Los Angeles into a nightmarish labyrinth, thanks to Theo van de Sande's evocative cinematography. The sprawling urban landscape becomes a core element of the film, with its stark lighting and shadowy corners amplifying the sense of isolation and dread. Complementing this is the score by Tangerine Dream, whose surprisingly atmospheric compositions add an otherworldly quality to the chaos.

The film isn’t without its imperfections. Some supporting characters lean towards almost being a caricature. While their presence adds variety, it also risks undermining the film’s otherwise serious tone. The story flirts with more profound themes about fate, human connection, and existential dread, but these ideas are never fully explored. A deeper dive into these concepts could have added a layer of philosophical exploration.

What truly elevates this film is its refusal to conform to Hollywood norms. Director Steve De Jarnatt held firm to his vision, resisting pressures to soften the story or deliver a more palatable ending. This commitment to his story gives the film a rawness that sets it apart from more sanitized productions.

Ultimately, this is more than just a race-against-time story; it’s a meditation on the fragility of human relationships and the extraordinary lengths people will go to for love. The film's ability to balance heart-pounding tension with touching storytelling makes it a must-see. It challenges the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about human vulnerability.

For those who appreciate stories that blend emotion with edge-of-your-seat suspense, this film delivers an unforgettable experience. Its unique combination of gripping action and heartfelt moments ensures it will resonate with audiences, leaving them reflecting on their choices when the stakes are life and death.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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