Miracle Mile (1989)

What an ending!

I first saw Miracle Mile back when it first appeared on VHS. I remember that the theatrical preview for it revealed very little of what the film was actually about. At least I think I remember it that way. Anyway, as I watched the film, and its plot became clear, I prepared myself for a bummer ending. How delighted I was when the end came! It was nice to see that writer/director Steve De Jarnett had the backbone to end it the way he did. And now, something like twenty years later, the ending is still as timely, and as scary, as it ever was! Main disappointment: The DVD is not letter-boxed! However, the film is still a frightening blast and remains one of my all-time favorites of the genre. Anthony Edwards is sympathetic as the poor sap who picks up a ringing pay phone only to encounter the most horrifying wrong-number caller in history. Mare Winningham is also fine as his love-interest. Although the film's budget is obviously not enormous, DeJarnett's innovative direction, and the film's good acting and sense of mounting tension, overcome all technical quibbles you may have. Just a wild, scary ride for anyone who likes the everyman-thrown-into-an-extraordinary-situation type movies! Check it out! April 10, 2008

MIRACLE MILE HAS TO BE THE MOST DARKEST ENDINGS EVER!

I had this on VHS for almost 12 years. So I decided to get it on DVD and let me tell you this film delivers the goods. Many of you have probably seen CLOVERFIELD, this movie shot in regular film is almost the same story as to Cloverfield, Boyfriend goes back for girlfriend before something happens.

But this movie had something that Cloverfield didn't have, was a good plotted story and it was enjoyable from start to finish. A great film. You should all see it. April 3, 2008

Excellent!

I'm sure some will disagree on some technical points, but this is really just about as realistic as you will get out of Hollywood, at least as far as the interactions between the characters goes and the decisions they make.

Sure, the misdialed number to a payphone is a small stetch to start it off, but not unrealistic. And then, what happens? Well, it's simple: People start to talk and do what they do best; question, worry, speculate, wonder. Ultimately, some calls are made which add credibility to the speculation.

The next stretch is everyone in the diner freaking out with such minimal info, but hey, it's a 90 minute movie, they only have time for so much.

The general idea of word spreading around and ultimately leading to chaos is very believable, and that is what makes this film so great; that you can actually believe it could happen that way.

The ending was a disappointment in a way, but still good. February 29, 2008

The Mircale Mile bus has left the City

Sure I like happy endings, but let's face if I was living in L.A. and a nuclear missile was going to go off in an hour I doubt I could expect a happy ending. This closely examines the lifes of everyone that is touched by Anthony Edwards character Harry. The news that the missiles are hot and will be inbound just over an hour sets almost everyone into a panic to just leave or grab the one they care about most and bolt. After Harry just met the girl he is sure he wants to spend the rest of his life with, Mare Winningham as Julie, he is out of time. Who would have guessed that he would get a phone call while trying to get in touch with her to apologize for missing their next date. Considering what she said she would do on their third date I doubt Harry would have missed it short of an earthquake. It is rather an ironic ending when you consider where they first met. All-in-all not a bad end of the world movie. I recommend it as a rental before buying. August 23, 2007

some flaws but worth watching

The flaws: some dialogue and delivery could have been better; the shopping cart is just silly; the two gay guys from the gym make you laugh because of their hair and outfits; running around asking strangers if they know any heli pilots is also silly.
However....it is quite entertaining to watch the human race melt down as the end of the world approaches. That it begins and ends at the La Brea Tar Pits is a nice touch. The 80s style is unmistakable; who can forget the clothing and hair of that era (see above comment)? Fun stuff, in an odd way. July 22, 2007

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