Customer Ratings & Reviews

An unconventional thriller that plays at being a romantic drama before taking a hard left turn into Cold War paranoia, I’d say it’s fair to call writer/director Steve De Jarnatt’s MIRACLE MILE from 1988 a hidden gem. It’s a little clunky in spots, but it’s effectively tense and uncompromising. Featuring solid turns from its leads and a bevy of solid character actors, it’s an enjoyable flick that mines the era’s darkest fears for bleak thrills. Jazz trombonist Harry (everyman Anthony Edwards) and spunky waitress Julie (heartfelt Mare Winningham) have only just met but they’re already madly in love. When a series of mishaps leads to Harry answering a random payphone at 4AM in the Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles, he is given information that could impact the immediate future of possibly everyone on Earth. Is it real or a joke, and if it is true, can he find Julie and outrace a horrible fate? Notable supporting roles belong to Mykelti Williamson (credited as Mykel T Williamson) as a thief, Denise Crosby as a well-connected businesswoman, Kurt Fuller as an irritated assistant, and Robert DoQui as a no nonsense cook. Other familiar faces include John Agar, Lou Hancock, Kelly Jo Minter, O-Lan Jones, Earl Boen, Diane Delano, Jenette Goldstein, and Brian Thompson. Future writer/actor/producer/director Peter Berg also has a blink and you’ll miss it bit part. De Jarnatt’s scripting is mostly solid. It asks us to swallow a few unrealistic turns, but De Jarnatt’s own evenhanded direction moves us through these rough patches in an assured manner. The way the story is structured, with much of it unfolding in real time, also delivers some labored moments to maintain the requisite anxiety. That being said, his commitment to his premise is impressive and his ultimate vision doesn’t pull punches. That such a grim tale was produced within the studio system is truly remarkable. Edwards is really the main character, and he handles the material well. We sympathize with him despite not knowing if some of the ensuing chaos is his fault. Winningham disappears from the film for about twenty-five minutes, and she doesn’t get as much character definition as Edwards, but she holds our attention and is a calmer but confused counterpoint to Edwards’ frantic performance. Theo van de Sande’s photography is immersive but subtly stylish. Composing some striking images, some vaguely surrealistic, while capturing the deserted streets of LA and still vibing with De Jarnatt’s unorthodox tonal turns is a huge win for the presentation. I wouldn’t say the film is flashy, but it doesn’t have a typical look, either. The locations and sets effortlessly place us in the narrative’s predicament, with van de Sande ensuring that we’re right in the action without confusing us and lending authenticity to the story’s setting. I wouldn’t call this an effects film, but stunts and action sequences are well done. Major moments in this department include two full body burns, some car crashes, some gunshot wounds, and a handful of explosions. Despite the relatively small budget, the film feels bigger than it is due to the presence of elements like an anarchic sequence with tons of extras and a scene with a helicopter. One of the film’s biggest strengths is its synth score by the iconic Tangerine Dream. Crafting low-key dread and draping it over the proceedings, it’s assists in achieving the panicky atmosphere that’s essential to the movie’s success. Distinct and memorable, while still being unobtrusive, it evokes feelings of romance, unease, and melancholy, and even helps propel the film when the story is slightly sagging. Steve De Jarnatt’s MIRACLE MILE does a lot with a little. It admirably doesn’t take the easy path and feels fresh, as a result. Though it’s definitely of its era, it’s still an enjoyably moody time capsule with engaging performances and an excellent score. Highly recommended for fans of THE QUIET EARTH, AFTER HOURS, and CLOVERFIELD.

They don’t make movies like this anymore…it’s an experience you’ll either love or hate.

Great product and great value. Funny and smart and well written.

Truly incredible, the best movie that no one has seen

Another fun film that includes a fantastic soundtrack.

Very cool movie from the early 90's that is action packed.