The_Void Midnight was released in 1982, but it's every bit a seventies style backwoods exploitation flick; and while the movie does feature a whole host of problems; it makes for extremely fun viewing and the way that the plot moves ensures that the film never becomes boring. I'm a big fan of films like this because you can never really tell what's coming; and while the plot of this film doesn't make logical progressions, it certainly does manage to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The central plot focuses on a young girl named Nancy Johnson. Nancy has a 'bad experience' with her stepfather - one that involves him groping her and her resisting his advances. She decides to flee her family home and hits the road where, after coming across one driver who wants to book a motel with her, she comes across two young lads in a van. They give her lift and convince her to travel with them to Florida; but after a run in with the law, the trio find themselves out in the woods, where it just so happens that some murders have been committed...The film is directed by John A. Russo; the man behind a handful of trashy exploitation flicks, as well as a writing credit for classic horror Night of the Living Dead. His writing and direction on this film is not brilliant; but he does manage to pack a lot of different story elements into the film and he has succeeded in making it entertaining; and you cant ask for much more than that from an eighties exploitation flick. It's clear that the director didn't have much of a budget to work with; and the film does look very cheap, although this is repaid by a grubby and fetid atmosphere which really does the film a lot of favours. Midnight is thoroughly unpleasant throughout (the soundtrack being the only exception!) and there's not one innocent character in it, which adds to the unpleasantness. The cast is nothing to write home about; although cult cinema fans will no doubt recognise Lawrence Tierney as the amorous step dad. Overall, this film falls somewhat short of being a must see; but it makes for a good watch and is a hell of a lot better than it's reputation suggests! Recommended.

danilo-31 Hey, this is not a bad horror flick...I have seen a lot worse....it was a good story, the characters were crazy as far as the Satanists...I didn't think the acting was great, but all in all it was an entertaining 90 minutes. I thought the fat retard killing people was comical...that guy was repulsive, but it gave the film credibility having some half man, half creature..LOL...killing people. I have never seen John Russo's other movies, but this was okay. Not an Oscar worthy movie, obviously, but give credit where credit is due. People that give reviews that are always bad are usually angry people who wish they were making films instead of the 9-5 job everyday coming home to their obese wife in the trailer. For a horror film, anyone who gives this less than a three is a loser!!!

Backlash007 While watching Midnight it is pretty clear to me where the majority of the talent lies in the Romero/Russo relationship. Now, I'm not saying John Russo is a bad screenwriter or novelist, but he's no director. Midnight, based on his own novel, claims to be a cross between On The Road and Rosemary's Baby. That is not accurate at all. It's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre...CLEARLY. It's about a crazy family who kidnaps and sacrifices young people to appease their dead mother (who they keep in the attic). It's pretty straightforward and boring. Mostly it's just bad; on both sides of the camera. Even the special effects aren't anything to write home about...and it's Tom Savini! Along with Savini, John Amplas (Martin) has also come from the Romero camp to help out, but he doesn't add anything significant. Lawrence Tierney is the only name actor in Midnight, but he doesn't have a big part. He's not the villain of the piece, but he is the only truly creepy character here. Just watch Chainsaw again and thank me later.

Steve Van Kooten Contains a smattering of blood. A young girl on the run from her pervert father meets up with two traveling losers. They make the mistake of trying to shoplift and end up stumbling into a cult of freaks that captures and kills girls. - - - John Russo must've had a lucky fluke when he contributed to "Night of the Living Dead" because he has since proved that he's not exactly a movie genius. Still, he crafted a film that, while not enjoyable, is certainly an amusing expose of bad taste. There are a ton of taboo subjects floating around and almost achieves a "Texas Chain Saw Massacre" quality with grainy footage, off performances, and extreme low budget. Of course, none of this saves the movie from being muddled and featuring a plot that is too fractured for its own good. It has some value for cult fans, but anyone with a taste for the highbrow or tactful should just stay away.* * out of 4