Midnight Heat

Don't judge this one by its cover- "Black Out" is a smartly-plotted film noir piece that has surprisingly sharp writing. It is tainted by a noticeably tight budget, but this is a movie that deserves the respect it will probably never get. This is "A History of Violence" with a lesser budget and director, resulting in unfortunately generic production values.

Keep an open mind and you'll enjoy it. "Black Out" is the story of an accountant named John Gray who's perfect life falls to pieces when a tragedy sparks memories of a suppressed past double life. He finds himself on the run, trying to piece his old life back together while simultaneously fighting off mobsters who want him dead. These flashbacks are told in washed out black and white- nodding to the classic film noirs and providing wonderful homage to them.

This is a knockout story considering "Memento" and "The Bourne Identity" (the movie, anyway) wouldn't come out until years later. A better actor than former NFL star Brian Bosworth could have taken the role of John Gray-and the movie for that matter-to a higher level, but he makes do. The real problem proves to be the direction. Allan A. Goldstein achieves greatness in some areas of the film, (like the stylish flashbacks and the flawless realization of the story) but he messes up with some of the action scenes. They are awkwardly cut, which probably indicate sloppy direction of the scenes. He didn't do an adequate enough job capturing everything going on during the action, so most of the action becomes incoherent and forgettable. Also, he didn't seem to invest much in the art department, being that the production design is hopelessly bland. The constant generic feel eats away at any hope of the gritty atmosphere the story so desperately needs.

Do give this one a try, though. It is fascinatingly written and the talent involved is more than you'd expect from a movie staring Brian Bosworth, who really isn't all that bad- really! (3 out of 4)

Brian Bosworth continues his transition from football to the big screen. Coming to the realization that he is more than he believes in his life, he goes to find the roots of his true life. Lots of plot twists here to keep the story interesting. Also, there are a lot of subtle(?) references to his former real life football career. Make note of the hat that he is wearing in this movie, for instance. This one is more of a mixed company movie than his debut in Stone Cold, which was more of a "Guy Movie". I'd rank this one up there in at least the you-need-to-see-this-sometime category, then you make your own decision.

At the start of the movie, a prison bus is wrecked intentionally, and a group led by Thomas Payne takes some prisoners (including Scar) off the bus, though many of those on the bus are shot.

At day's end, John Gray leaves his job at the Arizona State Bank only to get into an accident that leaves him with amnesia. His wife takes him back to their fabulous home hoping he will remember something.

John keeps seeing visions and having nightmares. He sees Payne and Scar, as well as a tattoo worn by some of the prisoners who were on the bus.

John returns to work when he is well enough, but his memory is returning very slowly. Each revelation comes with excitement and even some humor.

In the process of investigating his past life, John calls The Rebel Bar in Los Angeles, where the bartender thinks he sounds like Wayne Garret. Later, Payne and Scar hear that Wayne may have turned up.

A tattoo artist refuses to help at first when John shows him the design, but after some persuasion John is told this is a tattoo worn by people he would probably not want to associate with.

John goes to Los Angeles, where he teams up with cocktail waitress Jenny to find out the truth about his past. Why does Jenny help him? Because during one of his episodes, he thinks Jenny is his wife and helps her out of a jam.

I'm glad I didn't judge the movie by its very violent opening scene. There are a few scenes that would appeal to the macho types who enjoy gunfire, explosions and car chases. As you might expect, many of these are near the end. But it was the mystery that appealed to me, watching the details of John's past life unfold slowly.

Plus the interaction between John and Jenny proved to be my favorite part of the movie. Jenny is pretty, tough, and intelligent. Not to mention funny. At one point, she reminded me of Erica Durance, the feisty young Lois Lane in "Smallville".

Scar is ... colorful. Sort of like a WWE wrestler. Payne is eerie.

It was good. Just more violent than I would have liked.

I just want to tell you that I found the music of that "B serie" very interesting especially while the long credits at the end of the movie : you can listen to a piano playing smoothly with a sweet echo, it 's

very pure and easy to listen, you feel even relaxed after it. I think I could buy the DVD only for listening to the music ! Great Composer "Terry Plumeri" would surely deserve greater movies to enhance his talent !...

This is the second Film of Brian Bosworth. Blackout is in Germany known as Midnight Heat. Bosworth is not so hard,we known him in Stone Cold. But is a good Story and Bosworth is my favourite actor. The Film has his Action-Moments they I Like. Car-Chasing, Fights and Explosions. But I find the Story is better. It makes fun to watching Bosworth has a Amnesie (Blackout). This is another great Bosworth Movie. Check also Stone Cold and One Man's Justice, the best Bosworth Movies.