Rating: 
Summary: A modern day update of "Of Mice and Men" circa 1969
Review: One of those rare instances where a film not made for a mainstream audience became a commercial success. When it was released at the end of the 60's, movies were enjoying a new freedom in language and subject matter with the creation of the MPAA rating (then only in its 2nd year). But what director Schlesinger brought to the table was a whole new way of telling a story. Much more European in its execution, but with cuts that were more rapid than had yet been seen.As the story opens and moves foward, it simultaneously moves backward to give us the lowdown on Joe Buck. Propelled, make that glided, by Nilsonn's "Everybody's Talkin'" in one of the most perfect meldings of song and cinema, makes you aware your in the hands of a master storyteller.With Voight's wide-eyed, but totally believable, innocence and Hoffman's cynically encrusted exterior, they bring indellible life to two men who are really brothers under the skin. With Hoffman you can almost smell his b.o. And dig the famous improv when they're walking down the NYC street (photographed by a hidden camera) and Hoffman momentarily breaks character when he's almost hit by a cab ("I'M WALKIN' HERE!") and recovers the bit so adroitly they left it in. While Hoffman has the showy part,Voight has the harder job. Without Voight's genuine innocence mixed with Buck's cluelessness the character couldn't come to life (and this was the problem with the novel). Repeated viewings will make you wonder just who is better. In he end it's a tie, and no wonder the Academy couldn't decide either and tossed the award over to John Wayne. To choose between either actor ultimately would have been a disservice to the other. Some great NY actors, whose faces were well known to audiences back then, do some of their best work here also. And kudos to John Barry's sparse, but unforgettable score. The great composer gives a large chunk of the film's music to some budding songwriters. Originally rated X, this was an X rating the way the MPAA originally intended it(i.e. for Adults Only). Once the porno industry co-opted the rating, the X took on an entirely different and unintended meaning, and thereafter all studios shied away from the dreaded X. (Newspapers would not accept ads and television spots were verboten)."Midnight Cowboy" did get snipped on the re-release for an R rating (as did "A Clockwork Orange") and that's how both films are seen today. But these cuts are minor. The film still stands as one of the most emotionally powerful films about friendship, love and the survival of the human soul.
Rating:
Summary: It Aged Like A Fine Wine
Review: Midnight Cowboy is pretty much the crowning achveiment in Dustin Hoffman's and Jon Voight's carrer. It seens alot less X-Rated like it was in the 60s, it seens more like R. Midnight Cowboy tells the story of a male prostitute who befriends a conman played by Dustin Hoffman. They become friends tell the end and the end is very depressing. It is disturbing and odd, but is one of those movies that you badily want to know the ending. It could probally never be remade because of how great it is. The DVD is pretty bad though. All you get is a trailer and a remastered version of Midnight Cowboy. This one needs a special edition. I recommend this to everyone and this as aged with greatness.Final Score: Two Thumbs Up!!
Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding Performances
Review: Over the years I seldom ever heard the mention of Midnight Cowboy in discussions among theater goers. I oftened rated the performances of both Dustin Hoffman and the then "new-comer" John Voight as the best acting performances ever to be seen. It came to mind that the "theme" of the film for the period in which it was produced may have had something to do with why Hoffman never received the Academy Award for his superb acting performance. I recall when I first saw the film that I predicted that he would without a doubt be selected for the award. Needless to say I was disappointed when the award went to John Wayne for his performance in True Grit. Not to take anything away from Wayne, but in my opinion, this was Hoffmans best ever performance. The awarding of the film as the Best Picture easily substantiates my views. I heartedly recommend it to serious theater goers.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best!
Review: To me Midnight Cowboy is about the ailienation of American culture. From the bus ride in the early scenes passing all the neon lights, to the orange juice commercial, to the dreams of moving to Florida -all are illusions. Only the friendship was real and tangible.
Rating:
Summary: A gritty New York with all its contrasts and inconsistencies
Review: An academy award winner in 1969 in spite of having an X rating, this is one of those classic films that have aged well. British director John Schlessinger, in his first American film, captured the gritty sordidness of New York City, as it was in those days, with all its contrasts and inconsistencies. We see a man sprawled on the sidewalk in front of an upscale jewelry store being ignored by passersby. Jon Voight is cast as Joe Buck, a young man from Texas who comes to New York with the dream of becoming a male prostitute. Dustin Hoffman is Rico Ratzo Rizzo, a the crippled street-wise hustler who first cons the young Texan and later befriends him. Together, these two outcasts form a strange bond as they struggle to survive on the streets of New York. Joe Bucks' story is told with flashbacks and surreal fantasy sequences, which seem unfocussed at times, but give us an understanding of who he is. Ratzo, however, doesn't need this kind of cinematographic background; his quirky character is all right there. The film is full of memorable characters - Sylvia Miles as an aging Park Avenue woman with a thick New York accent who considers herself "one helluva gorgeous chick", John McGiver, the religious nutjob who Joe Buck thinks will give him connections to rich women, and Brenda Vacarro who takes Joe home with her after a psychedelic party. There's a memorable soundtrack too -- "The Echoes of My Mind". And then there's the memorable conclusion which takes place on a bus headed for Florida. I loved this video but it's not for everybody. It's downbeat and sad and disturbing. But it says something about human nature and human connection. And it pictures a way of life that might not be pleasant but is a reality. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: NOT FOR THE NAIVE
Review: Disturbingly honest portrayal of compassion and survival in the rat infested metropolis we call New York. It could be London, Paris, Charleston; it doesn't really matter. The message is ubiqutious. Unlikely alliants encourage each other to chase their dreams while helping one another to survive the never ending symptomology of poverty and hopelessness. There is no surrender. Constantly assaulting the viewers emotions, the screenplay is mined with moments of shear magic, real love, and undeniable humanity. Watch your step! The tears of sorrow might become tears of joy might become tears of sorrow before you even recognize what happened. Touching, full of life, and ultimately devastating. Few adolescents and young adults will appreciate the power of this film. Have you ever been arrested, evicted, went to pawn shop, stood in soup line, begged for food, pan-handled, been a fish out of water...? If your response is "No", then forget about ths film. It's not for you. Because most of us have been there. Even if it's one day. Midnight Cowboy is an incredibly insightful montage of our dreams and desires that will likely realize never. It's about man's innate grandiosity, the power of denial, and then acceptance. A 5 star kleenex alert.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good Story
Review: The plot in the movie was very good and very original compared to movies that are made today. Overall though I did not think the movie was as entertaining as it could have been and seemed to get boring in some parts. The acting was superb by both Hoffman and Voight, the direction of the movie is a little dated, but most people will enjoy the movie. A-
Rating:
Summary: truly classic filme
Review: I thought this movie was great. I liked it because it was moving. I bought it & now I watch it al the time. Check it out,it's great.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie - Will make you more human
Review: I watched this movie in my DB apartment alone on a rainy Saturday afternoon many years ago. I was then a troubled soul because of job-related problems. I have never cried since I grew up but that day watching the movie I was nearly in tears. I would certainly rank the movie as one of the best in the last century in the league of The Godfather trilogy, The Omen part 1, Z, The Dear Hunter, Melody Fair, The Scent of A Woman and In The Name Of The Father. If you are not doing well in life, you should watch it. If you are doing well in life, you should also watch it. It will make you more human. I want to watch it again.
Rating:
Summary: Heart-wrenching
Review: For years this was my favorite film of all time, and it may still be. Voight and Hoffman give the best performances of their careers, IMHO. This is the most savage yet poetic portrayal of post-50's Americana I've ever seen, and for me it is timeless. Every scene is masterfully played, shot, and edited; many are etched into my memory forever. The last scene is almost too powerful, and I'm destined to always watch it bleary-eyed, heartbroken, and profoundly moved. John Barry provided a wonderful score.
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