Killing Midnight

Rating:
Summary: PUZZLING PUZZLER
Review: We have one heroic mystery writer (played by Ryan Alosio from "Darkwolf") who has just come off a big best seller called "Killing Midnight." (Duh). There's been a murder committed right next to the boat where he lives. This murder parallels a killing in his novel. But, guess what? The script doesn't take this premise anywhere further. Instead, we meet Alosio's bitchy agent and her sexy if demure assistant. Seems the writer is having writer's block, so he inexplicably visits a retired PI and professor (Mickey Rooney, in a laughable performance, but not ineffective) to see if this guy can give him some hints on serial killings. Next we meet a supposedly mute gentleman who is going to move his boat next to Alosio. This character is played by Joe A. Dorsey, an actor I've never heard of or seen before, and considering his hammy histrionics in this one, I doubt if we'll see or hear from him again. Suffice to say, the new neighbor is a serial killer first mentioned by Rooney, and he is a true looney with a long grey ponytail which he unhooks prior to his murders. His murder of Rooney is peculiarly sadistic, and not really necessary.
The movie is long on atmosphere and short on suspense, and not rationally developed. Alosio has a lot of potential; he has a sincerity and rugged masculinity that was more evidenced in Dark Wolf, and only hinted at in this one. Karen Mistal as the heroine is more like a Barbie character, and seems as deep as a petri dish.

Not a total washout, but certainly a rent option more than purchase.