I just happened to see both of these movies this week, so why not put them up against each other since they are likely to appeal to the same movie crowd.

These films are similar in some ways.   Both pay tribute to some earlier films .   10 Cloverfield Lane obviously inspired by Cloverfield and Midnight Special, well it might ruin it but safe to say it’s an homage to a certain director’s films.

Both films take you on a crazy journey where you are not quite sure exactly what is going on.  And that’s the beauty of it.  So don’t read trailers that talk about plot points.

What did I love about Midnight Special?   Michael Shannon and Joel Egerton.   These guys are such amazing actors that do incredible things with minimal dialogue.   Also the story has a great message about parenting and allowing your children to be who they are destined to become even if you don’t understand what it is.

What did I love about 10 Cloverfield Lane?  The perfect chemestry of madness in the casting of John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr.  And the sheer craziness of the story.  Also that the protagonist hero in this story is a young woman.

What didn’t I love about Midnight Special?  It was a bit slow in spots and not terribly original.  And the glowing eyes were annoying.

What didn’t I love about 10 Cloverfield Lane?  Nothing stands out.

For me 10 Cloverfield Lane came out ahead on the thrill scale.  Something I might watch again.