In Search of a Midnight Kiss (DVD) Scoot McNairy, Sara Simmonds NEW

If Woody Allen had been in his 20s in Los Angeles in the new millennium, he might have made IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. This ode to technology-fueled romance and indie filmmaking features some of the hallmarks of Allen's early career: a neurotic and lonely "hero," an unhinged but nevertheless attractive love interest, witty dialogue, and black-and-white cinematography. As New Year's Eve approaches, Wilson (Scoot McNairy) is close to age 30 and far from where he wants to be in life. And if it weren't for the efforts of his roommate Jacob (Brian McGuire), he might be content to spend the holiday alone on his couch. But with some prompting, Wilson posts a personal ad on the online site Craig's List, which leads him to a date with Vivian (Sara Simmonds). The seemingly mismatched pair wanders the streets of Los Angeles as midnight--and the possibility of a kiss--approaches. Fans of earnest indie romances such as BEFORE SUNRISE and ONCE will find it hard not to fall in love with IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS. There's an honesty here that is immediately appealing, and it's easy to identify with the film's mix of romantic cynicism and hope. Director Alex Holdridge (SEXLESS) has created a film that lacks the sheen and shimmer of Hollywood romantic comedies, and the audience is the lucky beneficiary of this heartfelt gift.