Midnight Run: Friendship, Movies, and Tradition in Memphis, Tennessee

One movie can change a man's perspective, beliefs, even his life. It only takes that one viewing to cement it as the cornerstone of someone's new philosophy on life. One of the most disheartening side effects of this phenomenon is that such individuals long for similarly minded others. It is this that inspires like-minded movie buffs to come together and organize film social clubs.

It can be difficult to find a diverse group of movie fans in Memphis, Tennessee. A glance at the most popular list from Blockbuster or Netflix for the city shows a disturbing trail of cheesy romances and Tyler Perry movies. Any movie buff with taste is almost out of luck when it comes to easily meeting a group of like-minded fans. Thankfully there is a growing group of former MCHS and Hamilton attendees filling the void. These movie, music, and game fans have been meeting since 2007 on their shared interests. The tradition began after school one day with "The Gods Must Be Crazy."

Thrillers, comedies, and documentaries mostly appeal to the group which is affectionately known as Midnight Run. The group often meets at the Memphis Public Library on Poplar Avenue to converse and view movie clips; "Pan's Labyrinth" being one of their personal favorites. In the third floor conference room the fourteen members discuss their love of various entertainment mediums. Though their meeting schedule is inconsistent, most often they all meet on a weekend near the end of the month. Most meetings are led by co-founder, George Wilson. Working closely with fellow members Jeremy, Josh, Troy, David, Allison, and Marcus - refreshments are prepared, transportation provided, and movie clips selected. Upcoming films are likely to be "Casino Royale" and "Pokemon Heroes."

Though they have lost members to colleges outside of Memphis as well as death in one case, Midnight Run is still a central part of their lives. During months when schedule conflicts keep the entire group from meeting, handfuls of members will visit each others homes, the Summer Drive-in, the Paradiso, or the Orpheum. George and Troy are especially passionate about keeping Midnight Run together as many of their school friends and close relatives hold membership in the club, many of which they do not want to lose touch with.

Midnight Run is looking forward to many more years of discussing cinematography, acting talent, mediocre sequels, casting choices, and failed reboots. With a devoted following so strong, it is likely the tradition will endure. All but one of Midnight Run's members are former MCHS or Hamilton attendees; new members are rarely sought out or accepted as the group's foundation is built upon being a post-school social hub. Any 2006-2008 graduates of MCHS or Hamilton can feel free to contact George Wilson via Facebook for potential admission.