Culture Magazine

Cold in July (2014)

By Newguy

logoDirector: Jim Mickle

Writer: Nick Damici, Jim Mickle (Screenplay) Joe R. Lansdale (Novel)

Starring: Michael C Hall, Vinessa Shaw, Wyatt Russell, Don Johnson, Sam Shepard, Bill Sage, Nick Damici, Brianda Agramonte

 

Plot: When a protective father meets a murderous ex-con, both need to deviate from the path they are on as they soon find themselves entangled in a downwards spiral of lies and violence while having to confront their own inner psyche.

 

Verdict: Slow Moving Thriller

 

Story: We start by seeing quite family man Richard and his wife being woken up by a noise in their house, to which we see him investigate to find a man inside the house. He shoots and kills the man leading to his statement and self-defence charge. After the young man’s father is released from jail he starts to play games with the family, just how far will the man go? After questioning the identity of the man he killed Richard uncovers the corruptness in the police and teams up with the father to discover the truth which is more disturbing than anything they could have imagined.

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What starts out as a thriller that focuses on revenge turns into a vigilante film with three guys trying to take down the criminal ring. It goes through the change but loses a lot of momentum when the second half happens because you don’t completely know where it is meant to be going. Sadly it comes off very slow and apart from the shock in the crime it doesn’t offer any twists that you haven’t already heard about from the trailer. (6/10)

 

Actor Review

 

Michael C Hall: Richard Dane local business owner and family man who upon an intruder in his house accidently kills him, leading him to question his sanity as the father stays playing games on the family. He uncovers that not everything is what it seems and goes into a world he could never imagine by the end. Michael gives a good performance fresh off the back of Dexter. (7/10)

 

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Vinessa Shaw: Ann Dane wife of Richard who at first thinks he is over reacting but soon starts to agree with his worries. Vinessa gives a solid performance but only seems to be involved in first part. (6/10)

 

Don Johnson: Jim Bob detective bought in to try and help the two men figure out the truth. Don gives a good performance as the smooth talking gunslinger. (7/10)

 

Sam Shepard: Russell the father of the so called victim that haunts Richard before calling in an old connection to help uncover the truth. Sam gives a good performance as the man who has realised he has made mistakes in his life. (7/10)

 

Support Cast: Be it the cops or the criminals each member of the supporting case helps the story unfold more.

 

Director Review: Jim Mickle – Solid direction but sometimes ends up letting the story flow too slowly when nothing is actually happening. (5/10)

 

Crime: Trying to expose the truth that has been getting covered up because of the criminal action. (7/10)

Thriller: keeps you interested to see what the characters will do even though it has moments you might start to lose interests. (7/10)

Settings: Authentic settings re-created but in the end they are not used as much as they need to be. (6/10)

Suggestion: This is one for thriller fans to try but it might be a bit slow for the casual fan. (Thriller Fans Try)

 

Best Part: First encounter with the Mexican.

Worst Part: Slightly slow during the middle.

Believability: No (0/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Chances of Sequel: No

Post Credits Scene: No

 

Oscar Chances: Unlikely

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

Tagline: How many men can one bullet kill?

 

Overall: The Cover Up That Will Shock a Father

Rating 

65


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