Genre:
Drama, Thriller
Distributor:
Icon Distribution
Rating: 15
Running Time: 109 Minutes
Release Date:
27 June 2014 (UK)
Director:
Jim Mickle
Cast:
Michael C Hall, Sam Sheppard, Don Johnson, Vinessa Shaw, Nick Damici
Cold in July is a new neo-noir western directed by up and coming B movie director Jim Mickle.
It's a film of two very distinct halves, neither of which work. The first half shows the aftermath of a shooting of a burglar in a home invasion. Michael C. Hall stars as the everyman who protects his family using the second amendment. He is haunted by his actions, but things get worse for him when the victim's father comes for vengeance. It plays a lot like History of Violence meets No Country for Old Men meets Cape Fear, but fails to reach the heights of any of them. It's deeply unoriginal and rather predictable.
The second half, while certainly not predictable, is utter nonsense. A mystery action film, with plenty of violence and poor attempts at humour. The whole thing feels as if it belongs on VHS, but it has none of the charms of a good B-picture. It's entirely second rate.
There is some enjoyment to be had in the shape of Don Johnson, who plays a charming private detective/pig farmer. He does wonders with rather a poor script, and it's a shame he's not in it more. The score is also quite enjoyable, adding to the B movie feeling with simple yet memorable keyboard tunes, much like those in John Carpenter's greatest works.
These little pleasures are not enough though to make Cold in July enjoyable. Watch a current western classic or pick up a so bad it's good gem from a bargain basement, just try and avoid this tedious picture.
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