Review of Cold in July (2014) by Sgt. C — 03 Jul 2014
Honour Killing.
A great adaptation of the Joe R. Lonsdale noir thriller, this is a deep study of honour and masculinity. Richard Danes (Hall) goes from weak picture framer to macho, gun toting hero, coached by Sam Shepard and Don Johnson.
As with all adaptations, it makes some changes to the story, but not enough to derail the core themes of the movie. It is a redemption story for all three men, especially for Danes who discovers his father in Shepard's Russel, and for Russel who comes to grips with his failure as a father in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
The film is plain, no CGI or bullshit pandering to PC narratives. It is re-blooded and masculine, heroic and flawed, like its characters. Mickle stuck at it for 7 years, trying to get this film made and it pays off.
I only hope The Bottoms - also being made - comes out half as well and as true to the source novel.
Nothing short of fab.
This review of Cold in July (2014) was written by Sgt. C on 03 Jul 2014.
Cold in July has generally received positive reviews.
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