Review of Cold in July (2014) by Mary B — 28 Feb 2016
After the underappreciated STAKELAND Jim Mickle tries his hand at an 80's style film noir B picture. Detractors have remarked that this is merely a JOHN CARPENTER rip off which is true in part but misses the mark otherwise.
Mickle sites JOHN CARPENTER and WALTER HILL as big influences and this film actually feels like an amalgamation of their styles. The synth score by Jeff Grace and slow burning atmosphere is pure JOHN CARPENTER (the font on the credits is the same as THE THING in fact) whereas the story feels more like a HILL film, a crime revenge drama built around turse men taking the law into their own hands.
Despite the heavy homage of style and form Mickle still manages to deliver a film that somehow finally feels like neither. Perhaps though this film will mean far more to those who dig MICKLE's influences.
I for one dug it hard.
This review of Cold in July (2014) was written by Mary B on 28 Feb 2016.
Cold in July has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
