Review of Cold in July (2014) by Peter F — 24 May 2014
An indie thriller that strives to re-capture the tone and aesthetic of early John Carpenter, and it mostly succeeds, yet to what end? Cold in July is certainly commendable in how it starts out as one kind of movie, yet effortlessly transitions into being something rather different, filled with a synth score and taste for pulp that certainly recalls it's chosen era of influence.
Don Johnson also gives a very spirited and watchable performance, that strengthens the film's particularly messy second half. It's just the film's overall message is murky, and it's adherence to tropes comes off as cliched at times.
Jim Mickle's direction is even suspect, as at times it's rather adroit, but there are scenes where it's obvious a sense of restraint would have been more desirable. My current pick for 2014's most overrated film.
This review of Cold in July (2014) was written by Peter F on 24 May 2014.
Cold in July has generally received positive reviews.
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