Film Review - Cold In July (2014)

On DVD and Blu Ray - "Cold In July" (2014) - The deadly outcome of a late-night home invasion finds a protective husband and father (Michael C. Hall) incurring the wrath of a vengeful ex-con (Sam Shepard). Matters aren't quite as they initially appear, with a number of worthwhile twists and revelations abound in this ominous, suspenseful tale of a family man who finds himself swept into sinister currents and subsequently developing a taste for danger that may consume him. 

Director/co-scripter Jim Mickle (Stake Land, We Are What We Are), along with screenwriter Nick Damici, has lovingly adapted novelist Joe R. Lansdale's crime novel into a dark, down and dirty homage to Director John Carpenter's (Halloween, The Thing, Christine) prime run, emulating the legendary horror auteur's distinct visual aesthetic (complete with Albertus MT title and credits font!) while churning out a pulpy throwback laden with unexpected, engaging detours.  Cold In July is an involving, slow burn affair that blends genres in impressive fashion; a Neo-Western, Crime-Drama/Thriller seasoned with a healthy dose of Mystery and a pinch of Horror, the film defies further description without venturing into spoiler territory.

Set in 1989 Huntsville, Texas, Michael C. Hall's (Showtime's Dexter) "Richard Dane" is awakened by his startled wife (Vinessa Shaw) to confront an intruder in their home.  When the incident leaves the invading member dead, the small business owner finds his world turned upside down- troubled with attaining the status as a local hero, he soon becomes the target of the dead man's felonious father, played by Sam Shepard (The Right Stuff).

Hall puts in fine work throughout as our conscientious protagonist, and although credibility is never an issue, most will more than likely find themselves having problems buying into the logistics behind why this mild-mannered everyman would continue to risk his life (and world) when simply letting matters rest would have sufficed.  Driven by remorse and a nagging sense of integrity, shaken from the doldrums of a monotonous existence, this everyday Joe feels compelled to see matters through to the very end.

Shepard brings a smoldering, veteran intensity to his angry and grieving "Russel", with a mid-film change of direction for his character that provides ample opportunity for the septuagenarian actor to mine the conflicted character more thoroughly.  This is Shepard's best, most memorable work in many a moon.

Don Johnson's (Miami Vice) immensely charismatic Private Detective/pig farmer, "Jim Bob", breezes into the narrative about one-third of the way through and steals the film outright- it's a flashy, fun turn that will leave most wondering why the 65-year-old wasn't able to fully secure super-stardom in film.  Johnson's involvement here provides a vibrant dynamic that elevates an already solid experience and cemented my appreciation for the film.  There's no good reason as to why this movie wasn't widely released in theaters.

Vinessa Shaw (3:10 To Yuma 2007) is solid in a limited role that I wish there had been a bit more material for, while Nick Damici (Stake Land) supplies a local sheriff harboring a secret.  Wyatt Russell (Kurt Russell's son) rounds out the notable cast as the face of pure evil in plain sight.

Potential audiences can expect a narrative that poignantly adheres to father and son themes while veering towards an intensely violent and blood-streaked climactic confrontation- unmistakably adult in nature, the film earns its hard R rating and should please those who crave a story that isn't telegraphed or overtly cliched.  Mickle's direction is finely tuned and fully confident- it's his most complete work to date and I'll be sure to keep tabs upon his future endeavors.

Cold in July features one of the very best soundtracks of 2014, with Jeff Grace's eerily haunting original synth score (another Carpenter staple) perfectly complimented by a rousing assist from Dynatron's "Cosmo Black".

My favorite film of 2014, thus far, it delivers a tense and rewarding dose of kick-ass cool that should rightfully take its place amongst the very best Movies for Guys Who Love Movies.

Highly Recommended, it's a Midnight Max Essential

9.0 out of 10

Director: Jim Mickle
Cast: Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard, Don Johnson, Vinessa Shaw, Wyatt Russell and Nick Damici
Run-Time: 109 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for strong bloody violence, brief nudity and language