Cold in July Review

Jim Mickle’s screen adaptation of Joe R. Lansdale’s novel Cold in July was every bit as misleading as its title. I was expecting a suspenseful, psychological thriller and instead the audience endured a 109-minute film with identity crisis issues. The curtain rises with Michael C. Hall as Richard Dane, a timid and unimpressive framer struggling to provide for his young family. After shooting and killing a home intruder, we follow Richard as he uncovers an unexpected mystery surrounding his victim. Hall provided comedic relief throughout the film as he fumbled around like a Hardy boy looking for clues, but his dramatic acting talent was mistakenly underused. We’re introduced to Sam Shepard as Richard’s victims vengeful father, but again poor screenplay adaptation left his talent sitting in the dust. Don Johnson is the third vigilante/private investigator added to the mix as Jim Bob Luke, a Texas outlaw playboy. The three stumble around aimlessly seeking justice in a film that varies between comedy, father and son drama, and a horror flick. Besides an impressive score, the movie let a potentially interesting story and undeniable talent run cold.