Cold in July

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COLD IN JULY (2014) *** Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard, Vinessa Shaw, Don Johnson, Nick Damici, Wyatt Russell. Twisty turny slice of TexMex neo noir * male bonding flick about a family man (Hall in a tricky role) whose life is turned upside down after killing a burglar in his home when the felon's ex-con father (grizzled and no BS Shepard) enters the picture on parole and seeking vengeance. What seems like a pulp fiction potboiler makes a sharp turn and doesn't hold back half-way in and things get even dicier for both men. Effectively bumpy screenplay by Damici (who co-stars as the town peace officer) adapting the novel by prolific Joe R. Lansdale (a cross between Elmore Leonard and Louis L'Amour if you will) with dark underpinnings only buoyed by a very electric turn by Johnson as Shepard's cowboy investigator/pig farmer friend from the past adding some pepper to the stew. Jim Mickle's steady direction keeps from going off the rails even though the ending is telegraphed it is still worth the trip.

Just finished watching the independent film "Cold in July" and I must say it's one that was a surprise and interesting taking twist and turns to a dark secret that shocks and hurts. Set in rural Texas in 1989 it involves a murder case with Richard Dane(Michael C. Hall)who after being at home with the wife and young son shoots a house intruder who's a supposed ex con. Well the local police says it was the son of a man named Russel(Sam Shepard)only it's soon discovered that this is not Russel's son as his son is still at loose and on the run. How did the local police cover it up did they have their reasons? Perhaps they didn't want the father to know the dark secret about to come. The film develops into a world of violence and twist after turn. Then enter an old and wise sharp Jim Bob(the old classic "Miami Vice" man Don Johnson and it was nice to see him again))this guy is a Texas private eye type who's cool and one to find out things thru investigation and research. So the three head out on an underworld Texas journey of thugs, drugs, and torture sex as they even see a world of snuff stuff. And thru it all a dark secret that's painful and hurtful is found. Overall a well done film that shows life is painful and tough and sometimes secrets are dark and the most hurtful when involving the ones we love.

It is beyond me why does this movie get so many good reviews form audiences and critics. The acting is not that bad but not very good either. The story line although it has a good start continues from bad to worst. :Spoiler: It goes from a simple interest for the identity of the man that was killed in the house, to massive story about government conspiracy. The tempo is so fast that they jump from segment to segment in a rush. Sorry to say but it seems to me like Michael is choosing his acting titles from his experience in Dexter, the plot holes in this movie are as big as were in the series. Don't waste your time and money on this overrated movie !