Third Degree Burn

I believe "neo-noir" is what they call it when it's a modern-day film and in color but has the feel of a film noir. That's what this is, and it was pretty representation of that genre. The main thing is the story holds your interest, although the ending of this film cannot live up to its buildup.

Virginia Madsen plays a Marilyn Monroe-lookalike. Seeing her as blonde was odd, but I can't complain looking at her figure and her smile, which I've always thought was one of Hollywood's best. Meanwhile, Treat Williams is effective as the private eye. He looks the part. The music in here, featuring jazz trumpet, is great film noir stuff. I liked this movie.

If you're a fan of the erotic thriller, this one works and works well. Yes, you've seen it before. Yes, there are no surprises. Yes, Virginia Madsen is hot hot hot-- not nearly as psycho as THE HOT SPOT but is dead on contender for the Kim Novak / VERTIGO prize as the cool ice queen with the ability to melt the screen. What a great noir style film, even though it's predictable and clichéd by today's standards. Hell, this was old back when it was made in 1989! Treat Williams plays a private detective set up to take the fall for the murder of Virginia Madsen's wealthy husband. This isn't rocket science, but it is a fun ride. Except-- until you get to the end. No real spoilers here, but the ending plays out in broad daylight, no thrills, no surprises, no tension. Sorry to see that. It almost feels rushed and faked, as if the original ending was too oblique and the producers whipped up this dumb ass replacement at the last minute. It ruined an otherwise decent little thriller.

"Third Degree Burn" provided more than just great entertainment a la Virginia Madsen and Treat Williams. I was surprised to see an old and very close child hood buddy, D. Justin Cole, formerly known as David Paul Cutler. After watching his performance with Virginia Madsen we were hoping he would attend our 25 year Greendale High School Reunion. In Greendale, Wisconsin. He did! The years have been better to him than most. "American Graffiti", "Happy Days", "Lavern and Shirley" and "That Seventies Show" are mirror images of our lives in Greendale, Wisconsin. We now have a hometown friend and brother who is going places in the movie business. Dave has never failed to surprise and astound us with his ability to achieve what ever he set as a goal. His character in "Third Degree Burn" was only a stepping stone to a very successful acting career. Currently he is "snowed-in" up in Park City, Utah getting ready for another great snowboard riding season and Sundance Film Festival. Time is on his side!

Its a descent thriller. Treat Williams, Virginia Madsen and Richard Masur are ok in this :). It has a standout performance by David Paul Cutler, aka D Justin Cole. He was really, really bad as the rental car rep. Im glad to see that this is his only movie. Phew! Dont trust the reviews made by his friends/relatives.

After reading his resume, including addresses in Park City, Ut and Oracle, Az, I began a search on the slopes at The Canyons and Park City Mountain Resort. Voila, Cutler is a snowboarder. Where else would he be? He was kind enough to take a break and speak with me at length. He had just returned from Brazil where he had been sand boarding and kayaking with his friend Osvaldo and was very appreciative to have someone listen to his travels and adventures. He is currently living in Park City, snowboarding and furthering his acting career. He feels that Being a Union Actor in a Right To Work State has it's challenges and pit falls. I've never met someone with such a positive attitude combined with a terrific sense of humor. I can think of no one other than David Paul Cutler who would best be deserving of huge success in the competitive industry of movies and entertainment. He also informed me that he had changed his legal name to D. Justin Cole. He cannot hide, he must not hide! We desperately need actors of his caliber!