Coldblooded

I watched this film at an obscenely late hour the other night, and it was like a breath of fresh-air. As soon as I saw Jason Priestly, I assumed it would be one of those terrible straight to TV movies that involved a cast of C-list celebrities wondering what on earth they were doing making such rubbish.

Not so. As the film progressed I realised, to my utter surprise, that I was actually really enjoying it. The dialogue was funny, the characters interesting and the ending inspired. Priestly was excellent, only ever achieveing such dizzy acting heights in another quirky classic, 'Love and Death on Long Island', and the supporting cast were genuinely talented.

It wasn't perfect; it could have been longer, but it definietly had all the assets of a cult movie.

This little film is so tasty. I will bet you that you cannot think of a character in another movie that is similar to that of Cosmo. There is a hole in this man's soul where his moral compass should be, and we like it! I can see why Michael J. Fox liked this project. Its got the Teen Wolf kind of humor but its played completely straight. Not strictly a gangster movie. I hate gangster movies. This I loved.

There are fewer and fewer ‘labours of love' in the movies these days- you start with a clever guy and a clever idea (right there most projects grind to a halt) get together a few bucks and some close ‘famous' friends-far too big a stars for this little project…and go out for an obscenely FEW amount of days and locations, add a little spit and bailing wire, and somehow come away with a movie.

Two Girls and a Guy is a good example, Let it Ride another one, but for my money, COLDBLOODED is the best of them all.

It's just that good.

Wallace Wolodarsky (supervising producer of The Simpsons) wrote and directed this darker than dark, black, dark black comedy about a young hit man protegee and his kooky environs.

Jason Priestly (as Cosmo Reif) shows the acting form not of Bev Hills 90210, but a foreshadow of his later work in Love and Death on Long Island. Kimberly Williams is perfect as the ingenue girlfriend, and Peter Riegert is spectacular as Cosmo's mentor Steve.

Robert Loggia, Janeane Garofalo and even Michael J Fox show up in smaller roles.

Not available on laser, you'll have to dig this one up on video, or on some of the more obscure cable options-but well worth the effort.

Take one very introverted bookmaker and transform him into a highly successful hit-man. Now add an attractive yoga instructor to the mix and you have a talented killer in love. Though he clearly enjoys his work, he has no clue about relationships. This off-beat scenario easily drives "Cold Blooded" into black comedy territory. With sharp dialog, and fine acting from Jason Priestly, Kimberly Williams, Peter Riegert, and Robert Loggia, this is a must see for admirers of dark humor. The clever script is never boring, but is unpredictable and charming in a perverse sort of way. There is no DVD, but I highly recommend seeking out a VHS copy. - MERK

I rented this movie a few years ago on a friend's recommendation. I did not want to see it, strictly because of Jason Priestly. Boy was I wrong! This is one of those rare gems that you wish you could show to all your friends. This movie is what others like "The Big Hit" and such crime/comedy movies WISH they could be. It is smartly written, greatly acted (and subtly acted, no over-the-top histreonics as an attempt at humor) and excellently cast. Robert Logia is fantastic as the new Mob leader. Priestly is great as the title role. Please watch this movie with an open mind and be ready to be shocked, both at the black humor, and at the intelligence and care the story receives.