chowse1
This is the film that goes all the way to prove that understatement is often more amusing than anything else. Lacking slapstick, funny "characters" and too predictable situations it wanders along its own path and lets us go along. If we want. If we don't, that's okay but we'll miss the fun. Jason Priestly portrays a slacker who finds a calling. He also discovers Yoga and the teacher of same. Peter Riegert gives the sliest performance as the "instructor" for Priestly who quickly discovers that sometimes instinct needs no teaching. There is a delusional casualness to the lives and actions of all involved but this underscores the simplistic plot that relies on character and performance rather than stultified situations. (Garofalo must be the most dis-interested prostitute on screen.) But it all works. One hopes this will over time get a DVD and more exposure. A cult favourite in the making.
BA_Harrison
With so many over-hyped major releases of recent years proving to be bitter disappointments, it's a real treat when I get to watch an older, lesser-known film with no expectations and am blown away by what I see. Director Wallace Wolodarsky's Coldblooded is such a film.Jason Priestley (of Beverley Hills 90210 fame) plays Cosmo, a socially inept loner working as a bookie for an organised crime syndicate, who unwillingly becomes a hit-man when his gangster boss makes him an offer he can't refuse. After being sent to work alongside seasoned gunman Steve (Peter Riegert), in order to learn the ropes, Cosmo discovers that he is a natural when it comes to dishing out death.Completely ruthless, quick thinking, and a great shot, he takes to the job like a duck to water, but also finds that wasting people for a living is rather stressful. In order to try and relax, he begins yoga, and soon falls for the pretty teacher who takes his class. But is it possible for him to continue in his line of work and be in love at the same time?A quirky blend of dark humour and extreme violence, Coldblooded is a delight from start to finish. Priestly excels as Cosmo, a character that you cannot help but like, despite his monstrous ability to shoot complete strangers without skipping a heartbeat. The young killer's deadpan expression and bizarre mannerisms suggest that his mind functions in a manner different to mosthis perception of right and wrong is certainly severely distortedand whilst this doesn't excuse the fact that he is a brutal murderer, it makes his actions little easier to understand and, perhaps, even forgive.The smart script, also by Wolodarsky, brims with offbeat moments, great incidental characters, and inky black comedy, and his talented cast (which includes great turns by Robert Loggia, as Cosmo's boss, and Kimberly Williams as his girlfriend, plus fine cameos from Janeane Garofolo and Michael J. Fox) don't put a foot wrong, delivering some truly excellent performances.If you too are weary of overblown summer blockbusters that don't live up to the hype, track down this little gem of a movie to be reminded how good cinema can be when it's done right.
cpeq
I feel I must step up & defend one of my favourite movies. Jason Priestley has never really even shown up on my radar, but to call him boring in this movie is to miss his intent altogether, I think. He wasn't boring, he was clueless to the existence of anything outside of his pathetic, but happy, little life. I'm laughing now at the thought of the childlike wonder and excitement when he finally discovers something he's good at! Peter Riegert was very funny as well. Janeane Garofalo was wasted; Michael J. Fox was a co-producer & apparently had a couple days to kill...All in all, though, this little film ranks alongside Grosse Pointe Blank and Oscar (okay, Johnny Dangerously, too!)on my list of good gangster comedies. Oh, yeah! The Whole Nine Yards had some REALLY funny moments! Just can't get enough of seeing Matthew Perry beat the bejezus outta himself! Haven't seen Ten Yards, though. I am afraid...!
cheeto55
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.
AD
