Cold Cross

It is good to see talented people developing their own stories

Positives

Cinematography is very good. Clarity of the shots are very good

Audio. Nothing to complain about.

Editing. Very good.

Negatives.

1. Story was confusing and lacked focus. The scenes were hard to understand, follow, and lack connection.

Lines were choppy. To much exposition. Scenes did not have a good tempo. I found myself distracted and not focused on the story.

The movie didn't engage me. It lacked the ability to draw me in.

Overall, the movie seemed like several trailers put together to make a story. I could not see the connections well.

All movies draw you in to the main character. It was hard to determine right away who the main character was.

I have seent this pattern before. The production value is great but the time that needs to be taken on the script, the tempo, the actors, and story progression is lacking. This could have been a great story. My insite on this was that there were few people in the creative decision area and little effort to take time in story development. The talented skills in movie production are there. The time to develop the scenes and direct the actors was limited.

I look forward to seeing what's next for this up and coming production company. They have create potential and I wish them well.

Let me start out by saying that I'm not the world's biggest western fan; generally, they all really blend together for me and aren't very remarkable.

But this film, which was produced in Indiana on a shoestring budget, has a special blend of intrigue, action and biblicism that it really set itself apart.

Let's address something, before going further: as I noted, this isn't a Hollywood production-it was made by someone from the Indianapolis area as a follow-up to an award-winning short film. But you wouldn't know it; the production quality is extraordinary. Even more incredible, it's also director Dylan Query's first feature-length film. So, too, is it lead actor and writer Jacob Stieneker's. For neither of them, though, would you know it.

(I should also note here that while I do not know Query, I do know his fiancé. But I put my love for movies above most all else-ask my wife-so that's playing no role in this review.)

This film is at its heart about revenge, and the pains people take to get it, even if it might ultimately leave them hollow.

It is one of the most beautifully shot movies I've seen this year, and it is fantastically written. The actors-many of whom, like Stieneker, are making their feature-length debut-fit their roles well and really rose to the occasion.

While there were a few editing choices that I might have made differently, and some of the pacing felt uneven (particularly in the film's first half), it was a strong production-one that carried suspense and titillation throughout. It's certainly a movie worthy of the big screen treatment it's getting over the next few week's, just as much as some of the bigger studios' films I've seen lately.

This movie isn't playing widely right now, though the production crews are working to change that. I hope they do, because it's certainly worth giving it a shot.

SCORE: 8.5/10 (From someone who is not a big western fan, I advise that if you have a chance to see it, you should.)

I love watching movies, it's a weekend must at my house. There are not many movies I will watch again, I have to LOVE, like REALLY LOVE, a movie for me to watch it again. This movie has made it onto my list of favorites and we will happily be watching this movie OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!

I had no idea what this movie was about walking into it. I almost didn't go, and how sad that would have been! I loved everything about this movie. This film has everything in it, and is very fast paced. We loved the action, drama, and emotions. You do not want to take a restroom break during this movie, you will miss something good!!

I'm not sure there is anything I can really say in 600 characters to convince you that you need to watch this movie, you just need to do yourself a favor and watch it! You will not be disappointed!!

I can't say enough about this film. I'm not a big cowboy fan but this movie made me change my mind. It had all the suspense of a scary movie and violence of a action movie. Kept me wanting to know more of what is coming next. Lots of twists and turns that kept me interested and intrigued throughout. I would watch again in a heart beat. The main characters William and Finnic learn some big life lessons on what revenge can really do to someone's life. There was some comedic relief with the Marshall and his sidekick. Which lightened the mood a bit at just the right time. The completely original music written by Jake Stieneker (William) and music played with his brothers made the movie flow smoothly. Nothing like a good movie soundtrack to set the mood. Just all around great film by Query Productions. Dylan Query is the next Stephen Spielberg. I can see him doing more great movies to come. Very talented group of actors and crew. If it wasn't for every person doing their part it wouldn't be the phenomenal movie we see before us. It goes to show what team work and talent can produce wonderful art when meshed together.

I would not consider myself a western aficionado, but I have watched a lot of them throughout my life as I typically enjoy any genre of film. It is rare, though, for a western film to stick out in my mind. That list is limited to films such as Tombstone, True Grit (Jeff Bridges), and Django Unchained. I am pleased to add Cold Cross to that list after seeing it last night.

This film manages to pack a good bit of humor into an otherwise dark film centered around revenge and the consequences for those that seek it. The storyline may be dark, but the scenes certainly are not. Make no mistake that this is one of the more beautifully shot films that I have personally watched. It reminded me of The Revenant a bit in this regard.

I did have some minor quibbles with the film, but all things considered, what a directorial debut for Dylan Query. He is clearly gifted and possesses immense potential as a storyteller. What he and his team managed to accomplish on a very small budget is nothing short of remarkable. I very much look forward to the next project from Query Productions and I would encourage anybody to see this film. It is well worth your time.