Audience Member
In Cold Blood (1996) ? 1/2
Needlessly expanded (and detailed) remake of Richard Brooks' 1967 masterpiece (with some style and techniques lifted directly from it, so what exactly is the point of this retread?). Tells true story of criminals robbing rich man, and then murdering his family in the process. The two actors playing the murderers never seem dumb enough (or psychotic enough) with Sam Neill delivering a startlingly ineffectual, one-note performance as one of the detectives. And it goes on forever.
Rated 1.5/5 Stars •
Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars
01/23/23
Full Review
john l
I had "In Cold Blood" set up to auto-record on my TiVo so I wouldn't have to keep searching for it. Lo and behold, it showed up as having been recorded. To my dismay I found this 1996 Hallmark Channel TV movie remake instead of the 1967 theatrical film. The original movie was an Oscar magnet, earning four nominations, and rightfully so as it's a taught, compelling adaptation of Capote's novel. This one is mired in the same mediocrity that besets nearly all made for TV movies. It's all the film that's print to fit . . . the alloted TV time slot . . . with uneven, mired down pacing that geared for commercial breaks. Add to that mediocre small budget production values and compromises made to conserve budget, using 2nd and 3rd string actors, with a Roger Corman School "make 'em dirt cheap" director, and the result is a dull plodding movie that can serve as a perfect substitute for sleeping pills. This is a movie remake that should NEVER have been made! Hallmark should have gotten the rights to the original 1967 film and broadcast it instead.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
william s
A retelling that should never have been retold,at least not here.
Rated 1.5/5 Stars •
Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Despite some creative license, this is nonetheless a detailed and competently produced made-for-television adaptation of Truman Capote's 1966 bestseller. Anthony Edwards is quite good as Dick Hickcock, despite an overly sinister portrayal, and Eric Roberts is outstanding as the sensitive Perry Smith, with stunning turns from Kevin Tighe, Gillian Barber, Margot Finley and Robbie Bowen as the Clutter family, who are presented here as one would envision them from the source material. The story had been previously adapted for the screen since 1967, and whilst this doesn't quite match its edginess, Jonathan Kaplan's steady hand makes this miniseries considerably engrossing viewing.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/20/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Meticulously detailed, way too much so, making this a very long and drawn out version of the famed novel. It?s admirable they wanted to include as much of the book in the film, but sometimes being more selective in what you include is an asset in a movie. It does have respectable period detail, and it is well acted by everyone, good cinematography. It?s main problem is it?s extreme length and the fact it takes way too long to climax. . Still, there are rewarding moments along the way. It is surprisingly subdued and non violent. The 1967 Richard Brooks version is far better and much shorter. Check out a very young Ryan Reynolds who plays Bobby Rupp.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/18/23
Full Review
Audience Member
63/100. Meticulously detailed, way too much so, making this a very long and drawn out version of the famed novel. It's admirable they wanted to include as much of the book in the film, but sometimes being more selective in what you include is an asset in a movie. It does have respectable period detail, and it is well acted by everyone, good cinematography. It's main problem is it's extreme length and the fact it takes way too long to climax. . Still, there are rewarding moments along the way. It is surprisingly subdued and non violent. The 1967 Richard Brooks version is far better and much shorter. Check out a very young Ryan Reynolds who plays Bobby Rupp.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/30/23
Full Review
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