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BLUE RUIN or COLD IN JULY?-Which One Did You Like Better?

posted 11 years ago by deltsdog
60 replies | jump to latest

I loved them both- both great raw storytelling/film making. No CGI BS, no vampires/werewolves/no kids with special powers- just a great cast and an 80's feel all around. I would take a move like BR or CIJ ANY day over a mess like Transformers or Hercules(cartoons for adults and teen age kids). But that's just me- I know neither film I mention here made any money or will, and Transformers will make more $ in a week than both BR and CIJ combined will ever make, but that doesn't define a films greatness/lure to me. I have Cold In July at a 7/10 (really 7.5 but you can't vote .5s)and I would put Blue Ruin at 8/10- Thoughts?

Plainview: Stop crying, you sniveling ass! Stop your nonsense. You're just the afterbirth, Eli.

[–] Chopperbubba 10 years ago

That's a tough one, but I'll have to go with Blue Ruin. Like you said, no CGI BS, superheroes, 80's TV remakes, just good old fashion story telling with amazing performances by the entire casts. Thank god for Netflix!!!!

[–] SteveResin 10 years ago

I enjoyed both but Blue Ruin was far superior.

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[–] WriterDave 10 years ago

Blue Ruin - one of the best films of the year and eerily minimalist while packing maximum impact. Cold in July was a nice effort but didn't work as well - too muddled and cowboy-y.

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[–] lost-in-limbo 10 years ago

While I liked "Cold in July" fair enough. I would give "Blue Ruin" the edge.
While rather straight forward, I thought it packed much more of a punch in throwing us into the downward spiral of the central character.

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[–] fragile_day 10 years ago

I actually watched Blue Ruin after seeing this post, and I have to say I definitely much preferred Cold In July. Blue Ruin didn't catch me. It had great imagery, and the first act was quite strong, but it was too slow for me. I thought Cold In July had great atmosphere, pacing and a fantastic soundtrack. I wasn't much a fan of the lead actor in Blue Ruin either, he seems to be getting a lot of praise, but I found him quite flat.

Not that there's anything wrong with that!

[–] RazzberryBeret 10 years ago

"Cold In July" had me thinking. Scenes stayed with me for days. "Blue Ruin" was a great ride, but once it was done, I didn't think about it any more.

[–] hollywoodpsychic 10 years ago

Blue Ruin, by a long shot. Cold in July was a disappointment for me. I rated BR an 8, CIJ a 4.

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[–] hafaball-1 10 years ago

Blue Ruin, it had a lot more to say. Cold in July was a nice throwback to 80s movies like you said. If it went even a little further it could have been a great Grindhouse, but it was nice to have a simple plot, good acting, and some heroes. I mean... Dexter has to redeem himself after becoming a lumberjack afterall.

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[–] deltsdog 10 years ago

hafaball- LOLOLOL - Great Point! - Stupidest Finale EVER IMO- and that was my show! Very disappointing- Lumberjack...lol I could have wrote a better finale- you could have also

Plainview: Stop crying, you sniveling ass! Stop your nonsense. You're just the afterbirth, Eli.

[–] XCopoutX_16 10 years ago

Blue Ruin was more consistent but Cold in July had me laughing hysterically at the suspense. I'd pick blue ruin tho