I'll start this off with a little SPOILER ALERT...but don't freak, because you may want to think of this as more of a spoiler notice. If you're considering heading off to see The Cold Light of Day because of Bruce Willis and the promise of another action-packed Die Hard-esque experience...well, you need to realize that his role in this one is reduced to that of a glorified cameo. If, however, you're checking this one out as a sneak peek from the future Man of Steel...well, you are a little more on target.
Will (Henry Cavill) is begrudgingly joining his family in Spain for a vacation. Why is he not giddy about a magical Madrid getaway? Mostly because of his dad, Martin (Bruce Willis). We get the idea fairly quickly that Will and his dad have never really seen eye-to-eye. That may be putting it mildly, because Will really doesn't like ole pop. Martin is a demanding father with high expectations, as he himself hops around the globe booking gospel bands. Nevertheless, with plenty of pressure from mom and even little brother, Josh, Will finds himself on a boat just off of the coast of the land of the setting sun. That is, until he decides to go into town on an errand. Upon his return, he finds no boat and no fam. Curiously troubling, indeed. Even more so is the lack of help from the police. Actually, they turn the tables on Will and start hunting him down. All of that is just the beginning. From there, Yadayadayada...Will begins to track down the truth about his father...find his family by finding a mysterious suitcase...all while evading bullets from multiple sources.
It's okay. I'll go with 3.0 Stars on this one. There's a lot of potential here plot-wise, although it's certainly not exactly a unique story. For a few reasons, however, it is just a tad flat. The element of mystery as to what is happening and why is revealed way too soon for my taste. As a result, the flick becomes less of a psychological thriller and more of a straight action picture. I prefer the former. Sure, there are still a few twists left and the audience is left to put the pieces of the puzzle together, which is no small task considering the number of pieces and moving parts to said puzzle.
At any rate, it does have several redeeming qualities. First, I'm never opposed to a trip to Spain and that scenery provided a nice vacation. Second, it's good to see a mixture of veterans like Sigourney Weaver fused with some fresh faces, while getting a sneak preview of Cavill in an action role. Finally, the core story is pretty interesting, even if it unfolds in way that was shy of satisfying.
How is Cavill as an action hero? Not bad. I was hoping for a true humanistic character that stepped out of shadows of normalcy and, when thrust into dire circumstances, met the challenges in very human ways. Instead, we got the typical tale--normal everyday guy one minute...scaling rooftops the next before taking brutal beatings that in reality would end the average Joe's day in a millisecond. But wait, this is the next Superman we're talking about, so I'll let it pass.
Is this one to go BIG on? Probably not. The Cold Light of Day will make a solid rental experience. It's slated for a BluRay/DVD release in January.
True...OUT!
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