The spy thriller has had some great success over the years with the long running Bond franchise and Bourne series. Every so often a random addition shows up, but more often than not they seem to miss the mark. The latest film The Cold Light of Day isn’t so much of a spy thriller, but still uses some of the same formula. The film had some decent trailers and features Bruce Willis, Sigourney Weaver, and future Superman Henry Cavill but barely seemed to get a run in theaters. Could there be a reason for its quick dump to video or is one of those underrated gems that just didn’t get the proper treatment?
The Cold Light Of Day follows a Wall Street trader on the run after his family is kidnapped. While trying to locate his missing family, he must contend with the intelligence agency and the terrorists determined to recover a briefcase and not get killed in the process. This film had everything going for it to deliver a good action thriller, but never really found its legs. Cavill does a fine job with what he is working with, but seemed to be limping along here to make this film work. The rest of the cast do ok, but are underused. Willis who is billed as one the stars, is really subjected to co-star standings and really barely in the film. Once it gets going it and starts to move things along, it kicks the action into gear but never really delivers anything more than average. The story is simple to follow, but so convoluted that it makes it feel like they are struggling to get to the point and in turn makes the viewer feel the struggle as well.
For all its flaws it plays ok, but for the star power featured here you would think it would deliver more. Maybe it’s the convoluted plot, but just something about this film just doesn’t deliver alongside the decent action thriller it is attempting to create. While it may be a decent rental, it is pretty clear why it didn’t get the theatrical push. Lucky for us we have Willis and a new Die Hard and Cavill gets another chance with Man of Steel this year.
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