A fun film Cold Brook is a story that plays out with a hint of historical meaning. Nicely directed by William Fichtner, the little Indie has some nice amusing scenes, drama and even some fantasy. It’s one of those films that when you leave the theater you feel good.
Ted Markham (William Fichtner) and George “Hilde” Hildebrandt (Kim Coates) are best friends and work together at Woodbury College in maintenance. One day after hours while they are cleaning the Museum of Art they spot a man standing in front of an exhibit that has items found on a sunken sailing ship.
Since the ship was carrying a large group of passengers and is historical, the two men get concerned and ask him to leave. The man seems to disappear and then reappear again. Not wanting anything to go missing Ted and Hilde take action, but as they get to the exit the man is nowhere to be found.
So begins a night of wonder that turns into another night of sightings. Director William Fichtner does a very good job of setting up the storyline, introducing the characters involved and providing a few surprises that you may not see coming. Using the museum may give some thoughts of Night in the Museum, but rest assured this film is nothing like it. The unique storyline of Cold Brook by Fichtner and Cain DeVore gets exciting and then heartfelt as the film plays out and It left me with a good feeling inside.
I like the way Fichtner brings in the press, how he sets up the wives who start to think the two are crazy and how the college students get involved. Playing the part of Gil Le Deux, Harold Perrineau keeps the movie very interesting as he ponders over the art affects and leads Ted and Hilde around on goose chases. The movie becomes his story and you may even wonder if it may be based on a real life incident.
Cold Brook has not been rated by the MPAA and really doesn’t contain anything offensive. Think of it as a PG rated film.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very cool Indie with some sweet moments. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Brad William Henke, William Fichtner, Kim Coates, Robin Weigert, Mary Lyn Rajskub, Harole Perrineau, Charlene Amola, Johnny strong, Erich Anderson
Directed and co-written by: William Fichtner
Genre: Fantasy, Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.
Opening Date: November 8, 2019
Distributed by: Vertical Entertainment US
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
