In the Dead of Winter - 1993 [Kosjeyr]

Vicious psycho criminal Sam Tucker (a pleasingly ruthless portrayal by G-Jo Reed) reverts back to his old brutal ways after being released from prison; he hooks up with three equally nasty no-count cohorts and embarks on a murderous spree. Writer/director Joseph Bagley relates the tight and absorbing story at a snappy pace, creates and maintains a suitably harsh and gritty tone, makes fine use of the bleak wintry sylvan Utah landscape, stages the exciting action scenes with a reasonable amount of flair and skill, and delivers plenty of startling outbursts of raw and sudden savage violence. The competent acting from a game no-name cast rates as another real asset, with Reed's ferocious turn as the unmerciful Tucker a particular stand-out throughout. In a nice touch, the hoodlums with their volatile tempers and clashing personalities wind up being as much of a threat to themselves as they are to other people. Moreover, the hostile wilderness environment ultimately proves to be even deadlier and more treacherous than they are. Daryl Dequetteville's fairly polished cinematography boasts several neat dissolves and a good deal of lively hand-held camera-work. The cool rocking score by Timothy Eilers likewise does the pumping trick. A worthwhile movie.