Coldfire (1990) Poster

(1990)

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4/10
Far more boring then you would expect a PM film to be
scorpion-529 January 2009
Well I can't say I wasn't warned about this film, I read David's review and ignored it cause i've heard lots of action-packed films called boring so that didn't stop me from buying this film for 2.99 off Ebay, though now I can see that David was mostly correct in his review and Easton and Reyes(who both were shot to super-stardom in One Life To Live later on) are both pretty good,though it's kinda hard to root for his character. Though i'm not bothered by the film's low budget look, I knew it was gonna be low-budget as i've heard that most early PM films are like that. What I didn't expect was for the film to be so goddamn BORING, I swear this felt more like a drama then an action film, especially with the heavy focus on the love/hate relationship with Jake and Nick and they're relationship with Dix, it felt too drawn out and took too much focus away from the main plot. Though the film isn't a total waste, it has it's funny moments, like when Jake randomly yells Attica! near a jail cell for no reason, there's some nice nudity, Easton and Reyes are both pretty good, and the climax is pretty nicely done actually and manages to generate some actual tension and the main villain manages to become intimidating despite his annoying voice, but despite those good things, I can only recommend this film to PM completists who feel the need to see every film they've produced, or for those who will see anything with Wing Hauser's name on it.
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3/10
Unusually bland
Leofwine_draca4 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
COLDFIRE is another dreadful thriller of the 1990s, directed by and starring the unusually bland Wings Hauser. He plays a cop who works as part of a team on the trail of a new designer drug that has devastating consequences for users. This film screams low budget throughout, with Hauser barely making any kind of effort as director. It's dark and grainy, with bog-standard action bits that fail to ignite the imagination and join-the-dot plotting. Add in the requisite sex scene and bad language and you have a movie that really doesn't add up to much.
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4/10
Missfire
DEPRESSEDcherry16 March 2021
Wings Hauser directs himself behind a desk while two rookie detectives deal with a new designer drug hitting the streets. Problem is, beyond the opening scenes the drug becomes irrelevant. It's reduced to just a thing in a case, the very thing the movie is named after could be anything or nothing at all. The pair of unconvincing detectives are matched by a couple of equally unconvincing bad guys, one has a peculiar voice while the other hams up every word of dialog. There are characters who just disappear or are abruptly removed, with little to no recognition by anyone, and moments that have no relevance or meaning beyond padding out a scene. The ending manages to step things up to something mildly entertaining, Wings finally shows up and does the bare minimum. The whole movie just feels unconvincing and at times borderline amateur.
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Fine performances by Reyes and Easton help give merit to an otherwise flatly directed action film.
FlyBoyDC19 September 1999
The "Coldfire" is a lethal new designer-drug with destructive capabilities. Its origins are unknown...and its effects are irreversible. This drug promises the "ultimate high." However, what does the user acquire instead? The ultimate way to die...

The main purpose of the "Coldfire" drug is to help the enemy cripple the United States. This drug feeds on the decadence of society. The consequences are only too severe if this drug goes "mainstream." An epidemic is imminent if the use of this drug spreads everywhere...

It turns out that the culprit who designed the "Coldfire" drug is someone who plans to destroy America "internally" through corruption and consummate pandemonium. America needs a prayer...

Will the prayers be answered? Well, entering the scene are Nick (Kamar De Los Reyes), and Jake Edwards (Michael Easton), two young but audacious police officers. They may lack age, but they certainly have attitude. These Generation-X cops hope to show some of the veteran members of the police force a trick or to. These two officers will be working with a company of experienced pros including the seasoned Lars (Wings Hauser), and the short-tempered Dix (Asher Brauner). Their assignment is to track down who or what is responsible for the distribution of this virulent drug substance...

Frankly, the introductory sequence in COLDFIRE is simply hilarious. Basically, flashing lights begin illuminating while a guy is trapped inside a chamber. The guy gradually goes berserk...then he begins to bleed. Eventually, this guy decides to take the plunge. It was probably the most entertaining segment in the whole movie! If only we had more inspired moments like the beginning here in COLDFIRE, this movie could have at least clicked as an entertaining albeit no-nonsense thriller. Instead, COLDFIRE is a listless film, especially for one belonging to the action genre. COLDFIRE is yet another film that deals with the subject of drugs. It tries to insert some moral relevance. While this movie does have its noble intentions, for the most part, it is a slack movie. COLDFIRE seems intent on being preachy and indeed that could hold true. For the majority of this film, it is rather ponderous and tiresome as it tries to deliver its message to "stay cool and never lose faith." There is of course, the anti-drug message too (though it is rarely mentioned). COLDFIRE is a misfire.

The fact that COLDFIRE is boring is only one of my main concerns. Another flaw that really distracted me was this film's inanity. Sometimes, you have to wonder whether these characters in this movie actually think about whether their decisions will have substantial consequences or not. They always have a proclivity to behave so irrationally. For example, notice how most of the police officers always communicate with guns. It is quite scary how this movie portrays cops as either inept, reckless, or both. Some of these cops (such as Lars) can even be seen as "lazy." Also, the villains in this movie are inane. They too are excessively illogical. The worst character of all is the main villain. He has such an obnoxious voice! Now, do not get me started on the plot holes. They proliferate as much as the bullet wounds on certain characters. (I.e. You would think that the Police Department would have cared knowing that two of their own cops are declared missing in action). Finally, there are times when this film just seems to be a parody of itself...

Despite the problems galore that I found in this movie, I will consider this: The two leading cast members (Kamar De Los Reyes and Michael Easton) are both proficient and promising. Although Wings Hauser (who is also the director) is top-billed, the spotlights belong to rising stars Kamar De Los Reyes and Michael Easton. Though these two actors are tyros, they have already begun to show a lot of enthusiasm and alacrity for their roles. I am confident that these two guys will find success in show business. In addition, Darcy DeMoss (LIVING TO DIE) is a fine and gorgeous actress too. As for Wings Hauser, his role is, at best, a tenuous supporting character.

COLDFIRE is a tragedy. It could have been a low-budget but first-rate thriller. Instead, COLDFIRE is a contrived, ridiculously ludicrous film with haphazard characters, a conventional and predictable plot, and languid action scenes. Still, COLDFIRE does have its attributes. An ambitious premise somewhat compensates for a dearth of ingenuity. Also, Kamar De Los Reyes and Michael Easton are capable performers. These two actors single-handedly save COLDFIRE from complete oblivion. Last, the denouncement is appropriately action-packed. It highlights the pinnacle of the whole movie... Unfortunately, most of this film's few attributes are overshadowed by its shortcomings.

I guess that my biggest complaint would be the fact that this film was so superficially made. It does not have enough depth to be considered a decent crime drama and there is little zest in this movie to help make this film truly exhilarating. If they could only quicken the pace, throw a curve ball for a plot twist, and perhaps add some excitement, COLDFIRE would have worked.

RATING: *1/2 out of ****.
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9/10
alternate title: wings Hauser sits on his butt.
blackstonmichael10 November 2008
coldfire is a typical low-budget title that supposed to tell us about a drug that makes people go crazy instead it tells a story about 2 cops (kamar DE los Reyes and Michael easton from the one life to live fame)who are rookie cops who are out on the hunt for the people who created the drug coldfire.

the other actor is wings Hauser who supposedly the lead actor of this group instead sits behind a desk until the final 20 minutes of this movie. the acting from the two leads are good wings Hauser on the other hand is what you see as what you are going to get. the direction is not bad, not much action but sometimes humor and emotion. this film is rated:R for violence, sexuality/nudity and language. if it wasn't for Reyes and easton we will probably see wings Hauser sit on his butt all day.
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7/10
An addictive watch
videorama-759-8593914 December 2014
This Hauser vehicle, no doubt directed by the master himself, who had already brought out the entertaining and sick "The Art Of Dying", has brought another entertaining flick, surprisingly long but surprisingly entertaining. There are some unintentional laughs and a nice set of bouncing boobies, near it's start, but on the whole, this not bad so cop drama, being a little amateurish at times (hey, but that's what makes B movies fun) may give you a high, as is the new killer drug represented by the movie. Hauser also starring, is right where we want him, a veteran cop, again cool and likable. We've have two young rookies, stealing the limelight, one a kind of William Baldwin lookalike, who starred, by not for long, in the other Hauser vehicle. He's a real smart arse, cocky, and very likable, where his Latino partner and buddy, a more serious cop, is showing a lot of potential in the department, and doesn't want to be brought down by his sidekick. These two provide most of the laughs in the flick. Violence is occasional here, if very seldom, but effective, an early scene seeing one cop who I really liked it, lose it. Even the best stress. It's our nice little unit of likable cops, versus the real nasty baddies in a b grade, which can only be described as bl..dy entertaining, and not bad, especially as the movie progresses. This one actually surprised me to be honest, where we spend more time with the cops, and really get into their troubles, but mainly I'm talking about our two young punks, the Latino overacting which gave cause for laughs. It as also fun, watching the young cocky punk, clashing with Hauser. We also see the drug up close, and it's effect on one buyer. Hauser fans, a definite watch.
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Unimpressive cop movie
lor_13 June 2023
My review was written in January 1991 after watching the movie on PM video cassette.

Wings Hauser's debut as director, "Coldfire", tries to cover too much ground but emerges as an offbeat cop drama about the drug world. Film was released direct-to-video last summer.

Like his second recently released directorial effort, "Living to Die", this film displays Hauser's interest in character development rather than narrative. Chief among numerous subplots is the relationshp of young buddy cops Michael Easton and Kamar Reyes, each too gung ho for his own good.

They're working undercover at a high school as anrcs when a new designer drug from Russia, Coldfire, hits the streets. It turns out to be an isidious plot by renegate Soviet scientisht Albert Cutt to undermine America.

Hauser's own role, as an over-the-hill fellow cop, is relatively small. Behind the camera he coaxes quality performances from the cast, which includes Cynthia Brooks as a tough-nosed fellow cop and sexy Darcy DeMoss as Reyes' main squeeze; latter graduated to female lead in "Living to Die".

Easton is particularly impressive in the lead role and easily could be up for a co-starring assignment on a youth-oriented tv cop show. Addison Randall, also a director, has a fun time playing against the macho stereotype as a gay drug kingpin.
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8/10
Is Wings Hauser maybe just a little gay?
LeatherCajun14 April 2020
Both Michael Easton and Kumar De Los Reyes are beautiful in this movie, and the camera loves, loves, loves them.

Easton gives a decent performance, though lack luster when doing the Starsky "I'm a criminal" routine or playing drunk. Kumar gets 5 shirtless scenes, Easton unfortunately none. It seems he thought himself too thin (or others did) for the full beefcake routine at this time. Sad.

The drug plot is a little too involved, but a reasonably entertaining MacGuffin. (It's not just drugs, it is a Russian plot to undermine America.)

The lispy gay villain is a bit too much, but okay for its time.

All in all, a quite good example of it's genre, which is direct-to-video cop actioner/procedurals of the 80s/90s with a much much prettier male leads than most of these. Good work, Mr. Hauser, though not getting Easton's shirt off during this early stage of his career was a dick move.
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6/10
There's plenty to like about Coldfire.
tarbosh2200024 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A new drug has hit the streets of L. A. It's called Coldfire and it looks like a bit of blue Powerade in a little vial. In order to stop the spreading scourge of Coldfire, two young police officers, fresh from their latest assignment of posing as high school students to root out Coldfire users, throw themselves into the newest and hottest drug war. Jake (Easton) and Nicky (de los Reyes) are the new generation of cops, and they're energetic, young, and hungry to make a difference.

They end up clashing with old-school cops like Milton Lars (Wings) and the hotheaded Dix (Brauner). However, the old school and the new school eventually have to learn to work together to fight Coldfire dealers Mr. Sheldon (Randall) and Groska (Cutt), an evil Russian who wants to use Coldfire to do nothing less than take over America. To quote the tagline on the box for the film, "New Cops, A New Drug, and A New Way to Die." Will we all become hopelessly addicted to COLDFIRE? Find out below...

Coldfire is the directorial debut of Wings Hauser, although he also directed Living to Die the same year, followed by The Art of Dying (1991). Keeping in mind that Coldfire - the drug - is "a new way to die", Wings seemed to be very attracted to projects that involved the words "Die" or "Dying", but only for about a year or so from 1990-91. Anyway, despite the fact that this was made by PM, it's not really an action film per se, although it has a couple of moments. It's a police drama, but with some comedic elements thrown in for good measure.

The Jake and Nicky plotline uses 21 Jump Street as, well, a jumping-off point. The tension between the young generation and the new generation of police officers provides a lot of the drama in the squad room. The young-old divide between the idealistic cops and the older ones like Lars is the background for the fight against Coldfire. Both Easton and de los Reyes put in really good performances, which is fortunate as they pretty much carry the film.

Despite the box art, Wings is not one of the main characters, which makes sense as he was probably busy directing. Although his role isn't very big here, this is Asher Brauner at his best. He should have been in the film longer, as his performance here reminded us why we like Asher so much.

PM really let Wings loose this time out, generously granting him the ability to make this 100-minute long extravaganza. While Coldfire loses focus at times, clearly Wings learned his lesson as far as pacing goes, as The Art of Dying is certainly a bit snappier.

However, there are plenty of characters on display to fill the time, so it's kind of a double-edged sword. Robert Viharo as Getz plays one of the best WYC's we've seen in some time, and Nancy Locke is a lot of fun as Dr. Tate. Darcy DeMoss makes the most of her role as Maria, Nicky's girlfriend. Cult film fans will know her from Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), among other notable movies (including the aforementioned Living to Die), but we here at Comeuppance have to point out that she was in Stickfighter (1994). Any Stickfighter connections will always be pointed out by us if they're discovered.

However, as he usually does, the great Addison Randall steals the show as the effeminate baddie Mr. Sheldon. He does this high-pitched voice and a mincing affect which is extremely amusing. It also shows Randall's range, as it could not be more different from his turn as the evil racist in Deadly Breed (1989). It shows he has talent and range. He was almost unrecognizable here, although, to be fair, it would be hard to recognize almost anyone who gets tied to a fence while shirtless with a green garden hose.

While many scenes go on too long and spin their wheels a bit, it's hard to complain when there are scenes of characters playing the arcade games Xenophobe and Rolling Thunder at a bowling alley. I'd love to believe that Wings chose the game Xenophobe on purpose as a sly and subtle reference to the fact that evil Russians are behind the Coldfire drug, but it was probably just there in the bowling alley that day.

Featuring a quality song - and used quite effectively in the film - "Walk On (Little Boy Lost)" by Lorraine Devon, Coldfire is a film that fans of PM and/or Wings Hauser will enjoy. Despite its length, other people may enjoy it too, just as long as you don't go in expecting a slam-bang shoot-em-up or beat-em-up. Keep in mind when you go into it that it's a video-store cop drama from 1990 with a long-ish running time for the material, and there's plenty to like about Coldfire.
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Violent tale of the effects of a new drug
richard-crawford3 October 2004
The film is a ridiculous nonsense-filled badly acted caper, which doesn't hang together past the opening credits.

The drug ColdFire doesn't feature much in the film, and there's a totally unnecessary sex scene.

The acting is pretty bad, the soundtrack is something akin to a bunch of Vangelis B-sides, and the bad guy is too camp to be evil.

I thought the film was fantastic. By far the best rubbish film I've seen in a long time.

It also cost me the princely sum of &pound1.97 for the DVD from the local 'Game' shop.
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