?According to the law, you are guilty!?

Cold Eyes of Fear is a rather disappointing title from the normally entertaining Italian cult director, Enzo Castellari. Despite most reviewers labelling this a Giallio, it does not involve the usual mysterious gloved madman stalking and violently killing his female victims. Instead the plot here focuses on a pair of thugs (Mateos and Wolff) who, after forcing their way into the home of a High Court Judge (Bunuel regular Rey), hold his nephew (Garko) and a prostitute (Ralli) captive whilst they search for evidence they believe will right a perceived wrong. Uncertain in its tone, slow in pace and riddled with plot holes, the action doesn?t really kick in until the last 5 minutes and by then it?s all too late. In addition to the weak plot you have to contend with some poor dubbing and an extremely beat-up soundtrack (there is an awful hissing sound that can be heard throughout the film). I?m struggling to find any real positives, though I suppose Morricone?s freestyle jazz score was pretty decent. If you are die-hard Italian cult fan then this is probably worth a look but I wouldn?t recommend this to the casual viewer 2.5/5. For better examples of Castellari?s work on Select you could try the classic poliziesco title, The Big Racket or even the fantastically cheesy 1990: The Bronx Warriors.