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The Ice Harvest (2005)
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Movie Review by Mitch
August 22nd, 2006
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Christmas Eve in Wichita; rain, sleet and ice. Vic (Billy Bob Thornton), a pornographer, and Charlie (John Cusack), a shady attorney, have stolen two million dollars from their mob boss (Randy Quaid), and they need to appear calm for a few hours until their planned early morning departure. Vic, who's storing the money, is cool, but Charlie is nervous, especially when their boss's enforcer shows up looking for him. As the night drags on, Charlie does a favor for Renata (Connie Nielson), the lovely manager of one of the strip clubs, rescues his ex-wife's husband from a drunken public display, drops in on his ex-in-laws, sees his kids, and, between phone calls and visits to Renata, goes looking for Vic. Charlie's troubles are just beginning.
Ok, the summary isn't mine; I stole it from IMDB because I didn't want to give too much away. It's not a bad movie, good cast, good acting, and a decent story. Just not a lot of oomph. There are some twists and turns in the plot that I didn't see coming, but they just weren't exciting and didn't really surprise me. It's worth a rental for some of the lines and the performances. I am glad I didn't pay to see this at the theater and it's not one I would buy, but it's not a total waste of time. If you are planning a night of movie watching, I wouldn't make this your main feature.
It's directed by Harold Ramis, you know, Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Bedazzled. I think it may be his evil twin because this is like no Ramis picture I've ever seen.
More about the performances. This movie is worth it just for Billy Bob Thornton and Oliver Platt. Thornton is one of a few actors who doesn't play the same character over and over. Gary Oldman is another. If you've seen Bad Santa, Waking Up in Reno, and Sling Blade, you know what I'm talking about. Besides, anyone who can get into Angelina Jolie's pants can't be all bad right? Oliver Platt is absolutely hilarious in everything I have ever seen him in and this is no different. He is drunk for all of his scenes and it's pretty funny. If you like him, check out Three To Tango with Matthew Perry and Neve Campbell.
So go ahead rent it, you've seen worse. I guarantee it. Oh, and if you are a Billy Bob fan, you must see the outtake on the DVD. Trust me.
Best Lines:
Charlie Arglist: As Wichita falls... so falls Wichita Falls.
Vic: Pay no attention to the man in the trunk
Pete Van Heuten: [waking up in back of Charlie's car] Ugh... Where are we?
Charlie Arglist: We're in heaven, Pete.
Pete Van Heuten: Oh... They got pancakes?
Charlie Arglist: They got everything.
Pete Van Heuten: Good
Charlie Arglist: It's Christmas! Everyone's nice on Christmas!
Vic: Only morons are nice on Christmas.
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