DVD Movie Review - The Iceman

From defending Kryptonian bloodlines in Man of Steel, to portraying a cool uncle in Mud, to a crazy schizophrenic father in Take Shelter, is there anything Michael Shannon can't do?  If you haven't seen him in anything else, his acting in The Iceman will make you believe he's one of the best actors working in Hollywood today.  Michael Shannon, singlehandedly, brings what could have been a mediocre mob film, up to new heights.

STORY:

The true tale of Richard Kuklinski, a notorious hit-man for the mob in the 1960's through 1980's, only has one weakness: his family.  And they have absolutely no idea he spends his time slitting men's throats and chopping up bodies for the mafia or highest bidder.  When his family is threatened, his emotions run wild, causing both worlds to collide.  Crazy murders, family love, and true events ensue.

"Do not move until you realize what you've done.  A normal person would not throw an 

entire porn collection in the trash.  You re-gift that crap."

THOUGHTS:

The Iceman is just a stellar performance from start to finish by Shannon.  Only a man with tremendous acting skills can portray a deranged hit-man for the mob and make you actually feel bad for him.  The tender moments that are intertwined with the bloody action, bring out the real root of what makes this movie great.  Shannon being able to transition from a loving husband and father to a heartless killer in the same scene is masterful.  Hats and pants off to the casting director for making an exceptional choice.

"Sure I love you.  But you don't understand, if I don't kill at least two or three people a week, 

how else will we afford cable?"

One would think the murders and the backstabbing mafia men would be the glue of this film, but it’s the slow touching scenes between Kuklinski and his family that help bind the narrative.  The film even forgoes an action beginning and starts with Kuklinski meeting his wife on a first date.  It's the theme of whether or not a cold-blooded killer can love that sets this film apart from other mob movies.

Shannon blends perfectly into the role, which traverses from the 1960's into the 1980's.  His mannerisms are fantastic, showcasing body movements that slow as he ages through the years.  The decades themselves are shown flawlessly in the story as the cars, clothes, hair and even the porn-staches change and morph as the years go by.  The action and blood can be light at times—and you probably already know the ending—but the film never seems to bore or slow down.  Watching Kuklinski unravel as he digs himself deeper and deeper in mafia wars, while trying to keep up with the household bills, keeps your interest flowing.  The only thing that would have added to the suspense was if they kept the police hot on his trail throughout the movie, instead of having them arrive at climax.

"I led a team of Superheros, who stopped an alien force from taking over Earth.  You?"

"I lie to my wife everyday.  Imagine what'll happen if she finds out."

CAMEOS:

All the supporting actors in the film can be considered cameos as Shannon's Kuklinski is the driving force in the plot, placing him in almost every scene.  The rest of the actors are just here to move his story along.

Winona Ryder gives her best performance as Kuklinski's wife, since her portrayal of a girl curious about death in Beetlejuice.  Her role might not be in the majority of the film, but she does have some of the most memorable scenes with Shannon.  Unfortunately, a terrible New Jersey accent shows up for about ten minutes in her dialogue, but thankfully, seems to disappear for the rest of the film.

"You're going to go back in your house to find my copy of Goodfellas, right now.  The cover was 

signed by Joe Pesci, to me.  TO ME.  You know how much that's worth?"

Ray Liotta plays Kuklinski's boss and head Mafioso.  You may think this role is a stretch (insert sarcastic laugh here), but Liotta gets the job done with perfection.  Captain America (Chris Evans) takes time away from punching Nazis to grow hippie hair and kill people with bombs and cyanide.  His pretty boy face may at first distract you, but he'll quickly merge in with the rest of the cast as Mr. Freezy (yes, that is his actual name in the movie).  James Franco shows up for a few minutes to pray to God, and Robert Davi from the Goonies makes an appearance trying to look intimidating, but all you'll keep thinking about is him singing opera and interrogating Chunk. 

And then we come to David Schwimmer.  (Has there ever been another person in the world you'd want nothing more, than to hit in the face with a shovel?)  Schwimmer—surprise—plays the douche most excellently.  They try to cover up his notable goofy face with mustaches and pony-tailed long hair, but oops, he still sticks out like a sore thumb every time he's on screen.  You'll wonder if he knew someone in casting, because there's no way he read for the part, and someone said, "Man, just look at how awful he is…we must have him for this production."

"How do you like my Bruce Lee jumpsuit from Game of Death?"

You're still a douche.

BLOOD & PORN THOUGHTS:

The Iceman may seem like a different kind of mob movie, but don't let it fool you.  It still contains spraying blood, chopped up bodies, and terrible men, who no one can trust, no matter how friendly they seem.  In fact, the people that have seen every mob movie are the only ones that might be a little bored by the story line, but luckily the performances raise the film to an enjoyable level.  There's also the addition of choice sounds from porno in the background on a couple of occasions, but no real nudity found throughout.  There might have been a nipple slip somewhere, but you'll have to be running the film on super-slow speed to catch it.  And if you're really taking the time to spot it, then maybe you should get out more?  Maybe take your porn watching to the adult theater every once in a while, so you can spend time with other adult movie enthusiasts.

"Whoa, Stark, take it easy! I'll be at the weekly S.H.I.E.L.D. meeting.  I just might be a few 

minutes late, is all.  No, I don't need your help.  I just...I have to shave and cut my hair, okay?  Now you know."

CONCLUSION:

The mob portion of the film is nothing you haven't seen before, but if you're looking for great performances—then pick this up.  Without Shannon, the film would have been just a poor man's Goodfellas.  Now, if you hate mafia movies and everything they stand for (smack yourself because the Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino and the like are some of the best films Hollywood has to offer) then don't come near this movie.  If you've enjoyed Michael Shannon in the past, then this is a no-brainer.

4 out of 5 stars (minus a star for the whole Schwimmer thing)