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)

DVD Movie Review - Mud

Most people will see Matthew McConaughey in this film and wonder where the hell this new actor came from.  Clearly this can't be the same McConaughey from all those terrible chick-flicks?  This must be a clone that was bred in a lab using Matthew's looks, but mixing DNA from super-actors grown and harvested in fields by giant machines with anal-probing tentacles...right?  Right?  Wrong.  Since the Lincoln Lawyer a new McConaughey has emerged, burying the old McConaughey under a mountain of un-bought, paperweight, slop DVD's starring himself, and some ditsy broad.  One can only hope this new McConaughey will remain.

STORY:

Ellis (Tye Sheridan) just wants to live on a river, sell fish out the back of a pickup, punch seniors out cold, help murderers, and chase cute girls.  His friend Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) just about wants the same thing, except add a little rebuilding of engines and talking about boobies.  Their lives seem pretty straight-forward and regular, until they discover a boat stuck up in a tree.  Now, anybody who's anybody knows that tree-boats are the new fad, and the higher and more ivy-infested the better.  So when the boys happen upon this livable unicorn, they know instantly they need to make it their own.  Only one problem: the elite habitat already has a resident, and he goes by the name Mud (Matthew McConaughey).  You might wonder how one takes ownership of such a beautiful tree vessel.  Well…by adorning it with a quarter loaf of bread and some porn magazines, of course.  This puts Ellis and Neckbone in quite a pickle.  And after some debating, they decide to help Mud in exchange for his glorious tree-boat.  Southern love, confused hearts and a beautiful story ensue.

"How do you suppose it got up there?"

"Isn't it obvious? Someone put it there."

THOUGHTS:

You might look at all the reviews out there or the very high score on RT and wonder if this movie is any good.  Well, we're here to tell you to shake the crap out of your head and stop frigging debating.  It's true, Soylent Green is people—er...I mean Mud is hands down, one of the best dramas this year.  The film has it all: a perfect cast, great dialogue, beautiful cinematography, wonderful music...and you have to dig pretty darn deep to find reasons to dislike the story.  But when you're going down that far, are those reasons even worth mentioning?

"One day, Ellis, you'll grow up to be just like me."

"Broke and running from the law?"

So who is this Mud?  Matthew McConaughey could not have played this character any better.  He embodies everything required to pull off a dingy, but charming individual.  He keeps the character's friendship close to the boys, but far enough away that you'd still keep an eye on him if you were alone.  McConaughey reminds you of the type of friend who always wants to hang out, but never has the money to do anything.  The same person who never stops calling, so eventually they wear you down and you'll pick up the phone.  But…but, he'll forever be your friend, because when the real serious crap actual does hit the fan, he'll be the first one there to help you out.  Mud: slightly neurotic, always reliable.

Even though the movie may hold the title character's name, Ellis and Neckbone happen to be the real stars of the film.  Without them perfectly cast, you'd have nothing more than McConaughey, dank and dirty, with his shirt off trying to impress Reese Witherspoon.  (Though that may sound like fun to some people—thank you ladies—that would really just be another nail in the coffin to the movie industry and McConaughey's career)  The boys and their antics throughout the film give off a slight Stand By Me feel, but generally bring their own southern appeal to both roles.

 

Mr. McConaughey, sir, we know Tye showed up today with the exact same lunch box, 

but we still have a movie to finish. What do you say? Are you going to be a big-boy and help?

Jeff Nichols, both writer and director, said in past interviews that he wrote some of these characters with certain actors already in mind, and when he asked those actors—McConaughey included—they all said yes to the role.  Being able to pull that off not only helped casting, but also took everyone's acting ability up several notches.  Every actor/actress in this film—and I do mean every—perfectly steps into their character's shoes.  Even General Zod (Michael Shannon) makes an appearance in the film as Neckbone's guardian/uncle.  And after seeing him in this, you'll wonder what made him accept the role in Man of Steel.

 

"I can handle the drinking and the swearing, but running naked through a scene is down right wrong."

"But funny right?"

Now, even though Mud can be seen as a full throttle drama, tugging at all sorts of heart strings, it doesn't mean it's devoid of humor.  Most of the characters in the film happen to be festering in the garbage-point of their lives, just hoping to get through another day, so their point of view and dialogue can be somber at times.  But Neckbone (it's all in the name) is pulling the funny train all by himself, and is comfortable doing so.  Whether he's trying to appeal to Ellis's moral compass or just talking about breasts and hard-ons, his line delivery and timing is perfect, making you chuckle almost every moment he's talking.  He's the funny practical yin, to Ellis' contemplative yang.

"Listen to me. The leprechaun from the cereal box is real...and he wants to eat my brain."

WHY YOU MIGHT DISLIKE IT (SLIGHT SPOILERS):

Do you like your women nice, sophisticated and caring?  Do you like them to not spend most their time kicking men in the balls?  Well then you might have a slight problem with the women in this film.  Throughout the story several women come into the picture and can be seen as a mere device or tool, just there to maintain the theme: sometimes love sucks and sometimes women suck, but most of the time love sucks because women suck.  Is this a huge turn-off or mistake?  Nope.  The writer chose to write the female characters this way because writing them any other way wouldn't have worked for a complete Ellis story arc.  There's also the business of people viewing the movie as a little slow.  But this is resolved by having the narrative told through the boy's eyes, making the story refreshing, relatable and at times, fun.

"No, no, no...these are called words. Put a few together and you get a sentence."

CONCLUSION:

Mud tackles a wide range of issues perfectly: friendship, family, morality, divorce, death, and love.  With fantastic casting, well-rounded characters, perfect dialogue, an intriguing plot, and a kid named Neckbone, how the heck could you possibly go wrong?  Well, you can't.  Mud is definitely not a movie that should be passed up.

5 out of 5 stars (told you it was good)