Review of The Ice Harvest (2005) by Wes M — 16 Dec 2012

"Pay no attention to the man in the trunk." Saw this at Muvico with the Chicago Film Club, hosted by the one and only Nick Digilio. While most people like their Christmas movies warm and fuzzy, Nick likes his sick and twisted.

Probably the darkest Christmas movie I've ever seen, so yea, I loved every minute of it. I don't agree with this "rotten" rating one bit; were the critics watching the same movie as me? They say it should be funnier, but it's already a knee-slapping good time.

Basically, it's about a mob heist on Christmas Eve. These characters "bleed" with noirish motives, dialogue, and actions. It also contains the best acting you might ever see from John Cusack (watch for his outstanding monologue that ends with a great punchline).

Supporting cast includes Billy Bob Thornton, Oliver Platt, Connie Nielsen, and Randy Quaid even gets a bit part. They're all spot-on. Directed by Chicago veteran Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, National Lampoon's Vacation, Groundhog Day), so yes, this was bound to be enjoyable.

It bombed at the box office, which is not too surprising when you hear how they advertised it: "Coming this Thanksgiving, a wacky movie from the guy that brought you Analyze This!" Ugh, fail.

Movie is best viewed with a beverage and a large crowd. Fun fact: the critic likes to have a short discussion/Q&A after the film. My friend ended up nudging Nick into divulging a few of his "encounters with Gary Busey.

" It turns out Busey is just as crazy in real life as he is on screen.