Review of The Ice Storm (1997) by Ian H — 05 Jul 2010
This film tries to do what American Beauty would go on to do. Angsty family with severe issues, crazy neighbors, betrayal, drugs, lots of awkward sex, and a sudden death. But while American Beauty leaves us mournful of the loss of Lester Burnham at the hands of the deranged Frank Fitts, and wistfully hoping things between Ricky and Jane end up at least somewhat happy, we are left with the body of the utterly moronic child Mickey, two families awkwardly "grieving", and no explanation of how we got there, from the potential of the existential quandry presented to us by Paul in the poeticly childlike explanation with the Fantastic Four.
But the film derails from there and goes on a Tarantino-esque reverse story-telling, without all the charm or effectiveness. Kevin Kline and the young Tobey McGuire give solid performances which help the film limp along, but the most interesting scene has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of the story; young Sandy needlessly blowing up his model airplanes: something I wish he would do with this film.
A whiff from Ang Lee in my book.
This review of The Ice Storm (1997) was written by Ian H on 05 Jul 2010.
The Ice Storm has generally received very positive reviews.
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