Review of The Iceman (2012) by Maximillian H — 07 Dec 2013

The Iceman is an extremely well-produced, directed and acted film. The only unfortunate thing here for the filmmakers and film-goers is that it had a way too limited theatrical release. Hopefully a film of this quality will find a second life and deserved appreciation on Neflix, Amazon and other VOD outlets.

Michael Shannon gives a chilling, engaging and sympathetic portrayal of mob killer and yet good neighborhood family man as true life contract killer, Richard Kukinski. Winona Ryder is once again on top of her game in an excellent and perfectly underplayed performance as Kukinski's sweet, trusting and unaware wife.

Ray Liotta is dead solid perfect (again) playing a gangster as, Roy Demeo. The surprise casting here, but one which was very nicely done was David Schwimmer, as a gangster. Yes, I said gangster David Schwimmer as Josh Rosenthal, a Roy Demeo's underling.

Chris Evans plays an oddball killer who befriends Kukinski in a bit of entrepreneurial effort in a hit-men-for-hire service, which proves none too wise for either party, ultimately. Overall The Iceman delivers much more than you'd expect.

It is so much more than its gangster genre would lead you to believe. Iceman winds up being an extremely well-directed story by Ariel Vromen and a must watch for any cinefile or crime drama fan. Just terrific filmmaking.