The Iceman

This movie has Michael Shannon playing a mafia hitman.  So, yeah, it's really good.  But is it actually good or is it just him?  The guy could read the phone book (or a sorority e-mail) and it would be enthralling.  Luckily, "The Iceman" is a well made film peppered with awesome performances.  I would venture to say that the actors elevate the material. 

This is a "true story" movie.  So movie-wise, the story is about a quiet man, Richard Kuklinski, who is recruited by a mafia honcho to kill people.  Kuklinski uses the money from his job to raise up a seemingly normal family.  Eventually, he is laid off from his job and must begin free-lance killings to pay the bills.  These killings draw the attention of angry mobsters and cops alike.

The plot makes for a touching and interesting fable but it's also my biggest issue with the film.  The movie is too short.  This is the best issue to have.  "The Iceman" clocks in at 105 minutes.  But it really should've been around 150.  The film made me want to stay with these characters and many of the situations feel underdeveloped.  After reading about Kuklinski's real-life exploits, I think this story needed two films.  The guy wasn't just a hitman; he was a full blown serial killer!

Abbreviated runtime aside, this is a great movie.  The camerawork is basic is a way that fits with the late-60s/early-70s aesthetic.  And that period aesthetic is awesome!  The detail is fantastic and the facial hair truly epic.

But as I said earlier, the performances drive this movie.  I'll save you anymore gushing over the awesomeness of Michael Shannon and instead gush over Winona Ryder.  She's fantastic.  Her mousy Jersey housewife is a role worthy of serious praise.  While Shannon rages through the film, she nearly steals the show with whispers.  The other standout is Chris Evans.  He's all mutton chops, groovy shirts, and cock-sure swagger.  Almost all his screen time is shared with Michael Shannon and it's electric.  Also of note are Ray Liotta as Kuklinski's mafia boss and Robert Davi as an older, more powerful Mafioso.  Davi is especially great with limited screen time.  His old school mobster clashes with Liotta's new mafia in some incredible scenes.  Stephen Dorff and James Franco make glorified cameos.

"The Iceman" is a solid installment in the crime genre.  It'll never be a classic but it's well worth your time.

7.5 out of 10