The Ice Harvest

Ramis' entry into film noir is an interesting one. While the quirky wordplay and character exchanges are still there, the undertones are drastically different. Instead of being glossed over with a shot of optimism and good cheer like many of his previous works, The Ice Harvest finds Ramis at his darkest and grittiest. It's the film the Coen Brothers never made

Starring: John Cusack, Billy Bob Thorton, Connie Nielsen, Randy Quaid, and Oliver Platt
Written by: Richard Russo and Robert Benton
Based on the novel by: Scott Philips
Directed by: Harold Ramis.

"As Wichita Falls, So Falls Wichita Falls" is the motif which the movie is essentially built around, and also what really makes the movie work. In presentation and dialogue, to say that this film is dark is an understatement, and as such it can't really even be compared to films such as Bad Santa. Instead of having Bad Santa's quirky but over the top antics, The Ice Harvest finds it's pace on the slower end of the spectrum, creating a slow burn; giving the audience ample opportunity to appreciate the subplots and twists that are occurring (sometimes even without our knowledge), and not explain everything out for all to see. The film is also rather raunchy, as many of the scenes take place within strip bars, showing the hypocritical nature of not only the people in Wichita, but it's a social commentary of people in general. The hypocrisy comes through the general notion that everyone in the city is considered to be very Christian and conservative, yet the majority of men spend their time out at the bars, and the women portrayed in the film are hardly angels themselves. The main source of comedic relief comes through Oliver Platt's hilarious but exaggerated performance as Charlie's (John Cusack) best friend Pete. Otherwise it's within the subtleties of the dialogue, and also the great chemistry between Vic (Billy Bob Thorton) and Charlie that one can find the most satisfaction. It's certainly not a film for everyone but for those that enjoyed such films as Fargo or LA Confidential you should at least find this film moderately stimulating. It's not a masterpiece, and for those walking in thinking that it's going to be a typical Harold Ramis film, you're grossly mistaken, but it's a very admirable effort and a movie that at least makes you think, and for the way films are these days, that's an awful lot.

★★★★
Rated R for violence, language and sexuality/nudity.