Ice House

source: Ice House

I actually came here to find other films by the director and writer. Alas, it turns out this was their first efforts, except a short film by the director. Hope more is in store; much better than Hollywood is churning out. Low budget, interesting site (didn't know ice shacks came in luxury class), good acting, character development, sociopaths, economic strife, and twisting storyline. When you get to the end and feel upset, think old Hitchcock shows. Crime doesn't pay because the best laid plans oft go awry.

I watched this movie by chance. However after a few minutes, I was hooked and watched till the end without a break. I really liked it for the way it kept me guessing. A couple of points, in the end, I didn't understand, but then the big picture, the acting, the direction were well worth it.

Reminds me of a afternoon soap opera or a Lifetime made-for-tv movie. I started watching this because the other prisoners had it on this channel. There was nothing else really to do except head over to the exercise yard or try calling my attorney again, so I sat and watched it. Probably the reason people really liked it is because they are stuck on a submarine for a few months and it's the only movie the captain brought with him.

Not sure why, but I was roped in (reeled in?) by this ultra low budget psychological thriller within five minutes. I'm shocked the producers could deliver such a good story for $80,000. It starts like a stage play. Who are these two, somewhat "off" dudes sitting in an ice house on some godforsaken frozen lake in Minnesota? Then the onion is peeled back, mostly with dialogue, but creepy voyeurism too, followed by physical conflict and jeapoardy. Others here have covered the details. But the movies is a good exploration of class conflict, extreme sociopathy, small town social dynamics, and maybe -- I'm strecthing here -- some homoerotic feelings by the male antagonist. He is an ultra-misognyst, prefers the company of men and had an unusual 20-year attachment -- sort of stalky -- to our "good guy" here. Or maybe he is just old fashioned. The last thirty minutes are very twisty / surprising. I give it an 8. That includes +1 star to account for the very low budget.

The headline is all the review you need, really. The two unknowns in the leads turn in excellent performances in a film that has great dialogue, but little else. Slow, glacially paced with nothing else going for it, it's hard to recommend.

I grew up in Brainerd lakes (5 decades+). I recognized the big walleye in Garrison & I live 25 min. From the old Granny's pub. When they turned L at the walleye they were heading toward my house! Most people around here are nice & normal like Wayne, but there are those self entitled ones like Roger that seem fine, but you just don't wanna spend a whole lot of time with. This movie just popped up after I had watched "Wander" (also a creepy movie). I thought - it's about MN, cool, I gotta take a look. WOW! Now I'm creeped out! It's like a train wreck, but I can't stop watching. Gotta go finish it - Have a good one!

Could someone please explain the 5 second footage of the security camera in the ice house at the end of this film??? What is it? What did it mean?? It's driving me crazy!!! Please reply here or text me!!! David Stevenson Ft Lauderdale, FL 954-789-1567.

I am.from MN, so I was a little excited to see this thriller. Huge disappointment! The storyline was not helping. I couldn't watch more than 20 minutes. Don't waste your time.

This film makes you think someone held a gun lto the writer's head and forced him to write a screenplay in four hours. He immediately stole from Dial M for Murder, Another Man's Poison and Diabolique. "He only steals from the best." Still, I can't help but get the impression this guy has potential. It is as if he tried too hard to cram as much plot as he could into one movie. I think if he started out smaller, like episodic TV and practiced making simpler stuff work, he could tackle much more. This wasn't bad so much as rushed. Oh, and dialogue is pretty bad. Keep writing! Start with what you know and add what you feel. I really think you're going to do some great stuff in the future.