Icebreaker (2000)

The plot in Icebreaker is such a mess that it doesn't merit much discussion. A group of terrorists descend on a Vermont ski resort looking for a downed plane carrying a nuclear device. In the end, however, the nuclear device is all but an afterthought as the head baddie sets his sights on the lesser goal of blowing up a ski gondola with one person on board. Ski patrol member Matt is on the case to stop the terrorists and save his fiancé (who is quite naturally the person on the gondola).How in the name of all that is Holy did the makers of Icebreakers get a cast that includes Sean Astin, Stacy Keach, and Bruce Campbell? Were these guys that hard-up for work? Do they enjoy skiing so much that a free weekend on the slopes of Killington was enough to entice them? Did the producers have compromising photos? I just don't get it. Astin may be a good actor, but he's not my image of an action hero. When I think of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, and Rob Van Dam – Sean Astin is not the next name that comes to mind. Stacy Keach phones in his performance from the State line. It's obvious he has no interest in Icebreakers. As for Campbell, as much as I love him, not even he can save this thing. Bruce's charm, so evident in the Evil Dead Series or Brisco County or even Burn Notice, is not here. Like Keach, he doesn't look overly interested in the project. But the acting's not the problem – it's the muddled plot. I watched the whole thing and still have no idea what was motivating the terrorists. They want the nuclear device simply because that's what a terrorist would do. The take-over of the ski resort seemed so unnecessary. Their plan had not gone so off-track that they still couldn't have secretly gotten their weapon and disappeared. Why bring so much attention to their activities? The answer – it's in the script. The whole thing this is a complete mess. Character motivation in Icebreakers makes absolutely no sense. I'll give Icebreakers a generous 3/10.

This is a cute movie. What I found wonderful was that it was meant to be a movie with two big Hollywood actors, but it turned out to be a dumping ground for struggling Vermont actors. If you live in the state and hang out in the Burlington-Essex area, then you might recognize a few faces. Anyone who went to Showtime Video will recognize at least one face if not more. The main cast seems to have just been along for the skiing opportunity, and its the small timers who are trying to get their foot in the Hollywood door. Still, worth seeing or renting. Find someone who owned this when it came out because they enjoyed Rudy. That might be your best bet.

You know, it's not The Lord of The Rings and it's not The Evil Dead, but this movie is well worth watching. I mean, how can you go wrong with Samwise vs. Ash? I love Sean Astin and I love Bruce Campbell. This is a great B movie. A lot like the ones you see on TBS on Saturday afternoon, but still very good. I bought a copy. Might I add that Sean's character is the nicest guy in the world. And the manager of the mountain is hilarious. Who better to run the mountain than a machine gun wielding geek who just happens to be an flaming homosexual. "It's time to kick it." "Kick what?" "Asth Tilley, Asth." I love it. I recommend you watch it at least once. Not to mention that Sean Astin looks good in Rescue Red.

I'm glad this was the only thing on when I was attempting to avoid being responsible...I couldn't stomach much more than five minutes of it (so I got back to work...boo hoo...) though I left it playing just to remind myself of what a real piece of cinematic trash looks like.I'd like to know who financed this since I could use a loan for a real movie ha! ha! The acting stinks. The plot is retarded and I mean just what is the point? I like Bruce Campbell and Sean Astin and know both of them have done some cheesy work, but I would have to be paid a lot of money to save my shame and embarrassment on this one. It's one thing if a movie is meant to be cheesy, but for some reason, I get the impression that this one was meant to be taken seriously. Yeah, I'd show off my snowboarding skills if I were being chased by someone intent on killing me...I mean I am that good. Of course the thug chasing Sean Astin was doing helicopters too, as if they were choreagraphed by someone in junior high school... What a waste. I pity the fool who thinks this was a worthy work.