27 reviews
Rifftrax
The only way I will watch this movie is on Rifftrax. The comments are hilarious and are the only way this movie is good. Otherwise the movie is overly nonsensical and ridiculous, there's not even a cohesive plot.
How'd they get that cast?
- bensonmum2
- Feb 9, 2017
- Permalink
Even if you are a Bruce Campbell fan, forget it.
Let me start off by saying I am a huge Bruce Campbell fan. Almost everything he does is great entertainment. Things that come to mind are Evil Dead II, Army of Darkness, Brisco County, Xena, and even Jack of All Trades.
So when I saw Icebreaker was playing on Showtime, I thought it might be fun. I was disappointed. I am no movie critic, so let me just describe the movie as bad. Now, some Bruce Campbell movies, like Evil Dead II, are so bad that they are hilarious, and that makes them good. Icebreaker is just plain bad. The plot is silly, the dialog is uninspired, and even the action is tedious, that is, unless you really like skiing and machine guns.
It is a shame, because it looked like Icebreaker had a decent budget. I got the impression that about halfway through, everyone realized it was a dud, but they had no choice but to finish it. Next time, someone needs to read the script before they start shooting.
So when I saw Icebreaker was playing on Showtime, I thought it might be fun. I was disappointed. I am no movie critic, so let me just describe the movie as bad. Now, some Bruce Campbell movies, like Evil Dead II, are so bad that they are hilarious, and that makes them good. Icebreaker is just plain bad. The plot is silly, the dialog is uninspired, and even the action is tedious, that is, unless you really like skiing and machine guns.
It is a shame, because it looked like Icebreaker had a decent budget. I got the impression that about halfway through, everyone realized it was a dud, but they had no choice but to finish it. Next time, someone needs to read the script before they start shooting.
- Original Fred
- Sep 8, 2001
- Permalink
turn off the TV immediately, destroy if rented
First off, i cannot believe that ANYONE has recommended this movie and, OH YES, they have indeed. I caught this load of stink on network TV, luckily, not parting with any cash. It is TERRIBLE! The only redeeming feature of this movie is that it lowers the bar so much that Batteries Not Included may be resurrected and released by Criterion. I watch a lot of movies and some are bad, but if there is one thing that makes the viewing of a movie an awful experience it is feeling embarrassed for everyone involved with the making of it. PLEASE, do yourself a favor, if you are tempted to rent this or, God help us, buy this, or if it is on TV...READ A BOOK, GO FOR A WALK, WRITE A SCRIPT! Chances are if you are consulting IMDb for anything, then you could write, direct, and star in a better movie, much better, than this. Many compare this to Die-hard on a small scale, but that is a movie worth watching every few years, this is a movie that brings shame to low budget indie films. I love Bruce Campbell but you can't really do anything all that interesting with a horrible script. The fat hobbit is decent in films with great scripts. Do you see where I am going with this? A bad script is a bad script is a bad script and nothing can really make up for that, certainly not lame special effects and abominable acting. It does take place on a ski resort, and if you like ski movies that teeter on the fine line between trash and cult treasure, then I recommend watching Hot Dog The Movie. At least you'll laugh WITH the cast and enjoy the guilty pleasure of cheap titillation. My official scoring for this movie is 1 out of 10 because one isn't presented the option of 0 out of 10. Ed Wood would've relieved himself on this script before finishing page 10. If you are a filmmaker interested in learning everything you shouldn't do, watch it. Anyone else, including family of those involved, just pretend like it never existed and go outside and look at the sky for a couple of minutes, breathe in the air, and run your hands through the blades of grass at your feet.
- seekerdestroyer
- Jan 14, 2007
- Permalink
It's time to chill with Icebreaker. It was a dumb action movie, but also somewhat fun to watch.
- ironhorse_iv
- Feb 24, 2016
- Permalink
Happy birthday Bruce Campbell bad guy!
This film is made by the same guy who made the infamous film, Time Chasers which was a great episode of MST3K. It is nice to see he continued to make films and to see that he has significantly improved since his time traveling film. I think he also did a large spider film that also was much better than Time Chasers. That being said, it is still pretty much a bad film, but it was a rather fun bad movie to watch as the film that is being copied in this one is Die Hard and maybe through in a dash of Cliffhanger.
The story has two dudes flying a plane with some sort of stuff on it that is radioactive. For some reason, the pilot decides to auger the plane down into the countryside; however, the other person who likes mango jam is still alive, that is until bald Bruce Campbell kills him! Soon, he and his super group of terrorist take over a ski lodge while Sean Astin finds the package the guy wants and he somehow has to save the day by not doing a very good job. Then again, the FBI guys do an even more terrible job trying to stop the terrorist and Sean is just a guy who finds people on the mountain and they are actual cops.
The film could have been better with more action, but the action scenes with the exception of the last one are short lived. Something you would expect from a movie that probably does not have a very big budget. Then again, who would expect them to be able to procure the talents of Sean Astin, Bruce Campbell and Stacy Keach? They are not just cameo roles either, they are all in this film a significant amount of time.
So, not that great, but still an entertaining film nonetheless. Still not sure what Bruce Campbell's ultimate goal was or if he was really as close to death as they made him out to be or if it was really his birthday. Also, not sure how they got power back on as they blew up one power station, sawed through wires and ripped wires out of a pole. I mean, a tree falls on the lines where I am and the crap can be out for seven or eight hours!
The story has two dudes flying a plane with some sort of stuff on it that is radioactive. For some reason, the pilot decides to auger the plane down into the countryside; however, the other person who likes mango jam is still alive, that is until bald Bruce Campbell kills him! Soon, he and his super group of terrorist take over a ski lodge while Sean Astin finds the package the guy wants and he somehow has to save the day by not doing a very good job. Then again, the FBI guys do an even more terrible job trying to stop the terrorist and Sean is just a guy who finds people on the mountain and they are actual cops.
The film could have been better with more action, but the action scenes with the exception of the last one are short lived. Something you would expect from a movie that probably does not have a very big budget. Then again, who would expect them to be able to procure the talents of Sean Astin, Bruce Campbell and Stacy Keach? They are not just cameo roles either, they are all in this film a significant amount of time.
So, not that great, but still an entertaining film nonetheless. Still not sure what Bruce Campbell's ultimate goal was or if he was really as close to death as they made him out to be or if it was really his birthday. Also, not sure how they got power back on as they blew up one power station, sawed through wires and ripped wires out of a pole. I mean, a tree falls on the lines where I am and the crap can be out for seven or eight hours!
The Ice Never Melts. There Is Just No Heat Here.
Ski patrol officer Sean Astin tries to save the day, his parents and his girl from an evil and deranged madman (Hollywood goof-ball Bruce Campbell) who has a nuclear device at a winter resort. Campbell leads some crazed terrorists in the venture and the only one who can save the group of hostages is the baby-faced Astin. Stupid and unintentionally hilarious venture for all involved as Campbell steals the show (as he usually does in sorry ventures) as a comical and bald-headed villain that will make you think of him as a very poor man's Gene Hackman from "Superman". Nothing really to recommend. Might have camp value for some, but that does not endear it. Turkey (0 stars out of 5).
Yuk!
I can't believe that Stacy Keach would actually get involved with that piece of trash. Stacy is the mortgage payment due, or something? I know it was suppposed to be "tongue in cheek", but it wasn't even funny the actors were so bad. They must have paid Stacy a fortune to be in this drek.
It's bad
I don't know why I even comment on this one. I guess it is out of pity for those who think of watching this. DON'T. Filled with inconsistencies, low budget comedy, low budget action, low budget actors and predictable scenes. Have fun instead and go watch a Chicago Bulls game (only if you are a fan of the Bulls). You might laugh at this though, if you're intoxicated, but i was not so:
1 out of 10
1 out of 10
Ugh
The creative "minds" behind this movie should be deported to another planet. The only good thing they did was somehow sign a few decent actors to the project. After that, straight to hell.
- jeffreygunn
- May 14, 2019
- Permalink
P.U. What a waste of film and electrons
Under Rated
It is true this is an low budget version of Die Hard and Cliffhanger. It also has great music and the actors are more fun than big name movie star flicks. It is to the point and a lot of action but not real brutal. Stacy Keach does a good job as the father All the actors are likable. The movie does not take itself too seriously but this is not a spoof either and has no agenda. It is not super polished but I liked the movie. It reminded me a little of the style Tremors was made. This movie is not about super heroes. It is about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances when terrorists take over a ski resort.
- mrskywalker
- Jan 16, 2002
- Permalink
An attempt to make a small movie look big
Icebreaker had a limited budget. The production company made a heroic effort to make this film look big and for the most part succeeded. The number of extras, the explosions, car chases and wrecks, the fire fights and the entire ski lodge that was used for the set. In the end it was a hard shoot. The day time temps were sometimes 10 below with the wind chill factors. The film is worth a look if for no other reason than to see what dedicated film makers will go through to compete in the market place. It is also a pretty good escape film to just watch and enjoy.
Great Acting, Good Script
Okay so I've been hearing a lot of bad stuff in regards to this movie and I decided to check it out and I really don't see whats so bad about it. The acting was amayzing from everyone especially Bruce Campbell who plays the villian in the film and the story was very well done, it was one of the better action films I have seen, yes, it was most definetly modeled after the Die Hard type films but it has it's own unique style and grace which I really love! I would reccomend any action fan to check it out it's well worth it.
^_^ Have fun!! Amanda
^_^ Have fun!! Amanda
- QuisitsTrepe
- Aug 14, 2001
- Permalink
Not great, but exciting at times and occasionally funny
A plane crashes near the Killington ski resort. On board is a container with a radioactivity warning--in the Cyrillic alphabet.
A group of terrorists, led by Sandra and the terminally ill Greig, are willing to kill, and they do. The power goes out at the resort, and contact is lost with the outside world, except for incoming calls to the resort.
Meg wants to marry ski patrol member Matt, who cleans banks during the off-season. Her rich father Bill does not approve. Through creative and humorous editing, as Meg explains Matt's good qualities, we get to see whether he actually has them. Matt is dealing with some of the terrorists, along with forest ranger Beck, who provides comic relief.
Oh, if only the entire movie had the quality of the music with the opening credits, repeated in the final scenes before the closing credits. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (the part that included the familiar 'Ode to Joy') performed by the Tblisi Symphony Orchestra. The credits didn't list the name of the excellent tenor soloist (I think he was a tenor, anyway). Magnificent.
I liked Bruce Campbell better as the comical hero Brisco County. He has his moments here as a smart-aleck villain, but I wouldn't say he could make a career out of playing a bad guy.
I felt sorry for Stacy Keach, who apparently was going through a career slump. He did show how talented he is, and if you blink you'll miss it.
Resort manager Clay came across as an incompetent idiot, and later as a poor excuse for a human being. I'm not sure this was a good thing. Beck was a more likable loser, and better acted too.
There were some interesting chase scenes, including one with a great stunt snowboarder. And plenty of explosions for those not obsessed with them. Also lots of tension toward the end. Early in the movie when the terrorists were in New York City, there was a great overhead shot of what may have been the Empire State Building.
But overall, there was nothing really special here.
A group of terrorists, led by Sandra and the terminally ill Greig, are willing to kill, and they do. The power goes out at the resort, and contact is lost with the outside world, except for incoming calls to the resort.
Meg wants to marry ski patrol member Matt, who cleans banks during the off-season. Her rich father Bill does not approve. Through creative and humorous editing, as Meg explains Matt's good qualities, we get to see whether he actually has them. Matt is dealing with some of the terrorists, along with forest ranger Beck, who provides comic relief.
Oh, if only the entire movie had the quality of the music with the opening credits, repeated in the final scenes before the closing credits. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (the part that included the familiar 'Ode to Joy') performed by the Tblisi Symphony Orchestra. The credits didn't list the name of the excellent tenor soloist (I think he was a tenor, anyway). Magnificent.
I liked Bruce Campbell better as the comical hero Brisco County. He has his moments here as a smart-aleck villain, but I wouldn't say he could make a career out of playing a bad guy.
I felt sorry for Stacy Keach, who apparently was going through a career slump. He did show how talented he is, and if you blink you'll miss it.
Resort manager Clay came across as an incompetent idiot, and later as a poor excuse for a human being. I'm not sure this was a good thing. Beck was a more likable loser, and better acted too.
There were some interesting chase scenes, including one with a great stunt snowboarder. And plenty of explosions for those not obsessed with them. Also lots of tension toward the end. Early in the movie when the terrorists were in New York City, there was a great overhead shot of what may have been the Empire State Building.
But overall, there was nothing really special here.
- vchimpanzee
- May 4, 2005
- Permalink
Cheesy, Cliché and Campbell
This is a ridiculous, cheesy, and cliché low budget action-thriller, starring Sean Astin and Bruce Campbell.
Matt (Astin) is a lowly ski patrol agent that is trying to win over the father (Stacey Keach) of his wealthy girlfriend (Suzanne Turner), whom he hopes to marry despite the class conflict.
Meanwhile, a group of terrorists- led by Bruce Campbell- are smuggling in a Russian nuclear device, with plans to blow it up in a major city.
Things go awry for his vengeful plot when the plane carrying the device crashes at the ski resort where Matt works. While out looking for a lost Forest Service Agent- whom he eventually teams up with- the two find the downed plane with the nuclear device shortly before armed men show up.
Matt soon finds himself embroiled in the middle of a full blown terrorist situation. One in which the love of his life has been taken hostage.
Will he be able to save his girl and the day, while winning her father over in the process? It's nothing a few stingers can't handle...
While totally implausible on a number of levels, it does have a few nice'n'culty shots. Overall, it's pretty cliché, with a Die Hard plot and Andy Sidaris ending, but it's perfectly watchable.
And it does have Bruce. Now, cmon....
Matt (Astin) is a lowly ski patrol agent that is trying to win over the father (Stacey Keach) of his wealthy girlfriend (Suzanne Turner), whom he hopes to marry despite the class conflict.
Meanwhile, a group of terrorists- led by Bruce Campbell- are smuggling in a Russian nuclear device, with plans to blow it up in a major city.
Things go awry for his vengeful plot when the plane carrying the device crashes at the ski resort where Matt works. While out looking for a lost Forest Service Agent- whom he eventually teams up with- the two find the downed plane with the nuclear device shortly before armed men show up.
Matt soon finds himself embroiled in the middle of a full blown terrorist situation. One in which the love of his life has been taken hostage.
Will he be able to save his girl and the day, while winning her father over in the process? It's nothing a few stingers can't handle...
While totally implausible on a number of levels, it does have a few nice'n'culty shots. Overall, it's pretty cliché, with a Die Hard plot and Andy Sidaris ending, but it's perfectly watchable.
And it does have Bruce. Now, cmon....
- meddlecore
- Nov 29, 2013
- Permalink
You know you're in dire straits when the combined talents of Bruce Campbell, Stacy Keach, and Sean Astin don't even make a dent in this wall of crud
- tarbosh22000
- Aug 31, 2023
- Permalink
Campbell steals the show again!
This is basically a low-budget version of Die Hard and similar action movies, although the setting this time is a ski resort and the hero is Sean Astin, in a part similar to the one he played in Toy Soldiers. It's very low-budget, so the special f/x aren't the best in the business, but they get the job done. This one would definitely fall under the "guilty pleasures" category, thanks to some entertaining scenes (especially a nice chase scene involving snowboards, machine guns, a gondola, and of course a trigger to a nuclear bomb). The other thing that makes Icebreaker a fun little watch is an entertaining performance by Bruce Campbell, as the Alan Rickman-like villain, although the character seems to have no motivation for his actions other than the fact that he's dying (of what we never find out), and he wants to take a lot of people out with him. Why it is that his henchmen go along with this is unclear, since they clearly value their lives. However, Campbell gets some funny lines and, as always, is fun to watch. The downside: a lot of the supporting characters (Astin's boss, a forest ranger/ sidekick) are supposed to be quirky, but often just get on your nerves. And the movie's damsel in distress (i.e., Astin's fiance) has one of the most annoying smiles I've ever seen. But overall, it's an entertaining, late-night-cable kind of movie, as long as you take everything with a grain of salt.
Vermont Baby!
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.
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.
What Trash!
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.
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.
Campbell is very good in Icebreaker!
Icebreaker is a very good film that has a good cast which includes Sean Astin, Bruce Campbell, Stacy Keach, SuzanneTurner, George Adair, Jayson Argento, Erick J. Barbic, Scott Bigelow, Sandra Cartner, Kent Cassella, Athene Cira, Stephanie De Carreau, Rusty De Wees, Jason Dolmetsch, Adam Grimes, Peggy Hayes, John James, Tom Joyce, and Mark 'Woody' Keppel! The acting by all of these actors is very good. Sean Astin, Bruce Campbell, and Stacy Keach, are really excellent in this film. I thought that they performed good. Its amazing seeing Bruce Campbell bald! The thrills is really good and some of it is surprising. The movie is filmed very good. The music is good. The film is quite interesting and the movie really keeps you going until the end. This is a very good and thrilling film. If you like Sean Astin, Bruce Campbell, Stacy Keach, Suzanne Turner, George Adair, Jayson Argento, Erick J. Barbic, Scott Bigelow, Sandra Cartner, Kent Cassella, Athene Cira, Stephanie De Carreau, Rusty De Wees, Jason Dolmetsch, the rest of the cast in the film, Action, Mystery, Thrillers, Dramas, and interesting films then I strongly recommend you to see this film today!
- Movie Nuttball
- Aug 22, 2005
- Permalink
Die Hard....Again!
One more time we have a flick that not only uses the tried-and-true "Die Hard" formula, but also uses elements of such film fare as CLIFFHANGER, CRACKERJACK, UNDER SIEGE 2 etc... When a plane carrying stolen plutonium goes down near a ski resort, a band of terrorists descend upon the site armed for bear. Sean Astin plays a member of the ski patrol who tries to outwit the terrorists (led by Bruce Campbell-in excellent form). It becomes "Die Hard" at the ski resort as skiers are trapped in the mountaintop resteraunt - Astin's fiancee and father among the hostages, on the lifts and in the surrounding town. The quality is definitely grade B and the acting B- with a formulaic grade C- script. It's not the best out there...but not the worst, either for a Die Hard imitator.
You have not seen cinema until you've seen Icebreaker
Come for Sean Astin. Stay for Bruce Campbell. And Richard Kincaid is a tour de force! This film is highly underrated and it's a crime it didn't win an Oscar! The high-octane action keeps you gripped to the edge of your seat as you're compelled to keep your eyes locked on the screen in anticipation for what comes next. The complex characters keep you guessing at every turn for what they're going to do next while the love, betrayal, and suspense of these thespians bleeds into every scene like a wave of spilled champagne. Every shot leaves your eyes with tears as the director (David Giancola) paints every scene in immaculate wonder, truly letting his untethered vision explode onto the screen. Don't just watch Icebreaker. Experience it. Breathe it. Live it! Take it all in for the art it is and join Sean, Bruce, Suzanna, Stacy and everyone else on the slopes of the Killington for one wild ski trip. I promise you won't regret it!
An hour and a half of goodness.
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.
- whochoseiki
- Jun 5, 2004
- Permalink
Indy does it better than major studios with 1/1000 of budget.