FORMAT: DVD
Ice was the second in a string of three Ed McBain adaptations for television. I’ve not seen the third installment, Heatwave, so I can’t say for sure it’s the best of the trilogy. What I can say is that it was definitely a step up from the first film, Lightning. This one was directed by Bradford (Darkman 3: Die Darkman Die) May and boasts a script by none other than Larry (It’s Alive) Cohen, who is a good fit for McBain’s hardboiled style.
A hooker comes home to find her pimp has been murdered. Later that night, a dancer is murdered with the same gun. Detectives Carella (Dale Midkiff) and Meyer (Joe Pantoliano) have to figure out the connection and solve the case. The investigation becomes personal when the killers come after Carella’s deaf girlfriend.
Midkiff and Joey Pants are solid in the leads, even if the briskly moving plot doesn’t give them much time to develop their characters. It was also good seeing Family Ties’ Michael Gross as their no-nonsense lieutenant. Their performances help elevate the material, even if the plot is just perfunctory.
The Cohen touches (like a pregnant hooker giving birth in the middle of being arrested) help, and the scene where a thief holds up a laundromat and attempts to rob the ladies of not only their jewelry, but their panties as well, is memorable. Also, the lovebird murderers have a kind of Honeymoon Killers vibe to them as they are (SPOILER) a sleazy guy and his obese girlfriend. Despite those little flourishes, Ice still has the distinct feel of an average police procedural drama. You know, something your dad might watch. Ultimately, there are too many half-baked subplots and supporting characters that get in the way of investigation, but May does manage to bring a little bit of style to the proceedings.
I sent you another 5-movie action DVD compilation that has "Heatwave" on it along with The Reluctant Heroes, Tusks, RX(2005) and Ice(the Traci Lords one not the Ed McBain one)
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