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.
26 Reviews
How'd they get that cast?
bensonmum210 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
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.
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.
Even if you are a Bruce Campbell fan, forget it.
Original Fred9 September 2001
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.
turn off the TV immediately, destroy if rented
seekerdestroyer15 January 2007
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.
It's time to chill with Icebreaker. It was a dumb action movie, but also somewhat fun to watch.
ironhorse_iv25 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
While, this movie is cover with icy flaws like cheesy jokes, bad editing, awful special effect, and mostly mediocre acting. This poor man's version of 1988's film, Die Hard action concept mixed with a 1993's film, 'Cliffhanger', snow settling is still a fun watch. After all, where else, would you see somewhat intense scenes involving snowboarding, snowmobiles, ski lift, and even a snow plow!? Because of that, this movie is somewhat a guilty pleasure for me, because how entertaining, the action scenes were. It remind me, a little bit of 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service with 2002's Extreme Ops, with its plot. Directed and written by David Giancola, the movie tells the story of an everyday ski patrolman, Matt Foster (Sean Astin) trying to stop terrorists when they to attempt to take over a mountain ski resort with a stolen nuclear weapon. Without spoiling the movie, too much, I have to say, the jarring things about this movie is how unrealistic, some of the plot elements are, and the filmmakers choices for the main leads. First off, the choice of Sean Astin as the lead. I like him, as an actor, but he really doesn't makes a very convincing main lead action-hero. His stunt work is pretty damn poor. Yes, he has some heroic like qualities; but most of the time, Sean Astin's character acts so selfish, clumsy, and dumb-founded, that some people might hate his character. Not only that, but Matt Foster's stupid decisions, would had cost the death of the hostages, and himself, a million time, over if this was really happening. Honestly, who throws a snowball at a man, holding a rocket launcher gun or a VHS tape at a woman with a machine gun? Even a candy pez was used as a weapon! It's a bit funny that the only reason, why he survive for so long in the film, was because of bad writing, pure luck, and bad decision making by the villains. A good example of this, is when the villain capture him, only to let Matt Foster free, later on the film, because the main terrorist, Carl Greig (Bruce Campbell) felt that he needed to die, better. What type of villain does that? I get that, Carl Greig might be dying, and he felt bad, for Matt's wimpy behavior, but we never really got to know, what his motivations were. It's confusing; because one minute, he's killing everybody like a mad man, and the next, he giving people, a fair fight. Another thing, that doesn't make sense about the bad guy is how he wants to detonate a nuclear bomb in a city, but due to an absurd turn of events, he has only has a few weapon-uranium in a winter-based settling of Killington Peak. There is no way, he could set off a bomb, even if he want to, on the "Beast of the East". First off, the negative temperature is coefficient of reactivity. 2. He doesn't have the critical mass to unleash the weapon and third, his choice is Killington, a small town, 6.2 miles away, with a population least than 800 people. Even if, he get the bomb going, his target of Killington is way too far away. I guess, the fallout from the blast, could be bad, but everybody would had been evaluated from Killington before the bomb is set off, because of the hostage situation. His plan doesn't work, well. Despite that, the bald Bruce Campbell is fine in the role even if he looks weird. I just wish, the movie would explain, what illness, he was indeed dying from; because it's seem like Campbell working with no information about who his character was. Another thing, that was unclear, is why his henchmen would go along with this plan, since it clear in the movie, that they value their lives. For the most part, the supporting characters weren't so bad. However, some of them, were a bit too cartoony. A good example of this, was the forest ranger, Beck (Mark 'Woody' Keppel). The actor that played him, was a little over-the-top comedy relief. Even the crazy actor that play, the lodge owner, Clay (Rick Kincaid) would had told him, to tone it down. Still, they were somewhat a hoot to watch. One of the better performance in the film is Stacy Keach who plays Matt Foster's father in law, Bill. I like how, badass, they made him, be. One character that I can do, without is the Will Langley (John James), the FBI agent. He was pretty much, pointless. Adding nothing to the plot. Thank God, he wasn't in the film, long. Another thing, that didn't do much for me, is the 90 alternative rock music that came along with the film. It felt like a lame early winter X-Games commercial, most of the time. Second off, when the movie felt like using classical music. They played it way too long. Beethoven 9th symphony is a good example in the beginning of the film. We get it, it's "Ode to Joy", an obvious nod to "Die Hard", can you start the movie, now. It just doesn't fit, well, with the tone of the film. However, I do like the establishing shots, they got from filming at Killington Ski Resort. It made me, want to visit there, one day. Overall: This directed to video movie is watchable. Not a terrible film, but more of a rental than a purchase. Check it out, if you like cheesy action flicks.
Happy birthday Bruce Campbell bad guy!
Aaron137516 June 2020
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.
tfrizzell7 November 2003
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).
It's bad
stamper19 March 2002
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
Yuk!
tfar20003 April 2002
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.
Ugh
jeffreygunn15 May 2019
P.U. What a waste of film and electrons
gfhopper31 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
It's always sad to see someone else's personal disaster. What makes this so much worse is that it's a personal disaster for so many people. Everyone gets the blame for this stinker that wouldn't even get a screening in a local film festival (if there was truly justice in the world.) Bad acting, predictable story line, unrealistic plot elements, bad acting, poor stunts and special effects, and did I mention the bad acting? It starts with the stupid villain who pulls a gun to stop the pilot from crashing the plane. I mean really, what's he gonna do? Shoot the pilot? Ends up with the same result, plane crashes. Then the bad guy lives. Lets skip the bad dialog, and go to the terrorists that drive like crazies, and the cops that blast up the land rover. How about the terrorists that can't hit the broad side of a barn. They did miss many opportunities for people to spray and pray with the automatic weapons.
And how about taking a whole resort hostage. Fraid not. not enough man power. Oh yea, call your girlfriend for lunch? sure, never mind calling the police. I gave up watching at this point because I had better things to like trimming my toenails and taking out the garbage.
In the end, there are only two realistic plot elements. First, the terrorists cut the phone lines. Second, the rich girl wants to marry the fun bum. Dad (and Matt) was wrong, girls like her do marry losers like Matt.
And how about taking a whole resort hostage. Fraid not. not enough man power. Oh yea, call your girlfriend for lunch? sure, never mind calling the police. I gave up watching at this point because I had better things to like trimming my toenails and taking out the garbage.
In the end, there are only two realistic plot elements. First, the terrorists cut the phone lines. Second, the rich girl wants to marry the fun bum. Dad (and Matt) was wrong, girls like her do marry losers like Matt.
Under Rated
mrskywalker17 January 2002
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.
An attempt to make a small movie look big
vtstar1-125 September 2003
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
QuisitsTrepe15 August 2001
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
Not great, but exciting at times and occasionally funny
vchimpanzee5 May 2005
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.
Cheesy, Cliché and Campbell
meddlecore30 November 2013
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....
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
tarbosh220001 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Carl Greig (Campbell) is a terrorist who leads his team of baddies to an unlikely place: Killington Ski Resort in Vermont. They're after some nuclear material found in a downed Russian aircraft. While they're in the midst of pilfering the nuke stuff, they take the time to take the resort and all its partying inhabitants hostage. Mostly this takes place in the dining room, where concerned dad Bill Foster (Keach) is admonishing his daughter Meg (Turner) not to marry the local "ski bum", a guy named Matt (Astin). Naturally, it's up to Matt and his "wacky" forest ranger buddy Beck (Keppel) to save the day. So now the pressure is on for Matt: not only must he stop the baddies using the only skills he knows - mainly snowboarding - but the lives of the hostages AND the approval of his potential father-in-law is on the line. He wants to start a dialogue with the hostage-takers...but what's his ultimate ICEBREAKER?
Icebreaker, let's just say, has some problems. While the above description might make it sound fun and entertaining, sadly, it is not. Yes, of course it's yet another one of those "DieHardInA" movies, but even the "Die Hard on the ski slopes" idea had been done at least twice before: in White Fury (1989) and Crackerjack (1994). While those aren't the greatest films in existence either, both are far superior to Icebreaker in just about every way. Crackerjack has much better production values (most movies have better production values than Icebreaker) and White Fury, while also a very low-budget outing, has that AIP charm to it. When White Fury is kicking your ass, you know you've got a serious problem.
Because Icebreaker has an almost-punishingly cheap and chintzy look to it, it seems likely that any budget it had went to its three principal actors: Keach, Campbell, and Astin. It's amazing that all three of these names actually agreed to be in Icebreaker, essentially a homemade production from the makers of Pressure Point (1997). Unfortunately, Don Mogavero is nowhere in sight. He would save us all.
Fan favorite Bruce Campbell here fills the shoes of the typical Eurotrash baddie. He's bald this time around, and even his typical energy seems tamped down, almost like he realized that no matter how much effort he put in, it would be all for naught. It would be like swimming against the tide of the flat, brain-cell depleting plainness that is Icebreaker. Nothing compelling or interesting ever happens. Yes, there is an exploding helicopter, likely sourced from somewhere else. It was appropriate that, of all possible ski resorts, they went with KILLINGton, but all of this is nothing but one big missed opportunity.
It's all very, very stupid and not in a good or entertaining way. We found Icebreaker to be something of a chore to sit through. While we appreciate that it's hard to make a movie and get it out there, and consequently we hate to be negative about things, we still have to tell the truth about what's going on here. All the more frustratingly, they had all the ingredients to make it good, worthwhile, and entertaining, but the filmmakers never bothered to capitalize on what they had. They played it agonizingly safe and took zero chances or risks with the material.
If you want to see an awesome movie that takes place on the ski slopes, just stick with Hot Dog: The Movie (1984) or Better Off Dead (1985). 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 the monolithic wall of crud that is Icebreaker.
Icebreaker, let's just say, has some problems. While the above description might make it sound fun and entertaining, sadly, it is not. Yes, of course it's yet another one of those "DieHardInA" movies, but even the "Die Hard on the ski slopes" idea had been done at least twice before: in White Fury (1989) and Crackerjack (1994). While those aren't the greatest films in existence either, both are far superior to Icebreaker in just about every way. Crackerjack has much better production values (most movies have better production values than Icebreaker) and White Fury, while also a very low-budget outing, has that AIP charm to it. When White Fury is kicking your ass, you know you've got a serious problem.
Because Icebreaker has an almost-punishingly cheap and chintzy look to it, it seems likely that any budget it had went to its three principal actors: Keach, Campbell, and Astin. It's amazing that all three of these names actually agreed to be in Icebreaker, essentially a homemade production from the makers of Pressure Point (1997). Unfortunately, Don Mogavero is nowhere in sight. He would save us all.
Fan favorite Bruce Campbell here fills the shoes of the typical Eurotrash baddie. He's bald this time around, and even his typical energy seems tamped down, almost like he realized that no matter how much effort he put in, it would be all for naught. It would be like swimming against the tide of the flat, brain-cell depleting plainness that is Icebreaker. Nothing compelling or interesting ever happens. Yes, there is an exploding helicopter, likely sourced from somewhere else. It was appropriate that, of all possible ski resorts, they went with KILLINGton, but all of this is nothing but one big missed opportunity.
It's all very, very stupid and not in a good or entertaining way. We found Icebreaker to be something of a chore to sit through. While we appreciate that it's hard to make a movie and get it out there, and consequently we hate to be negative about things, we still have to tell the truth about what's going on here. All the more frustratingly, they had all the ingredients to make it good, worthwhile, and entertaining, but the filmmakers never bothered to capitalize on what they had. They played it agonizingly safe and took zero chances or risks with the material.
If you want to see an awesome movie that takes place on the ski slopes, just stick with Hot Dog: The Movie (1984) or Better Off Dead (1985). 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 the monolithic wall of crud that is Icebreaker.
Campbell steals the show again!
Verbal-1726 May 2000
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!
HdFlopeck17 March 2008
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!
x111b38253 April 2002
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!
Movie Nuttball23 August 2005
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!
Die Hard....Again!
HKFAN28 December 2000
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.
An hour and a half of goodness.
whochoseiki6 June 2004
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.
Indy does it better than major studios with 1/1000 of budget.
melc78547 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
You know, I just rented "Icebreaker" and I had a great time. Yes it is part of the "DieHard at a..." film sub-genre but it was well acted and executed. Bruce Campbell is great and you can really root for Astin. I almost didn't rent it because of some of the pompous negative reviews on this site, all wrong - and how many of the posts have agendas I wonder? The film was an entertaining 90 minutes ingeniously produced for obviously less than 1/1000 of the budgets of similar studio fare. It is a unfair double-standard to compare "Icebreaker" to similar studio movies, all of these films have the same flaws anyways. The film moves fast, doesn't take itself too seriously, and a lot of stuff explodes - what more do you want? Director Giancola even included Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" in the opening, an obvious nod to "Die Hard". Well done. Oh, and I give a big smack down to Astin for dissing it in his autobiography(first page even)he admits he was paid 40K to be in the film, then he talks trash. That's a whole year's salary for me there Samwise... And Campbell acts like the film is a blip on his resume but I think it's his best role next to the classic "Evil Dead" films. His acting and directing in "Man with the screaming Brain" were embarrassing. Give it a look, it's better than 90% of everything else on your video store's shelf.
Low-rent version of...what else?.....Die Hard
Charlie Goose21 May 2000
Terrorists take over a ski resort in search of some "plutonium stolen from the Russians" that went down in the woods. Sean Astin, looking just as he did in "The Goonies", scampers earnestly around the mountain as a member of the Ski Patrol, spending most of his actual time running away from the machine gun-wielding intruders as they blindly shoot at him. His biggest concern is not the radioactive material which could incinerate the entire mountain, but the fact that he is late to a lunch date with his fiancee and her father, played by Stacy Keach. Chrome dome Bruce Campbell is the haughty leader of the terrorists, dying from some unspecified disease. Nice scenery, and a fairly exciting chase scene on skis, snowboards, and snowmobile, but what's the point?
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
