The Frozen Ground Reviews
familiar s
Super Reviewer
October 1, 2013
Very badly fictionalized. The truth may have needed adjustments to make it gripping; however, while it adjusts the truth, it fails to make it interesting enough.
YodaMasterJedi
Super Reviewer
September 25, 2013
four stars...
www.themoviewaffler.com
Super Reviewer
July 8, 2013
Nicolas Cage has long been associated with bad movies but his latest film sees him enter the realm of bad taste. Based on a horrific true story, 'The Frozen Ground' treats its subject and the parties involved with little respect, cashing in on a series of gruesome crimes in the most tasteless manner possible. At the movie's end we're told the film is dedicated to Hansen's victims, whose photos are displayed onscreen while the most inappropriately cheesy piece of upbeat rock music plays over the soundtrack. Writer/director Walker is completely out of his depth with this kind of material, his script riddled with cliched characters and dumb dialogue, his direction as bland as a TV 'Law & Order' type procedural drama.
Most of the cast seem to have agreed to their roles in this film in a failed attempt to prove themselves as "serious" actors. This is certainly the darkest fare we've seen Cage in for quite some time but despite being one of his more subtle performances, we still can't help but see Crazy Cage, just in a slightly toned down version. Like Cage, Cusack is two decades past his prime and with this, his role in 'The Paperboy', and his upcoming turn as Nixon in 'The Butler' (or whatever they plan to call it following a court case which ruled that name out), seems determined to reinvent himself as the go-to-guy for creepiness. Frankly, he's just dull in these sort of roles and the sooner he returns to comic fare the better. Jackson is more well known as the rapper '50 Cent' but has been carving out an acting career which seems to be going nowhere. His resume is filled with stereotypical "gangsta" roles and that's exactly what we get once more here. Conversely, Hudgens' career transformation from Disney popette to "bad girl" seems to be flowing along nicely and she's by far the best thing about this, though her character is as cliched a rendition of a "hooker with a heart of gold" as they come. She's also possibly the world's most attractive meth-addict.
On paper, 'The Frozen Ground' sounds like a winner, a gripping manhunt set against a cinematic backdrop, 'Zodiac' meets 'Insomnia'. Walker has wasted such an opportunity and if you were to watch both the aforementioned movies back to back, their combined 275 minute running time would seem a lot shorter than the 105 minutes you'll endure here.
Anchorage, Alaska, 1984. For the previous 13 years, Robert Hansen (Cusack) has been abducting young women who he sexually assaults in his cabin before flying them to the Alaskan woods where he shoots them and buries their corpses. His latest abductee, Cindy Paulson (Hudgens), manages to escape his clutches but, being a prostitute, the police fail to take her seriously. Alaska State Trooper Jack Halcombe (Cage), however, vows to take down Hansen and enlists the aid of Paulson but the young woman is reluctant and ends up placing herself in even more danger.
Nicolas Cage has long been associated with bad movies but his latest film sees him enter the realm of bad taste. Based on a horrific true story, 'The Frozen Ground' treats its subject and the parties involved with little respect, cashing in on a series of gruesome crimes in the most tasteless manner possible. At the movie's end we're told the film is dedicated to Hansen's victims, whose photos are displayed onscreen while the most inappropriately cheesy piece of upbeat rock music plays over the soundtrack. Writer/director Walker is completely out of his depth with this kind of material, his script riddled with cliched characters and dumb dialogue, his direction as bland as a TV 'Law & Order' type procedural drama.
Most of the cast seem to have agreed to their roles in this film in a failed attempt to prove themselves as "serious" actors. This is certainly the darkest fare we've seen Cage in for quite some time but despite being one of his more subtle performances, we still can't help but see Crazy Cage, just in a slightly toned down version. Like Cage, Cusack is two decades past his prime and with this, his role in 'The Paperboy', and his upcoming turn as Nixon in 'The Butler' (or whatever they plan to call it following a court case which ruled that name out), seems determined to reinvent himself as the go-to-guy for creepiness. Frankly, he's just dull in these sort of roles and the sooner he returns to comic fare the better. Jackson is more well known as the rapper '50 Cent' but has been carving out an acting career which seems to be going nowhere. His resume is filled with stereotypical "gangsta" roles and that's exactly what we get once more here. Conversely, Hudgens' career transformation from Disney popette to "bad girl" seems to be flowing along nicely and she's by far the best thing about this, though her character is as cliched a rendition of a "hooker with a heart of gold" as they come. She's also possibly the world's most attractive meth-addict.
On paper, 'The Frozen Ground' sounds like a winner, a gripping manhunt set against a cinematic backdrop, 'Zodiac' meets 'Insomnia'. Walker has wasted such an opportunity and if you were to watch both the aforementioned movies back to back, their combined 275 minute running time would seem a lot shorter than the 105 minutes you'll endure here.
Jeffrey M
Super Reviewer
October 5, 2013
Forunately for Nicholas Cage fan's, his performance in this film ranks among the best from him in recent years (not saying much), bringing back the intensity and screen presence his best roles are known for. In Frozen Ground he is relentless, obsessed, yet disillusioned, all traits he seems to inhibit well on the screen. He's matched by a fairly good supporting cast, with John Cuscak effective as the eerily creepy Hansen.
The film is conventional in its approach, surprisng considering some of hte liberties the film took. It's very procedural, and we often get the feeling that perhaps the material deserved something more compelling, something in the vain of Zodiac. That said, it does hit on all of the expected beats, though with some dramatic cliches, and features performances that elevate the material. The film's bleak tone and dark mood are consistent thoughought, and I felt made for some effective world-building; we see a side of Alaska rarely seen. It's the film's darkness that I found most compelling, even ending on a dreary note, which I felt was a good departure from the otherwise formulaic approach taken prior.
It's not among the best in the genre, but it's an all-around solid drama of a very disturbing story, done well enought to leave you uncomftable.
3.5/5 Stars
Based on the unconscionable killing spree of Robert Hansen, The Frozen Ground, finds Nicholas Cage in a return-to-form as a State Trooper on his trail. It's a film with a very compelling story, albeit a film that is overly conventional, to be sure, yet still effective in its execution.
Forunately for Nicholas Cage fan's, his performance in this film ranks among the best from him in recent years (not saying much), bringing back the intensity and screen presence his best roles are known for. In Frozen Ground he is relentless, obsessed, yet disillusioned, all traits he seems to inhibit well on the screen. He's matched by a fairly good supporting cast, with John Cuscak effective as the eerily creepy Hansen.
The film is conventional in its approach, surprisng considering some of hte liberties the film took. It's very procedural, and we often get the feeling that perhaps the material deserved something more compelling, something in the vain of Zodiac. That said, it does hit on all of the expected beats, though with some dramatic cliches, and features performances that elevate the material. The film's bleak tone and dark mood are consistent thoughought, and I felt made for some effective world-building; we see a side of Alaska rarely seen. It's the film's darkness that I found most compelling, even ending on a dreary note, which I felt was a good departure from the otherwise formulaic approach taken prior.
It's not among the best in the genre, but it's an all-around solid drama of a very disturbing story, done well enought to leave you uncomftable.
3.5/5 Stars
PantaOz
Super Reviewer
September 29, 2013
The real story in The Frozen Ground was about Alaskan detective Glenn Flothe but in this film he is called Sgt. Jack Halcombe. Our hero Halcombe sets out to end the murderous rampage of Robert Hansen, a respected member of the community who is actually a serial killer who has silently stalked the streets of Anchorage for more than 13 years. With every possible opportunity the bodies of Anchorage women start to add up, and Sgt. Halcombe who is supposed to finish his job in two weeks goes on a personal manhunt to find the killer. When 17-year-old Cindy Paulson escapes Halcombe has a chance to finally catch him.
If you like efficient police procedural, an Australian director principally known for commercials is giving you a chance to enjoy this reconstructed story fully in the amazing scenery of Alaska.
This thriller written and directed by Scott Walker, based on the real-life 1980s Alaskan hunt for serial killer Robert Hansen is bringing us back Nicolas Cage as a solidly performing star. Hansen stalked and murdered between 17 and 21 young women, kidnapping them and taking them by plane out to the Alaskan wilderness where he shot and buried them. I enjoyed Nicolas Cage as a detective but even more John Cusack as a villain, as well as Vanessa Hudgens, Katherine LaNasa, Radha Mitchell and 50 Cent.
The real story in The Frozen Ground was about Alaskan detective Glenn Flothe but in this film he is called Sgt. Jack Halcombe. Our hero Halcombe sets out to end the murderous rampage of Robert Hansen, a respected member of the community who is actually a serial killer who has silently stalked the streets of Anchorage for more than 13 years. With every possible opportunity the bodies of Anchorage women start to add up, and Sgt. Halcombe who is supposed to finish his job in two weeks goes on a personal manhunt to find the killer. When 17-year-old Cindy Paulson escapes Halcombe has a chance to finally catch him.
If you like efficient police procedural, an Australian director principally known for commercials is giving you a chance to enjoy this reconstructed story fully in the amazing scenery of Alaska.
September 6, 2013
The Frozen Ground is a watchable movie but it isn't an overly good one which is disappointing as it is based on a horrific true story with a lot of cinematic potential. The film is based upon events involving the Alaskan serial killer Robert Hansen from the early 1980s (although he'd been abducting, killing and burying young women since 1971 and its been alleged he had 21 slain victims) who was caught in late-1983 after one of his abducted victims -- a teenage girl named Cindy Paulson -- escaped and made her way to authorities and reported Hansen. Although the girl's testimony wasn't taken as gospel and the authorities waited to make any arrests because they believed the named suspect was too meek and timid to be a serial killer. Ahem. For real. These events are all depicted in The Frozen Ground as the film follows an Alaskan State Trooper, Sgt. Jack Halcombe (Nicolas Cage - The Rock, Leaving Las Vegas) who actually believes Miss Paulson (Vanessa Hudgens - Spring Breakers, Sucker Punch) and is worried about her safety just in case her abductor still wants her dead. The quiet-crazy psycho killer is played by John Cusack (High Fidelity, One Crazy Summer) who does have some menacing glares here. His killer here is a bit more restrained and somber when compared to the last crazy killer he played in last year's The Paperboy. Cage might not have a single over-the-top theatrical moment in The Frozen Ground as he plays Sgt. Halcombe as a respectable straight-shooter ... and it is nice seeing that Cage can still do tranquil. This is the directing debut for Scott Walker (not that one) and it is adequate for a first-timer. The film gets most of the gist of the story correct and the acting is all credible but the pacing is a bit off and there is little actual suspense. It feels a bit more like a TV movie than a theatrical one but all directors have to start somewhere and there are many who probably wish their first one could be this "good".
August 28, 2013
So the setting is interesting ... Alaska. Beyond that there isn't anything special about this film. Cage and Cusack put on average performances. Hudgens is probably the best. The story is average and tells you who the killer is upfront which completely takes the suspense of the movie out. Overall its simply a very forgettable film.
October 6, 2013
Je ne veux plus voir de films avec Nicolas Cage....je fais une indigestion de Nicolas Cage...........Nicolas Cage ne possede aucune emotion a l ecrans et joue de la meme maniere depuis des annees films apres films.....Nicolas Cage accepte n importe quel role qu on lui offre! Il accepterait de jouer une testicule de l espace souffrant de schizophrenie et homosexuel!!
October 6, 2013
I like it. It is dark and a true story. I like seriel killer movies cause there based on the facts. And nic cage was good and cusack was great
October 6, 2013
I was getting worried about this because of Cage's latest flops but it was pretty decent.
Jeffrey M
Super Reviewer
October 5, 2013
Forunately for Nicholas Cage fan's, his performance in this film ranks among the best from him in recent years (not saying much), bringing back the intensity and screen presence his best roles are known for. In Frozen Ground he is relentless, obsessed, yet disillusioned, all traits he seems to inhibit well on the screen. He's matched by a fairly good supporting cast, with John Cuscak effective as the eerily creepy Hansen.
The film is conventional in its approach, surprisng considering some of hte liberties the film took. It's very procedural, and we often get the feeling that perhaps the material deserved something more compelling, something in the vain of Zodiac. That said, it does hit on all of the expected beats, though with some dramatic cliches, and features performances that elevate the material. The film's bleak tone and dark mood are consistent thoughought, and I felt made for some effective world-building; we see a side of Alaska rarely seen. It's the film's darkness that I found most compelling, even ending on a dreary note, which I felt was a good departure from the otherwise formulaic approach taken prior.
It's not among the best in the genre, but it's an all-around solid drama of a very disturbing story, done well enought to leave you uncomftable.
3.5/5 Stars
Based on the unconscionable killing spree of Robert Hansen, The Frozen Ground, finds Nicholas Cage in a return-to-form as a State Trooper on his trail. It's a film with a very compelling story, albeit a film that is overly conventional, to be sure, yet still effective in its execution.
Forunately for Nicholas Cage fan's, his performance in this film ranks among the best from him in recent years (not saying much), bringing back the intensity and screen presence his best roles are known for. In Frozen Ground he is relentless, obsessed, yet disillusioned, all traits he seems to inhibit well on the screen. He's matched by a fairly good supporting cast, with John Cuscak effective as the eerily creepy Hansen.
The film is conventional in its approach, surprisng considering some of hte liberties the film took. It's very procedural, and we often get the feeling that perhaps the material deserved something more compelling, something in the vain of Zodiac. That said, it does hit on all of the expected beats, though with some dramatic cliches, and features performances that elevate the material. The film's bleak tone and dark mood are consistent thoughought, and I felt made for some effective world-building; we see a side of Alaska rarely seen. It's the film's darkness that I found most compelling, even ending on a dreary note, which I felt was a good departure from the otherwise formulaic approach taken prior.
It's not among the best in the genre, but it's an all-around solid drama of a very disturbing story, done well enought to leave you uncomftable.
3.5/5 Stars
Michael F.
October 5, 2013
Basic, yes, but extremely captivating with Cage actually underplaying for once, and great turns by Hudgens and Cusack. A real surprise, I don't see what else could have been done to garner more positive reviews... Great atmosphere, well paced and darkly engrossing, this is the best procedural of its kind in a long while.
October 5, 2013
Nicholas Cage and John Cusak are excellent in this movie! The fact that it is based on true events is very chilling in itself. I would recommend this movie to all who like thrillers.
William W.
October 5, 2013
Nick Cage is in good form in this film. John Cusack plays a serial killer, Bob Hansen, this is a very radical move for him from his past work. Very good indeed even if the film is formulaic. Watchable overall.
October 3, 2013
By-the-numbers. To be honest, Vanessa Hudgens was really good. Surprisingly good.
FNDNreview
October 3, 2013
Scott Walker makes his writing and directorial debut with The Frozen Ground, starring Nicolas Cage as Jack Halcombe - an Alaskan police sergeant that is assigned a case to bring a serial killer to justice. For more than 15 years, Robert Hansen (John Cusack) has blended in with the community as an upstanding, respectable citizen - while secretly abducting, raping, and murdering young teenage girls. His latest victim, a prostitute named Cindy Paulson (Vanessa Hudgens), is able to escape Hansen's clutches, but when she tells her story to the police, they don't believe her. When Paulson's story is brought to Sgt. Halcombe's attention, he takes it upon himself to protect her while searching for enough evidence to put Hansen behind bars. Curtis Jackson, Dean Norris, and Radha Mitchell also star in supporting roles.
Surprisingly, Nicolas Cage is on the top of his game in the role of Sgt. Halcombe. When we first meet Halcombe, he's preparing to exit his job and start a new chapter in his life. However, things change when he's put in charge of a series of murders that all resemble the same pattern: the murder of young girls. While Cage portrays the generic law enforcement lead - driven, ambitious, and won't settle for failure - he still manages to bring a realistic emotion to a character that rarely displays physical emotion. This lead character, haunted by the death of his sister from an automobile accident, doesn't let death define him, yet this tragic incident provides another dimension to an otherwise predictable character. All in all, this is probably Cage's most impressive role since World Trade Center.
While I'm mostly on the wrong side of the fence when it comes to Nicolas Cage, I would certainly call myself a fan of Cage's fellow co-star, John Cusack. The careers of Cage and Cusack sort of mirror each other in terms of their popularity and status in the limelight. Neither would be considered major stars, but both have a loyal following. Both Cage and Cusack, previously collaborating on the 1997 summer blockbuster, Con Air, are back together and mesh together rather well in their reunion. Cusack isn't exactly the most calculating villain in this flick, but he does an admirable jump - easily comparable to Robin Williams's villainous character in Insomnia. From the very beginning, viewers are aware of who the bad guy is, and will go through the dramatic motions of various interactions in which the villain escapes being caught. Unfortunately, Cusack's interaction with Cage is minimal and doesn't even occur until nearly three quarters of the way through the film - but the build-up is still worth the wait.
I'm on record of being against musicians taking their "talents" to acting, especially when it comes to singers like Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. More often than not, their appearance in a film alone is enough to warrant a terrible review for a film. However, in the case of Vanessa Hudgens - she has managed to work her way around joining the club of pre-mentioned singers turned "actresses." Hudgens certainly stands out in that particular crowd, showing signs of potential in previous roles, like Spring Breakers and Sucker Punch (I said signs of potential). She also shows signs of potential in various scenes in The Frozen Ground, mostly when she's drugged out or weeping in a police station - but the potential is there. Surprisingly, she is given quite a bit of screen time, and doesn't completely bomb with it. It's quite possible her future might be in film after all. It might be low-budget, straight-to-video film, but that's film none-the-less.
More often than not, The Frozen Ground features an attention-sustaining pace - even though you can quickly predict the film's inevitable outcome. The fact that this film is a true story, based on the murders committed by Robert Hansen between 1971 and 1983, at least provides a bit of history to go along with a foreseeable outcome. There are shades of Christopher Nolan's Insomnia sprinkled all over this film, mostly since you'll be able to see the lives of two men taking different paths that will eventually intersect with one another. The characters are written well, given average back stories, but really lack a big name presence that would have given this film much more attention than it did. Like many flicks that only briefly land in theaters, The Frozen Ground went to on-demand and quickly to home video. Was it worth a trip to the theater? Probably not, unless you're a Cage or Cusack follower - but since you no longer need to leave your couch to watch this flick, it is certainly worth a view.
GRADE: B-
Let me first begin by saying that I am not a fan of Nicolas Cage, and there's maybe only one of two films that he's been a part of that I've actually enjoyed. This doesn't mean I have some sort of vendetta against the man or his work - other than his style of acting not being my cup of tea. For a man that was (at one point) on the verge of playing Superman, Cage sure has taken lead roles in some completely lackluster films - including Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Drive Angry, and Stolen (with several more on top of those). With that being said, the fact that it's been quite a while since Cage has been relevant has not bothered me in the slightest. Truth be told, Cage will have to work extra hard to get back into Hollywood's spotlight, assuming he ever wants to be there. In any event, he appears to be on the right track, starring in the new drama, The Frozen Ground.
Scott Walker makes his writing and directorial debut with The Frozen Ground, starring Nicolas Cage as Jack Halcombe - an Alaskan police sergeant that is assigned a case to bring a serial killer to justice. For more than 15 years, Robert Hansen (John Cusack) has blended in with the community as an upstanding, respectable citizen - while secretly abducting, raping, and murdering young teenage girls. His latest victim, a prostitute named Cindy Paulson (Vanessa Hudgens), is able to escape Hansen's clutches, but when she tells her story to the police, they don't believe her. When Paulson's story is brought to Sgt. Halcombe's attention, he takes it upon himself to protect her while searching for enough evidence to put Hansen behind bars. Curtis Jackson, Dean Norris, and Radha Mitchell also star in supporting roles.
Surprisingly, Nicolas Cage is on the top of his game in the role of Sgt. Halcombe. When we first meet Halcombe, he's preparing to exit his job and start a new chapter in his life. However, things change when he's put in charge of a series of murders that all resemble the same pattern: the murder of young girls. While Cage portrays the generic law enforcement lead - driven, ambitious, and won't settle for failure - he still manages to bring a realistic emotion to a character that rarely displays physical emotion. This lead character, haunted by the death of his sister from an automobile accident, doesn't let death define him, yet this tragic incident provides another dimension to an otherwise predictable character. All in all, this is probably Cage's most impressive role since World Trade Center.
While I'm mostly on the wrong side of the fence when it comes to Nicolas Cage, I would certainly call myself a fan of Cage's fellow co-star, John Cusack. The careers of Cage and Cusack sort of mirror each other in terms of their popularity and status in the limelight. Neither would be considered major stars, but both have a loyal following. Both Cage and Cusack, previously collaborating on the 1997 summer blockbuster, Con Air, are back together and mesh together rather well in their reunion. Cusack isn't exactly the most calculating villain in this flick, but he does an admirable jump - easily comparable to Robin Williams's villainous character in Insomnia. From the very beginning, viewers are aware of who the bad guy is, and will go through the dramatic motions of various interactions in which the villain escapes being caught. Unfortunately, Cusack's interaction with Cage is minimal and doesn't even occur until nearly three quarters of the way through the film - but the build-up is still worth the wait.
I'm on record of being against musicians taking their "talents" to acting, especially when it comes to singers like Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. More often than not, their appearance in a film alone is enough to warrant a terrible review for a film. However, in the case of Vanessa Hudgens - she has managed to work her way around joining the club of pre-mentioned singers turned "actresses." Hudgens certainly stands out in that particular crowd, showing signs of potential in previous roles, like Spring Breakers and Sucker Punch (I said signs of potential). She also shows signs of potential in various scenes in The Frozen Ground, mostly when she's drugged out or weeping in a police station - but the potential is there. Surprisingly, she is given quite a bit of screen time, and doesn't completely bomb with it. It's quite possible her future might be in film after all. It might be low-budget, straight-to-video film, but that's film none-the-less.
More often than not, The Frozen Ground features an attention-sustaining pace - even though you can quickly predict the film's inevitable outcome. The fact that this film is a true story, based on the murders committed by Robert Hansen between 1971 and 1983, at least provides a bit of history to go along with a foreseeable outcome. There are shades of Christopher Nolan's Insomnia sprinkled all over this film, mostly since you'll be able to see the lives of two men taking different paths that will eventually intersect with one another. The characters are written well, given average back stories, but really lack a big name presence that would have given this film much more attention than it did. Like many flicks that only briefly land in theaters, The Frozen Ground went to on-demand and quickly to home video. Was it worth a trip to the theater? Probably not, unless you're a Cage or Cusack follower - but since you no longer need to leave your couch to watch this flick, it is certainly worth a view.
GRADE: B-
October 2, 2013
So straightforward that it feels like a TV movie or a 48 hours re-telling, but with much more interesting actors. Cage, Cusack, and Hudgens are fun to watch. But the movie is not.
October 1, 2013
What great thriller, be prepared to see justice in action, and be thrown into the reality of the dark places of this world. This movie shows the rawness of emotion so delicatly balanced with the urge to see justice saught out in a unjust world...
