Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 (3 out of 5 stars)
Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, “The Ice Road” takes us on a treacherous journey across frozen lakes, but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite deliver the thrills we hoped for.
Liam Neeson, the go-to action star, returns as Mike McCann, an ice road trucker with a unique set of abilities. While Neeson’s stern presence gives weight to the film, it can’t lift the lacklustre content.
A remote diamond mine in northern Manitoba collapses, trapping two dozen workers within. McCann joins a three-truck convoy to traverse dangerous icy roads and rescue the stranded miners. Along with the voyage are his brother, a troubled mechanic, and a courageous Native woman.
Despite the icy perils and high stakes, “The Ice Road” fails to capitalize on its setting. Action sequences remain unexceptional, and the tension never reaches its peak.
While the film introduces an intriguing ensemble, the characters lack depth. Exposition-heavy dialogue often replaces genuine development. “The Ice Road” isn’t as crazy as it should be, given its premise. It’s a middling Liam Neeson actioner that falls short of the visceral thrills we expect.
Ultimately, “The Ice Road” skates on thin ice, leaving us wanting more. Neeson’s grizzled heroics can only carry a film so far.
