Thin Ice

“Thin Ice” stars Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin and Billy Crudup in this 93 minute drama/comedy/crime thriller which, but for the locale and actors, is sort of a thinking man’s version of the film “Fargo” taking place in the State of Wisconsin as opposed to North Dakota. Much like the William H. Macy character in the latter film, Mr. Kinnear is also a salesman trying to better his life and work out his matrimonial and economic problems utilizing circumstances that befall him for exploitation and gain. Written by Jill and Karen Sprecher and directed by Jill Sprecher, the film is nicely paced and well written as it explores how Mr. Kinnear’s character winds his way through each of the many pitfalls and obstacles he encounters. Mr. Kinnear if, of course, why the film works so well for his acting is superb and gives meaning and credibility to the role he plays. I give the film 3 stars because it not only held my interest but made me become deeply involved in it up to, and especially at, the very end.

The Woman in Black

“The Woman in Black” stars Daniel Radcliffe, the now mature star of the Harry Potter films, as he finds himself as a young lawyer seeking the mysteries of a small suburban town on the outskirts of London in the early part of the 20th Century and the strange events that have taken place there..
The film was directed by James Watkins and written by Jane Goldman based on the novel by Susan Hill. Director Watkins takes us through 95 minutes of scares, darkness, fright and queries about what is happening and why. More like a horror film without the massacres or blood-letting, this movie has its fair share of “sitting on the edge of your seat” scenes as we travel through it with our young hero. It is difficult to berate or condemn the film because it does have an interesting plot and a host of questions that take a little too much time to answer. Whether intended or not, Mr. Radcliffe never seems to rise to the level of acting of which I am sure he is capable and, for that reason, he participates in creating a film experience that is more bland than supernatural although there is plenty of that as well. This is a movie that, done better, could really have set a high mark for terror without bloodshed but, alas, it is an average film and for that reason, I give it a 2 and ½ star rating. The caveat here is that this is the kind of film some will love and perhaps rave about although, truth be told, most will find it a little too tedious and dry. All, however, will agree that it does hold your interest and invoke many moments of fear in its audience.