Netflix action movie starring Liam Neeson has fans all saying same thing
The Ice Road is a 2021 disaster thriller film directed by Jonathan Hensleigh and starring Liam Neeson, Laurence Fishburne, Amber Midthunder, Marcus Thomas, Holt McCallany and Matt McCoy
The new action thriller from the pen of the American writer behind Jumanji, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and Armageddon had audiences brimming with anticipation. However, The Ice Road, which hit screens in 2021 with Liam Neeson at the helm as a North Dakota truck driver on a vital mission, has left some viewers underwhelmed.
Now 72, Neeson, whose storied career includes legendary films like Schindler's List, the Taken series, Star Wars, and Love Actually, has received acclaim for his personal performance. Yet, despite the praise for Neeson, The Ice Road has garnered less favourable reviews.
A critic on Rotten Tomatoes remarks: "Borderline embarrassing almost throughout. Predictable and clichéd. Possibly Neeson's worst film."
In The Ice Road, Neeson's character leads a group of truckers risking their lives over ice-laden lakes and stormy roads to rescue miners trapped in Canada. Their perilous quest pits them against melting ice, blinding snowstorms, and the looming danger of ice collapses.
A disappointed viewer commented: "One ridiculous impossible scene after another as these amateurs try to make a dramatic film. The really baffling thing is, why would an actor of the status of Liam Neeson lend his name and reputation to such horrid dreck?", reports the Mirror US.
One viewer said: "A 'so bad it's good' disaster movie, but only just. Whilst the concept of having a rag-tag crew of big rig drivers embark on a noble mission against time and the extremes of nature to save those in peril holds some merit, the actual plot comes across as silly and very unrealistic."
Despite bypassing cinemas and being released digitally on Netflix, the film enjoyed its moment of glory, becoming the most streamed film on Netflix during its debut weekend. In April 2023, fans were thrilled to hear that a sequel is on the horizon, with Neeson confirmed to reprise his role in The Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky.
Another critic expressed their disappointment: "Liam is always worth a watch, but unfortunately the plot has many holes and implausible actions leading to a bit of a disappointing viewing. On a cold, rainy day it's worth a watch, but it's not popcorn worthy."
However, opinions are divided, with some viewers still recommending the film. One person said: "The film was gritty in places. I loved the bond between the brothers; shame one of them had to die. But it was well worth a watch, and I'd like to watch it again, which says a lot from me."
Someone else defended the film, stating: "Why the bad reviews? I am tired of car chases in big cities. This is no more unbelievable, and the setting is much more interesting."
Fans of Liam Neeson can catch him in The Ice Road, currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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