Netflix action film with huge actor has fans all saying the same thing

Edinburgh Live

10-05-2025

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The Ice Road, penned by the American screenwriter behind hits like Jumanji, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and Armageddon, sparked high hopes among audiences, only to leave many feeling let down.
The 2021 thriller showcases action veteran Liam Neeson as a North Dakota trucker embarking on a vital quest. Now at 72, the celebrated Irish thespian boasts a career peppered with memorable roles in films such as Schindler's List, the Taken franchise, Star Wars, and Love Actually.
Still, even though Neeson's fans commend his acting in The Ice Road, they are not all that taken with the film itself. Critiquing the movie, one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer remarked: "Borderline embarrassing almost throughout. Predictable and clichéd. Possibly Neeson's worst film."
The plot centers on a convoy of truckers navigating perilous frozen lakes and wintry paths to rescue miners from a caved-in diamond mine in Canada. Their travail is marred by numerous hazards including melting ice, fierce snowstorms, and the ever-present danger of the ice giving way beneath them.
Disgruntled, a 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.
(Image: ALLEN FRASER/NETFLIX)
Elsewhere, an individual commented: "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."
Although bypassing cinemas, the film carved its niche online with a digital release on Netflix, quickly becoming the most streamed title on the platform during its debut weekend. In a thrilling turn for fans, April 2023 brought news of a sequel, set to star Neeson once more, in what's been dubbed The Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky.
Criticism wasn't absent, with one disgruntled critic remarking: "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, as always, divided. There are viewers who deemed the film a decent pick, one stating: "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."
Another expressed their appreciation: "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 eager for more of Liam Neeson's action can catch him in The Ice Road on Netflix now.