The Iceman

2013 • 105 minutes

About this movie

The true story of notorious mob hitman Richard Kuklinski, who killed more than 100 people

Ratings and reviews

Wow this movie was very disappointing. I was a huge fan of the book and I think that was my problem with the movie. It is often the case with film adaptations of books that Hollywood omits many details but too many important details were omitted and some things were added that just flat out didn't happen as depicted in the film. Other than a very brief flashback and a conversation with his brother, the film depicts very little of Kuklinski's childhood. His childhood was a big part of how he grew up to be a psychopath. Inaccuracies aside, as gangster flick, it wasn't very impressive. The characters of Richard and his wife weren't developed well, and I was left feeling unsure of why some people were getting killed. What happened to Richard's son? He had a son who was a teenager by the time he got arrested who started to have a rocky relationship with him, and R. Kuklinski said he and his son's relationship was starting to resemble the relationship he had with this dad. This conflict would have been great to see on film, but this movie squandered the opportunity. The movie was also poorly paced with a rushed ending. "The Iceman" missed the mark, read the book instead.

I had wanted to see this movie for a while. It mostly centered on the killings for the excitement and main character's double-life for the drama. I enjoyed watching this movie because of Shannon's stoic performance and Evan's unusual character performance.

Knowing that this story is based upon an actual person helps. Not saying a serial killer for hire is great. But to dress-up every day like you're going to the bank or exchange is a statement. Can't say more without spoiling the movie. Worth the watch for sho.