The Ice Storm (1997)

THE ICE STORM is a chilling, haunting, magnificent drama, set in a 
70's that seems even *more* of an alien universe than the shag car-
pet-covered wonderland of BOOGIE NIGHTS.  Director Ang Lee's fol-
low-up to SENSE AND SENSIBILITY-- about Connecticut Yankees court-
ing disaster during the Sexual Revolution-- certainly lives up to 
its title, playing things very close to its wide-lapeled vest for a 
good eighty or ninety minutes.  Though the emotional distance 
*does* thaw toward the end, I caught myself looking at my watch and 
wondering where in the Hell this was all going.  By the revelatory 
end, however, I think the final scenes are made all the more power-
ful.  Bring a Kleenex.  Oh, and be ready for a fright, when Chris-
tina Ricca dons a Nixon mask during a session of heavy petting.  
That's a sight that'll turn your hair white.  With Kevin Kline, 
Sigourney Weaver, Joan Allen, Tobey Maguire, Jamey Sheridan, and 
Elijah Wood, among many other fine ensemble players.  (Rated "R"/
112 min.)  

Grade A  

Copyright 1997 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros