The Super Network

Films about real serial killers are always intriguing because it is based on events that actually happened. Some films do take more liberties than others, while some end up being flat out insulting. Preference for me is definitely the more serious ones, ones that actually tell a good story and don’t spit in the face of the victims and their families. THE FROZEN GROUND is definitely a serious film and it is one that does respect the victims and doesn’t condone the actions of the convicted. Does this make it a good film? Surprising so, this was a fairly decent film and one that I found very interesting with some really strong performances.

This film is about serial killer Robert Hansen (John Cusack), a man who used the Alaskan terrain to hunt women and kill them, while going unnoticed. That is until he kidnaps Cindy (Vanessa Hudgens) who escapes his clutches, however at first the police don’t take her seriously because she works as a prostitute. The case ends up in the hands of ready to retire State Trooper Jack Halcombe (Nic Cage), who believes her and thinks that her case is related to a number of bodies they have found and women who have never been seen again.

THE FROZEN GROUND does feel very procedural, presenting the basics with this type of story and it is predictable even if you aren’t familiar with the case. However what makes this a very watchable film, is its competence at telling the story, the way it looks and the great performances. All these elements come together, and it does keep the focus with Halcombe and Cindy, and not so much with Hansen. It isn’t a film about trying to explore the killer, but more with the journey in being able to prove he is a monster and getting justice for Cindy and the other victims. It did win me over by doing this, and the times we do get to spend with Halcombe are unsettling and they are edited into the piece quite well.

This is an impressive feature from writer/director Scott Walker, who has made his feature length debut with this. I am sure he is going to be someone to watch in the future, and he can only get better from here. More impressive though is the fact that he got a very quiet and serious performance from Nic Cage, who doesn’t really have a moment where he loses it or isn’t at all convincing. He really is in fine form here, and it is evident he put a lot into playing Halcombe and embodied his passion and was quite well rounded. John Cusack who isn’t in the film a lot, did a tremendous job as Hansen, he’s very creepy and understated, playing it cool while being a monster. Not a role I would have pegged Cusack for, but he is very versatile and capable and he pulled it off. The real star though is Vanessa Hudgens who puts in quite the performance as Cindy, she is shaking off that good girl image by picking interesting and challenging roles. Cindy is a very up and down character, suffering from a tough life and an experience that has left her scared. I bought everything that Hudgens was selling, I never doubted her for a second. The film has a number of interesting cast members in smaller roles, who all do well (even 50 Cent) so keep your eyes open for them.

At the end of the day, this isn’t a masterpiece of cinema, but it is a good film. One that sits on top of real life serial killer films as a respectful one and not insulting. The film is dedicated to the victims as at the end it does show Hansen’s victims and suspected victims. A rare occurrence in these types of films and I did like that touch, it hit me hard too. The facts of the case are out there and while things were changed, the basics were very much there. THE FROZEN GROUND deserves a look, it’s a good surprise and they don’t come along often these days when Mr. Cage is involved.

Rating: