The Iceman - B+

Rated R, 93 minutes

"The Iceman" is a gripping, dark tale of a brutal serial killer and family man

Michael Shannon

The chilling new drama "The Iceman" is a mesmerizing, superbly acted film with a familiar "Sopranos" sheen to it. Inspired by actual events, the film follows notorious New Jersey mob contract killer Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon), who was eventually arrested for the murder of more than 100 men. Kuklinski was a devoted family man with a wife and children and lived in the suburbs, though not even his own family knew what he did. Dark and frightening, even more so knowing that much of it is true, "The Iceman" is a fascinating look at a man who truly lived a double life. Directed and written by newcomer Ariel Vroman, this gripping true crime story seems too familiar and predictable at times (not to mention key details of the story changed), and we've seen this before many times in films like "Goodfellas" and on TV with "The Sopranos." Even with its familiarity, the film's violent undercurrent is helped by a talented, eclectic cast, including Winona Ryder (great as Kuklinski's wife), Chris Evans, David Schwimmer, Ray Liotta and in a brief cameo. James Franco. But the most memorable is Oscar nominee Shannon in the title role, who is quickly developing into one of cinema's most watchable character actors. Shannon's electric, intense performance as Kuklinksi is one of the strongest turns I've seen this year, and he reminds of a young DeNiro or Pacino. With this film, along with his upcoming turn as another bad guy in the heavily buzzed new Superman film "Man of Steel," I see only good things coming Shannon's way (who knows, maybe an Oscar). To prepare yourself for that film, check out his spellbound turn in the darkly entertaining, chilling and often violent "The Iceman," a nickname given to Kuklinski's for his penchant for storing dead bodies in freezers.

Wes's Grade: B+