Blue Ice

I simply have to give it four stars for the incredibly imaginative hallucinogenic scene and for the awesome final hiding among the containers on the dock. I was surprised that the film doesn't stand solely on Michael Caine (as it usually does), but also relies on solid direction by Mulcahy, whose long camera runs are reminiscent of De Palma in full form (the way the very first visit to Harry's club in full traffic is shot is amazing, for example). However, the film has a few "Buts". Firstly, there are two or three moments of clichéd lightning-fast dodging of fired bullets, then a slightly bland performance by Sean Young and - mainly - the final "hook" liquidation of the villain, which should have been spectacular, but instead felt rather ridiculous.__P.S. Michael Caine reminisces fondly about his time as Agent Palmer - not just the trench-coat he wears, but also how his cooking helps him pick up a woman (here, admittedly, with somewhat quicker effect). (08/03/2010)