As a seasoned movie lover who’s seen more films than I care to remember, I can confidently say that “Ick” is a wild ride that defies categorization. With its unique blend of soft rock horror and societal commentary, it’s a film that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go.
In this fast-paced movie directed by Joseph Kahn, titled “Ick,” the story delves momentarily into the beginnings of a mysterious black substance that gives the film its name. However, in the quaint suburban town of Eastbrook, no one is entirely certain about the source or duration of this enigma. Interestingly, the movie’s reluctance to delve deeply into introspection mirrors the theme Kahn has chosen to explore in what he refers to as a “soft rock horror” production. This film, with its flexible metaphor for societal concerns, similar to those seen in classics like “The Blob” and “The Stuff,” certainly captures attention.
Only Kahn, renowned for music videos like those for Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, along with works such as “Torque,” “Detention,” and “Bodied,” has the unique ability to create a movie about aimless ennui that seems so lively. The fast-paced storyline is designed to jolt the TikTok generation out of their complaints about having it tougher than their elders, while leaving adults questioning why they haven’t challenged the established order more. This film serves as a bold, irreverent wake-up call, maintaining an intensity that keeps it from being boring at any moment.
In the year 2000, when the movie begins, the unpleasantness may lie hidden beneath the surface, yet we’re immediately drawn into something potentially sinister as the melancholic emo songs of that era establish the atmosphere. Star football player Hank Wallace (Brandon Routh) has everything going for him at Eastbrook High, but a knee injury during a game and a breakup with his girlfriend Staci (Mena Suvari) steer him away from college football. A further setback comes when his father (Jeff Fahey) passes away, leading Hank to take up the menial job of a janitor at the same school where his jersey number should’ve been retired.
Hank, despite initially appearing disinterested, transforms into a science instructor. However, his preference for Dashboard Confessional and Hoobastank on full blast suggests he’s stuck in his prime years. The actor portraying Hank, known for “Superman Returns,” struggled to maintain the success following his 2006 breakthrough. Yet, Routh has significantly improved as an actor since then. He effectively grounds the chaotic narrative, demonstrating both physical prowess and quick thinking, serving as a pillar of strength in the community when a mysterious illness sweeps through town. Hank’s relationship with Grace (Malina Weissman) is unclear; she was raised by Staci and Ted, a real estate agent, after her split from Hank.
Grace’s friends and her boyfriend Dylan (played by Harrison Cone) remain unfazed by the mysterious black substance leaking around them. The unsettling nature of this substance varies among individuals, and its shape-shifting properties lend a more subtle approach to Kahn’s work, who often challenges established norms. In this instance, he focuses on less overt targets: Hank grapples with nostalgia, while Grace confronts apathy. Kahn demonstrates his sensitivity in other aspects as well, portraying a heartwarming father-daughter dynamic that develops throughout the story. As they struggle against the strange substance, they come to understand the strength in things that defy categorization.
Torque” demonstrated that Kahn’s talents might not have been suited for producing studio blockbusters, not due to lack of skill, but because his strong sense of irony clashed with the bombastic nature of action films. On the other hand, “Ick” implies that it would have been worthwhile if someone had contacted Kahn about the “Venom” films. The symbiote-focused scenes in this movie are on par with the best, and the numerous camera setups used for every five minutes of the film give it a unique energy. This intense sensory experience may be overwhelming to some viewers, but Kahn has always aimed to evoke a response from his audience. In the comfortable realm of “Ick,” where any response is considered successful, Kahn has instead awakened a genuine beast.
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2024-09-13 11:16