Eli Roth's latest horror film, Ice Cream Man, is a gory and violent ride that fails to deliver substance, according to this review. The movie follows a small town's descent into madness as an ice cream man serves kids treats with horrifying consequences. While the premise is basic, the review highlights several issues with the film's execution. Firstly, the characters are described as 'painfully dumb', with performances that are 'awful' and dialogue that is 'cringe-worthy'. The lead actors, Charlie Zeltzer and Sarah Abbott, are criticized for their lack of chemistry and inability to make the dialogue work. The Ice Cream Man himself, played by Ari Millen, is a visually striking character but has shockingly little to do in the film, making him feel like a waste. The review also mentions the desensitizing effect of the frequent and gory deaths, which blend together and become less impactful. The twist near the end is telegraphed and feels forced, adding to the overall disappointment. The visual similarities between the kids and the finale of Weapons are noted, raising questions about originality. Overall, the film is seen as a step back for Roth, with a lack of forethought and care, prioritizing gore over a compelling story and characters. The review concludes by expressing hope that the sequel, Ice Cream Truck, will not be made, and questions the film's appeal to audiences.
