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Ice Cream Man Review
IGN's review of Eli Roth's new horror film Ice Cream Man, released in cinemas from 7 August, finds the film falls well short of its clear inspirations, Terrifier and Weapons. Critic Chase Hutchinson argues the film borrows heavily from both — combining a mysterious silent killer with a group of possessed, murderous children — without matching either's chaotic energy or unsettling patience, resulting in a derivative effort that typifies a recurring problem in Roth's career of leaning on past horror films rather than offering anything original.
The story follows young, lactose-intolerant Jared (Charlie Zeltzer), who is targeted by the titular Ice Cream Man (Ari Millen) after a curse is unleashed on the small town of Bayleen Bay. The review criticises the film's cheap, overlit visuals, stiff dialogue and thin sense of place, arguing that even graphic gore sequences fail to land, leaving a film that is more tedious than terrifying despite its gruesome premise.
In short
- IGN reviews Eli Roth's Ice Cream Man, out in cinemas 7 August.
- Criticised as a weak imitation of Terrifier and Weapons.
- Panned for cheap visuals, poor dialogue and unscary gore.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A defender might argue that horror cinema inherently builds upon established conventions, and that derivativeness need not undermine genuine entertainment value or effective scares. They could contend this film delivers a fun premise and committed performances that satisfy audiences seeking thrills within its intended scope; not every horror film must innovate, and a competent execution of familiar elements serves its purpose well. They might suggest the review unfairly penalises what the film doesn't attempt rather than evaluating what it accomplishes.
The case against
A critic endorsing this analysis would argue that derivative filmmaking combined with technical mediocrity warrants serious criticism. They would contend that borrowing from stronger works whilst lacking their craft, energy, or originality produces an inferior result; weak visuals, stiff dialogue, and poor pacing measurably diminish the impact of even graphic content. These represent legitimate technical shortcomings that justify dismissing a film that fails to match the quality of its influences.
Explained simply
Eli Roth is a filmmaker known for horror films, including Hostel and Cabin Fever. His new film Ice Cream Man is set in the small town of Bayleen Bay, where a curse turns children towards violence. The story centres on Jared, a young boy who is lactose-intolerant, and the mysterious figure known as the Ice Cream Man.
The film draws on familiar horror ideas: a silent killer and children who become dangerous. Terrifier and Weapons are recent films associated with similar unsettling imagery and threats. Comparisons between them help explain the influences behind Ice Cream Man and the debate over whether it brings anything new to the genre.