Well-crafted drama offers thrills in ‘Frozen River'
The independent film "Frozen River” offers the emotional resonance of a finely crafted drama, the bristling tension of a perfectly paced thriller, and Melissa Leo's effortlessly Oscar-worthy performance in her first lead role.
The feature-film debut from writer-director Courtney Hunt takes on issues such as poverty, racism and sexism without the smug tone and contrived storylines of so many "issue” movies. "Frozen River” instead tells a deeply affecting story. Leo ("21 Grams,” TV's "Homicide: Life on the Streets”), an underrated, longtime actress, fully embodies Ray, a flinty, world-weary resident of frozen upstate New York. As the film opens, her gambling-addicted spouse again has abandoned Ray and their two sons, rebellious teenager T.J. (Charlie McDermott) and 5-year-old Ricky (James Reilly), for the casinos. To make matters worse, this time he took the nest egg Ray carefully scraped together for a new double-wide trailer that was supposed to be the family's Christmas gift.
Related Articles
Woman is 51 But Looks 25
Mom publishes simple wrinkle secret that has angered doctors...
ConsumerLifestyles.org
Mom publishes simple wrinkle secret that has angered doctors...
ConsumerLifestyles.org
