Thin Ice

94 minutes

THIN ICE is a dark comedy about a small time insurance agent (Kinnear) looking for a way to jump-start his business, reunite with his estranged wife (Thompson) and escape the frigid Wisconsin weather. This self-proclaimed master of spin believes that salesmanship is all about selling a story -- all he needs is a sucker willing to buy it. He hits pay dirt with a lonely retired farmer (Arkin) who is sitting on something much bigger than an insurance commission. However, his attempt to con the old man spins out of control when a nosy, unstable locksmith's (Crudup) temper dramatically ups the stakes trapping him in a madcap spiral of deceit and peril.

71% on the CINEMETER

79% - Dec 18, 2011

Clever, brilliantly acted, well-paced. The obvious comparison to Fargo makes the surprise ending all the more rewarding. The scam itself was not very credible, but so what?!
San Francisco Member

Not the usual Cinema Club fare; a nice change of pace.
San Francisco Member

Too many coincidences but it was clever and fun. Billy Crudup was fabulous.
San Francisco Member

BOS

58% - Feb 5, 2012

The film grabs you and holds you almost against your will as you watch what you think is hellish horrors.
Boston Member

What was interesting to me was how everyone 'gets away with it' in the end, much like what we are dealing with Wall Street, Bernie Madoff, etc. With the old man crying about how you can't trust anyone anymore yet ironically he is also part of the scam. Much like the banking crisis, the main character does not change despite going through the traumatic events -- much like US politicians, bankers post-recession.
Boston Member

Fargo meets the Sting! Great ending, contrary to people's thoughts. The ending was the crux of the film.
Boston Member

BOCA

77% - Jan 8, 2012

Dark comedy at its best. Shades of Fargo & the Coen Brothers
Boca Raton Member

Nice, clean fun. I like being fooled and surprised instead of something predictable.
Boca Raton Member

Marvelous twist.
Boca Raton Member

ATO Pictures