Protraph Lack of good storyline.

Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Cheryl A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Paul Magne Haakonsen Normally I am not overly keen on remakes or re-visiting of old movies. I mean, why meddle with something that had already been made? But I will say that this 2014 version of "Iceman" (aka "Bing feng: Chong sheng zhi men") was actually an entertaining and enjoyable remake and one well worthy of the older movie.And it is because of the good special effects and CGI effects in the movie. Plus the dazzling martial arts performance from Donnie Yen, which always spices up a movie. Those two things put together make for a very enjoyable remake.The story in "Iceman" is about an Imperial guard in the Ming Dynasty who was frozen solid during an epic battle. Then 400 years later he and his nemesis are brought back to life in modern day Hong Kong, which makes for a clash of cultures, traditions and customs."Iceman" is a very fast paced movie, as most Donnie Yen movies tend to be. And it is enjoyable from start to end.The cast in "Iceman" was good, and people were doing good jobs with their respective roles and characters. Donnie Yen did, of course, steal the scene with his performances. But it was also nice to see Simon Yam and Wang Bao-Qiang in the movie.There is also elements of comedy thrown into the movie, making it a combination of action and comedy. However, it is not done to the extend where the comedy is too much. This is, of course, a matter of preference if you enjoy a mix of comedy and action. I did enjoy it, especially because the comedy was done with moderation.This is not a movie which challenges the audience in any way. You can essentially just sit back and enjoy the ride. The story is very self-explanatory and there are no plot twists along the way. So just sit back and watch the movie.If you enjoy Asian cinema, then "Iceman" is definitely worth a watch.

Derek Childs (totalovrdose) I have always had a fascination with fantastical time travel scenarios, where someone from the past is thrust into the present, inevitably resulting in action sequences where ancient weapons and skills are matched by modern technology. Greatly dissimilar to other features, Iceman (not to be mistaken for The Iceman) could have potentially taken an approach comparative to the film Highlander, a number of the narrative's decisions failing to effectively work.Donnie Yen portrays Ying, an honorable soldier in the Emperor's army during the Ming Dynasty. Tasked with acquiring an ancient artifact, with the capacity to travel through time, he is framed for murder and treason, during which he, and his adversaries, are trapped beneath an avalanche of snow. Miraculously, Ying is awoken in the twenty first century from prolonged hibernation, caused by this event. An explanation regarding this is never provided, however, it is at the same time unnecessary, the film's pace relying more on action, than on rationalization.Ying finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy that includes a number of powerful individuals, their involvement, and the lengths of its influence, never been entirely fleshed out. Unfortunately, Ying is not the only soldier awoken, with his adversaries prowling the streets as well, in the hopes of not only acquiring the legendary artifact, but on obtaining their long sought revenge. The skills of these ruthlessly trained soldiers of old are impressive, none in the twenty first century having the ability to match their strength. At the same time though, the action sequences are potentially not as frequent as you might imagine. Though short lived, the action scenes offer the viewer some outstanding imagery that is as entertaining as it is well executed.During his initial few hours of awakening, Ying bumps into May (Shengyi Huang), who, in a drunken stupor, unwittingly invites him into her life. The misadventures Ying encounters while attempting to adjust to the new world with May, alongside the personal problems she is dealing with, offers the film both drama and heart, not to mention its most beautiful feature. Ms. Huang's performance generates a vulnerable character, as intelligent as she is uncertain, and as beautiful as she is in need of saving, though she does prove herself to be a very capable young woman. The friendship, trust and feelings generated between these two characters makes for an impressive story in itself, though at times, this exceptional subplot is lost between the film's attempts at humor.Although Iceman is, categorically, an action film, the combined humor refuses to cooperate with the seriousness of the plot, and therefore causes a number of conversations and stereotypical slapstick moments to feel dramatically out of place. There's a moment when Ying produces explosive feces, and another occasion when he's flatulent in an elevator, and let's not forget the crude humor surrounding a certain part of the male anatomy. Strangely enough, a number of these latter references are logically incorporated, although why the filmmakers didn't attempt to use references that were not quite as peculiarly vulgar, is unknown. This illogical immaturity is irresponsibly childish in a film clearly directed towards older audiences.Lastly, the final moments of Iceman prove to be as stirring as they are eye catching, and though no conclusion is offered, this climatic finish will definitely leave you on the edge of your seat. By the time the film comes to a close however, is it too late to reel in viewers for further adventures? Here's hoping the potential sequels focus more on drama and action, rather than on, what can only be described as, painfully obtuse humor.

quincytheodore Donnie Yen has delivered a lot of action movies. Whether they are widely known, critically acclaimed or flopped entirely, one underlying thing is the action is always done with commitment and bravado. Iceman reduces this into acrobatic overly 3D gimmick, if you are not bored with object thrown into the screen, Iceman will definitely instill disgust for this overused effect. There's barely any aspect of the movie that's done properly, it cluelessly mashes together things that the producer or director thought would be attraction for mainstream audience and leaves none for originality.The focus of the movie itself is broken. It opens with action comedy flair, then randomly turns into epic fantasy, romantic comedy, or crime drama without any real direction. This not only confuses the audience, but it produces campy lines and extremely unbelievably embarrassing scenes. When Donnie Yen does the Matrix to catch arrow with his mouth from fat cupid as a random princess comes in cheesy slow-mo in just five minutes, there is something dangerously wrong.Comedy attempt isn't funny at all. It tries for a bit modern touch, but ultimately relies on campy old-fashioned jokes. Characters come and go without meaningful impact, some are merely there for annoying stereotypical roles and barely seen again. It's almost as if the movie is made by half a dozen writers and directors at the same time. One scene the movie depicts epic battle and betrayal, then it shoots itself on the foot with legend of god's penis. There's no way anyone could take it seriously, and it would be fine if it's something like Stephen Chow's dark humor, Iceman doesn't even come close.Most of the events are ridiculous, characters could run around only to keep bumping into each other. I guess if ludicrous time travel or even poop joke get a pass, anything could happen. This is not the first Donnie Yen has made less than stellar movie, but here he seems uncomfortably out of place. Some fight scenes are still good, but the movie opts for unrealistic motion to accommodate 3D effect. It would've been better if Donnie Yen has more freedom to choreograph for actual combat.At least others Yen's movies, though they might not be great in plot or development, they still have the fast paced aggressive stunts. Iceman fight scenes look inauthentic and although it has foundation for more intrigue, the end product barely has any redeeming value.

ASouthernHorrorFan Wing-cheong Law directed "Iceman" is a blended fantasy/sci-fi film that plays heavily on the classic Hong Kong action/fight set-up. The story takes on the cryogenic tech concept by having ancestors of almost godly stature and brings them to the 21st century in a light- hearted, cut-n-copy style that Hong Kong cinema is famous for. I love the theatrics of Asian cinema. Maybe it is because, due to subtitles, I place my focus on emotion, body language and facial reactions. I skim read the subtitled dialog-often times the translation is brutal."Iceman" has a fun, and yet intense story that begs for cool fight sequences choreographed flawlessly. I didn't totally get the grandeur that surrounds these figures-who obviously have mastered the teachings so well they have transcended into "godhood". However the scenes are so strong, with a balance of melodrama, humor and action. The story does capitalize on the expected components that make up modern action films from China, it almost mirrors the set up of Japanese anime series. The characters, although a bit cliché, offer a collection of comic relief, romantic interlude, and tons of dramatic inflection. All in a blended cultures piece that brings the past into the present. The special effects and sound in "Iceman" are standard blends of CGI heavy sequences and choreographed fight stuff. I have learned that Asian cinema is one area where tolerance of CGI is just mandated in order to get into films from this market. It is okay as long as enough practical effects are added to balance it out. Which in "Iceman" actually works to do just that. Everything about the various techniques used add to the melodrama and excitement. The soundtrack and sound effects are standard mill stuff so that was a bummer. Most was instrumental melodies that felt familiar. It works but it does real propel the story to that extra level of suspense or thrills. Overall "Iceman" is a decent action/fantasy film with plenty of fights and drama. I am not sure if it is truly a strong piece because some of the material didn't connect with me personally. I enjoyed watching this film but I have seen better films similar to this one come out of Hong Kong. Still the cinematography and production value is stellar. The flat areas for me are the humanizing scenes of character relationship/ dialog interaction moments that are intended to build up the characters so that they more personable dimension, but really just creates drag on the action and thrills a bit too much. Again – I liked "Iceman" but I am not sure if it will be strong enough for the die-hard Asian cinema fan.