Only Patrick Murguia’s on-location photography of the Alaskan wilderness holds any notable merit.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Aug 25, 2022

Nerve-wracking, nail biting and blood curdling, The Frozen Ground will send chills down your spine while warming your heart.

Full Review | Nov 27, 2019

Here is a testament to the considerable tension that can be mounted from a cast determined to give realistic performances paired with a director that seems to know something about developing realistic characters.

Full Review | Aug 22, 2019

A by-the-numbers addition to a well-worn genre that is destined to occupy the supermarket bargain bins sooner than perhaps expected.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Feb 26, 2019

There's not much between this and a Sunday-night drama, but the ice-bound setting is different and beautiful.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 9, 2018

Watchable.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Nov 8, 2017

You’ll still find the tension has you gripping your seat, thanks to the taut cat and mousery between ol’ Con Air co-stars Cusack and Cage.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 5, 2017

Cage hones his weary cop's character to a dull point, rough and ragged, like the lead of a detective's pencil scratching notes on a crumpled pad.

Full Review | Original Score: 3 of 5 | Apr 18, 2016

As written and directed by Scott Walker, THE FROZEN GROUND isn't great, but it's surprisingly effective, thanks to its no-frills approach and its care with the actors and characters.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 18, 2014

It's all around safe and plain, simple and to the point, and all very, very by-the-numbers.

Full Review | Original Score: C | Aug 10, 2014

The Frozen Ground covers familiar territory but benefits from authentically seamy scene setting amid the bars and strip-joints where the killer found his prey, and from solid performances by its leads, all of whom are acting against type.

Full Review | Feb 1, 2014

The Frozen Ground is trying its best to act as a genuine tribute to the victims of a horrible crime. Unfortunately it falls short... Though still functioning as a solid genre piece, the chasm between intention and execution is embarrassingly apparent.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 10, 2013

The Frozen Ground isn't innovative, but it is a well-paced and engaging thriller that has the added appeal of a truth-based narrative.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 1, 2013

In a rote cat-and-mouse cop-and-serial-killer story, Vanessa Hudgens' 'victim' is far more compelling than either cop Nicolas Cage or killer John Cusack.

Full Review | Sep 30, 2013

The scenes where Cage grills Cusack are the best thing about this very average thriller.

Full Review | Original Score: C- | Sep 30, 2013

Choppy and chilling, it's destined for a quick burial in the icy tundra.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Sep 2, 2013

A chilling thriller with first-rate performances by John Cusack, Nicolas Cage and Vanessa Hudgens.

Full Review | Aug 29, 2013

Are we mourning the loss of these women or delighting in their downfall, relishing their abuse? Cheap thrills destroy whatever pure intentions launched Ground, chaining the effort to the most banal of B-movie pursuits.

Full Review | Original Score: D+ | Aug 28, 2013

"The Frozen Ground" trucks in cliche, as most serial killer and police procedural films do, but the strength of the acting (from the leads down to people with only one or two lines) helps ground the film.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 27, 2013

Impressive debut from New Zealand-born Scott Walker is told with style and panache. Strong performances, fevered pacing and immersive location lensing are big pluses pushing this from "B" pic to A-.

Full Review | Aug 26, 2013