The Frozen Ground [DVD+Digital]

Sometimes I wonder how the best take away is so often overlooked by so many. Yes, this was a fantastic movie about the tenacity of an investigator to get his man, and to refuse to behave like so many other cops did and still do when it comes to crimes against prostitutes. He saw the human, the innocent young lady, someone’s daughter or sister behind the bad choices and ugly world of prostitution that so many young girls fall victim to. Nicolas Cage gives an outstanding performance and John Cusack nailed his role as always. He’s an amazing actor because he morphs so perfectly into whatever role he plays; and it’s never the same. This movie definitely will keep you watching to see what happens next, not just because you know it’s based on actual events, but because the story was told so well.But ... the best take away here is the glaring example of what a judgemental society we are. It was bad in the 80s when this took place, but it’s far worse today. How many of our youth and young adults today are still so badly disregarded and overlooked, and lost to horrible crimes because of it. The young lady in this movie and all those like her are worthy of love and respect even while lost in that world, and Jack Halcombe modeled what that looks like when done with authenticity. I wanted to throw the remote through my TV right at Jack’s wife’s head the minute she spoke so coldly and unlovingly about not wanting Cindy in her home, knowing Cindy could overhear it. That’s the self-important “us first” judgementalism I was talking about that keeps girls like that running back to the unsafety of their lifestyles. This movie should remind any viewer to be that much kinder and respectful to those less fortunate who have been handed a tougher path to live. Addictions, whether to drugs or social/emotional abuse, and the impact they have on decisions don’t usually make sense to those who never fell down that rabbit hole, or were never unwillingly pulled down one by others. So many people forget that most girls like this are severely mistreated or neglected, and many at very young ages. They live daily with low self-esteem and abuse. The internal wounds and scars that they carry are powerful enough to make anyone repeat poor decisions, over and over and over again, to the disbelief of another reviewer here who found it hard to believe in the story-telling. Hopelessness will do that to you. I found the story rather accurate and true to what actually happens in real life to girls trapped in an abusive life, and yes, they will return to the same exact place a bad guy just tried to kill them at. It’s familiar, it’s the only home they have, and until you’ve been so unloved, so unwanted, and repeatedly disregarded, you might call them stupid or think they deserve what happens, but you would and will always be wrong about that.This movie was hard for me to watch only because I have a difficult time watching scenes where women willingly and unwillingly disrespect themselves so much or allow others to, and then Hollywood plastering scene after scene of nude women all over the place. But I get it. It was necessary to see the reality of the circumstances, but it doesn’t mean I am comfortable watching it. But...... a good story and good acting will keep me watching until the end. This movie certainly does that. My respect goes out to the real Cindy, married now with three kids. May God bless you and your family richly for the rest of your life, and I pray you are fully loved and respected as you always have deserved.Shame on those policeman who initially helped everyone overlook her case. They are the scum under the shoes of those they disrespect.

Unbelievably well done! Good for Cindy, and for sharing her story, and being so courageous. They could not make a better serial killer movie, because this one re-enacts real events. It will blow your mind as to what one man did...Must see. As a horror, thriller, and suspense fan, this movie is in my top 5, maybe top 3.

Finally, a mystery where the film doesn't overreach to show crazy heroism that doesn't really exist. An intense film that makes you question humanity but at the same time marvel at the resiliency of humans.

Good performances. Engrossing true story. Kept me interested the whole movie.

1983. Anchorage, Alaska. Cindy Paulson: prostitute, 17 years old, raped. Anchorage PD dismisses possible suspect Robert Hansen.And so it begins...Alaska State Trooper Jack Halcombe is on his way out of the police life and into something less gruesome, something his wife and daughter also want. But when a dead body is found in his territory, it opens up a can of worms that Halcombe can't resist putting back in. Guided by an APD police report of Ms. Paulson, Halcombe embarks on a lengthy investigation into her rape, and the man he believes is responsible for not only Paulson's rape but the rapes and deaths of numerous women.The fact that you know this is based on actual facts makes this movie all the more real. Even if it's only loosely based on facts, it's just plain terrifying that stuff like this actually happens and not made up. Surprisingly, Nicholas Cage was very good as a determined, focused, and passionate officer of the law. I don't normally find him all that compelling as he tends to play all characters the same but here, his natural acting worked well with his character and the vibe of the movie. John Cusack as our evil killer was a surprise as well. I do think he did overact a bit, but for the most part, pulled off the creepy serial killer nicely. Supporting actress Vanessa Hudgens gave a strong and nuanced performance as Cindy. Along with 50 Cent as her pimp, Clate, and Radha Mitchell as Halcombe's wife, the entire cast was an odd combo that worked perfectly for this movie.I have little to criticize as all the elements of this film was spot on or not distracting. Was it original or trying to be? Nah. Was it going for award-winning drama and tension? Nope, and that's okay with me! The pieces do easily fall into place without much effort and it's not overly complex in how that's presented in the movie, but it flowed really well and it's totally watchable. If you keep in mind that there is no mystery as to who did it--in that we know who is guilty right away--you'll enjoy this movie a lot better. It's HOW they catch Hansen, how dogged and persistent Halcombe is until he closes his case--and that is the whole point of the movie. And that's why, along with Hudgens' performance, Cage's performance is pivotal to selling this movie, and quite frankly, he did.

A subdued thriller with decent performances throughout, The Frozen Ground ticks most of the right boxes.It's has a great moody atmosphere and populates the story with some real grimy characters. The fact it is based in true events gives it another gritty edge and provides some substance to the action.John Cusack plays against type and is suitably creepy in an unshowy role. Nicholas Cage can swing from monosybilic or total nut job but here he has a cool restraint which suits the character well.The action is decent if fairly rote but then being based on a true story means there will be some constraints. The story is tragic and gripping and overall you really do will the police to find the evidence they need.A thriller that genuinely thrills is rare and The Frozen Ground just about pulls it off. Worth a watch.

This film is one of the best with Nicolas Cage as a cop and John Cusack the bad murderous Mr. Nasty. They play absolutely great parts, but if you don't mind blood and nasty scenes which show how the women are killed one by one then you'd enjoy it. Its an exciting and gripping almost frightening film. They both play best roles against each other. I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't 'pause' it even to go to make myself a cuppa. It was too thrilling if that's what you like - I do. I'd recommend it as these two men are great actors.

The casting of Cusack is perfect; creepily normal yet a serial killer. Cage puts in one of his great performances as a committed Trooper; and Vanessa Hudgens is perfectly cast as a terrified prostitute who has never had a chance. It's based on the true story of Robert Hansen , features glorious, stark shots of frozen Alaska and has a terrific surround soundtrack .

excellent movie. Nicolas cage played his part well and john cussack was really disturbing as the serial killer. the film being a true story made it even more interesting and the scenes in Alaska were breathtaking. told my mrs about it the following morning and she can`t wait to watch it because she absolutely loves true stories. a surprising gem of a movie.

I found that many of the scenes were too dark, not the videos fault but not good film production.