Ice Road: Vengeance is a perception-threatening action-adventure with the Himalayan as an awe-inspiring and dangerous landscape. It is the story of Mike McCann, an ice-road trucker, with the survivor guilt after the death of his brother. On a deathbed, Mike goes to Nepal to bury the ashes of Gurty on Mount Everest, and the journey he takes soon turns out of control when mercenaries kidnap a bus with villagers and tourists. The movie is a brilliant mix of heart-racing scenes (dangerous mountain paths, quiet moments of conflict, and impossible rescues) and emotional scenes of mourning, hope, and redemption. In this way, it addresses issues of justice, environmental struggle and the need to struggle towards a better future of the local communities.
The movie is a gorgeous sight, with its expansive views of the grandiose and lethal Himalayas captured with awe-inspiring camera work and immersive special effects. The score enhances the tension and poignancy of the major scenes, and the editing makes sure that the action remains fast enough to make the viewers sit on the edge of their seats. The characters, who are somewhat archetypal, are sincerely played with force by powerful performances. The story about Mike becoming a hero in search of closure instead of a survivor with guilt is especially touching, especially emotionally. The antagonists are intimidating enough to maintain a sense of suspense, but there are instances of CGI excesses that reduce their sense of reality a bit.
What really rings out loud is the tone of the film a collection of adrenaline-filled action and silent contemplation. It gave me various feelings that are thrill, sadness, and hope. The last lines and scenes particularly the one in which Mike goes to the extent of burying his brother by placing the ashes in the middle of the mountains was another eye opener on how to appreciate life and venturing in new lives. In sum, “Ice Road: Vengeance is a captivating movie that blends adventure with intense action and a touching story and makes the movie memorable and rather emotional.
