Jack Frost - A Silent Fright, Holy Fright Christmassy Review
Director: Michael Cooney
Starring: Scott MacDonald, Christopher Allport, Stephen Mendel
Written by: Jeremy Paige, Michael Cooney
Produced by: Jeremy Paige, Vicki Slotnick
Cinematography by: Dean Lent
Original Score by: Chris Anderson, Carl Schurtz
Synopsis:
After an accident that leaves murderer Jack Frost dead in genetic material, the vengeful killer returns as a murderous snowman to exact his revenge on the man who sent him to be executed.
Thoughts:
Where do you start with a movie like 'Jack Frost'? With a terrible script, atrocious acting and the cinematography of a drunk dad recording his Christmas vacation, it’s hard to see why this movie has gained any sort of cult following. The VHS cover is most likely the reason why this film ever found any success. The holographic image of a killer snowman would sit proudly on the shelf of a Blockbuster and happily trick young horror fans into thinking they were getting a half decent horror movie. If you did happen to rent 'Jack Frost' or see it on late night Channel 5, you’ll probably remember it as the film where a snowman rapes a woman with a carrot. A cheap, disgusting shock moment has left this movie in people’s memories for the last 20 plus years, but it should be remembered for being one of the worst films ever made.
The plot is simple; Notorious serial killer Jack Frost is finally caught after going on a 38-person killing spree. While being transported to his execution, his prison van colludes with a genetic research truck. Chemicals drench Jack Frost and he is presumed dead, but little do the prison guards know, Jack has been transformed into snow. Jack Frost soon travels to the local town of Snowmonton and seeks revenge on the cop that caught him. From there it’s a mix of terribly conserved kills and dreadful ice-based puns. Everybody in the movie looks embarrassed to be there, including a fresh-faced Shannon Elizabeth. The only person who seems to have understood the assignment was Scott MacDonald, who plays Jack Frost. MacDonald often brings a Chucky-esque menace to his performance.
Unfortunately, the lines just aren’t there to support his performance. Christopher Allport plays Sam Tiler, the police officer who caught Frost, and it often seems like Allport is sleepwalking through most of his scenes. It’s a real shame to have so many talented people have their time wasted like this. Christopher Allport, Scott MacDonald, Shannon Elizabeth and several other members of the cast have all went on to have incredible performances in other projects, so the blame may lie directly on the director, Michael Cooney. Cooney has only directed 2 movies; 'Jack Frost' and 'Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman', and let’s hope his directing efforts stop there.
It’s a real shame that 'Jack Frost' is bad because, to me, there’s actually a lot of potential in the idea. With a bigger budget and a better creative team, I'd like to see an actual well made murderous Snowman movie. Sure, the premise is silly, but there’s true horror in a killer who can change his bodily state from solid to liquid and back. Imagine a scene where someone drinks some of Jack Frost and he kills them from the inside out. That’s an idea I came up with in 5 seconds and it’s already better than this 89-minute movie.
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that I detest this movie. Even when I am having fun with some of the scenes, or the kill set pieces, it’s still so horrible to look at. The movie has a cruel tone and it really carries through to every scene. Moments like the police officers trying to kill Jack Frost with hair dryers can come off as fun and obviously pay homage to the early wacky horror comedies of Peter Jackson, yet lack the care and attention Jackson puts into his movies. Imagine Michael Cooney directing 'Lord of the Rings' or 'The Lovely Bones'? Keep those carrots away from Tucci.
Watch 'Jack Frost' (1998) instead, it’s much more terrifying.
Verdict: ⭐
- Adam Neeson