In the halls of wonderfully bizarre cinema, “Ice Cream Man” holds a special, slightly melted cone in this reviewer’s heart. As a young horror fan wandering through his local video store, the image of Clint Howard holding an ice cream cone with an eyeball as a topping always stuck out. This cult classic, released in 1995, is a delightfully strange ride that serves up a scoop of humor, horror, and a whole lot of extra sprinkles of weirdness.
Our star is Clint Howard, brother to the famous Ron Howard, takes on the role of Gregory Tudor, the local ice cream man with an unconventional approach to his dairy delights you won’t find in any Ben and Jerry’s flavor. Howard’s performance is a beautiful waltz between unsettling and strangely endearing, creating a character that’s both the neighborhood’s sweet purveyor and an unhinged force not to be reckoned with.
The film’s narrative takes unexpected turns while masquerading as a typical suburban tale. As Tudor drives his ice cream truck around the town, his treats become more than just chilly indulgences; they become instruments for horrifying surprises. While Tudor can be the seemingly innocent ice cream man, the darker undertones lurking beneath the surface create a perfect blend of comedy and horror.
“Ice Cream Man” embraces its well-earned B-movie status and doesn’t hold back the cheesy special effects or over-the-top performances. The practical effects may be low-tier Hollywood quality, but they add to the film’s charm, giving it an authentic ’90s low-budget feel.
The supporting cast, including Jan-Michael Vincent and Olivia Hussey, adds to the film’s quirkiness. Their performances contribute to the overall campy atmosphere, creating a cinematic experience more about entertainment than cinematic perfection.
“Ice Cream Man” humor is as offbeat as the film concept. From quirky and sometimes painful one-liners to absurd situations that only exist in B-movies, this film never takes itself too seriously. This self-awareness and willingness to revel in its own absurdity makes it one enjoyable rocky road.
While “Ice Cream Man” might not be everyone’s scoop of choice, for those with a sweet tooth for unconventional cinema and a penchant for the peculiar, it’s a flavor that lingers long after the credits roll. So, grab your favorite frozen treat and dive into the oddball world of “Ice Cream Man” for a cinematic experience that’s wonderfully chilling in more ways than one.
Chime in below in the comments with your favorite ice cream and thoughts on this week’s film!