Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Ice Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1996)

📖 The Core Premise

Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Ice returns to the screen in 1996, bringing a fresh narrative to the Crime, Drama, Mystery, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Once she'd been a dancer. Now she lies on a sidewalk, her blood seeping into the snow. The detectives of the 87th precinct are learning about ice: in a mulitimillion dollar showbiz scam, in the glittering diamonds that spill out of a dead man's vest, in the veins of a small time pusher. As the detectives scramble for evidence, as the city shivers, a killer is one step ahead, and the heat is still on."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Dale Midkiff shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Crime. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Ice worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Drama, Mystery, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Ice is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 93 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.