Ice Cream Man review – Eli Roth’s junky slasher is one of year’s worst horrors

Eli Roth, a director known for his contributions to the horror genre, particularly with films like "Hostel" and his more recent "Thanksgiving," has released his latest directorial endeavor, "Ice Cream Man." Unfortunately, critical reception suggests this new film represents a significant misstep, being labeled a "junky slasher" and among the worst horror offerings of the year. The film is characterized as being hastily produced and made "on the cheap," contributing to its perceived lack of quality.

Roth's career has seen a resurgence of sorts with "Thanksgiving," a project that fulfilled a long-held ambition. This film, released a few years prior to "Ice Cream Man," was an adaptation of a horror movie trailer Roth originally created as a gag for the 2007 anthology feature "Grindhouse," directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. While "Thanksgiving" did not strictly recreate the vintage, scratched-up aesthetic of the original trailer, it successfully captured the spirit of old-school VHS horror. The film was praised for its blend of over-the-top gore and satirical commentary, making it a contemporary film that resonated with the feel of 1980s slasher movies, despite its modern setting. It drew comparisons to iconic slasher franchises and films like "Scream."

Building on the success of "Thanksgiving," Roth established a new venture named the Horror Section. This company is specifically designed to release horror content, including movies, shows, and immersive "experiences," catering to a modern audience that appreciates extreme and retro-styled horror, reminiscent of the dedicated fans who frequented the VHS horror sections of video stores. "Ice Cream Man" marks Roth's first direct directorial contribution to this new company's output. The film was intended to embody the disreputable and provocative spirit befitting the Horror Section's retro-themed branding. It is important to note that this "Ice Cream Man" is a distinct entity from the unrelated 1995 direct-to-video film of the same name, which featured Clint Howard in its cast.

However, instead of serving as a fitting companion piece to the darkly humorous and well-received "Thanksgiving," "Ice Cream Man" is being described as a demonstration of significantly diminished talent. Critics suggest the film falls far short of the creative energy and successful execution seen in Roth's earlier work and the stated goals of his new company. The Guardian's review, in particular, highlights these shortcomings, indicating that the film fails to meet the expectations set by Roth's prior successes or the ambitious vision for the Horror Section.