While looking at this movie, I couldn’t help but be amused by the sheer apathy of it all–the way the ick was treated, the way characters responded to everything, hell, the way some of the characters viewed themselves. It was a strange combination, but entertaining nonetheless, and I could tell that the cast was completely committed while merging it with high-adrenaline action/horror scenes. But all of the highs and lows and the bizarre plot points made Ick an inconsistent enjoyment though fun, which was quite exhausting to sit through ultimately.
Hank presumably saddled with lessons on love, played by the handsome Brandon Routh is what he used to be: a local with dreams of playing professional football until his injury shattered his career for good. He watched his high school crush Staci (Mena Suvari) get her life as well as a baby with someone else while he cleaned floors at his old high school. Good job to hank, however, as he became a science teacher. However, knowing how the ick’s behavior changed, and finding out that Staci’s daughter Grace (Malina Weissman) was most likely his daughter changed his life, and in fact, changes the life of everyone.
The ick is a peculiar parasite which has seemingly been in the town since time immemorial and which is an accepted part of life by the inhabitants. It could be at times annoying and unsightly but it did not do much to alter their way of living. However, for some reason, the ick becomes hostile and in a sudden turn that seems like the Blob/Talon merger, it turns into a murderbot. The ick begins to spread and takes over everything within its reach, and it is now up to Hank, Grace and a few others to find a way to see it does not cover the town completely and kill them all.
Director and co-writer Joseph Kahn quickly edits this film, hurrying from scene to scene in a manner that just deepens the sense of indifference that permeates the film. There are indeed many longer scenes and speech moments, but after a while, the quick sweeping of the camera combined with numerous short intervals becomes enjoyable. The issues come in when there is a development within the film, and by development I mean it almost grinds to a halt. At times, it is as if a person who is extremely high on sugar or caffeine is squealing behind the camera only to crash at some point and the narrative stops dead in its tracks after that.
Routh is impressive in this one; he resigns entirely to the character of Hank and convincingly pulls off the strikingly awkward/science teacher/potentially father figure very well. He shares great chemistry with Weissman as Grace, and although they are aware they are sharing an awkward and delightful experience, they are still able to forge a stronger connection.
Regarding the supporting characters, some of them do not contain a bigger purpose other than providing some hilarious moments, especially Staci, and her real estate hubby, Ted (Peter Wong). Some of the actors here seem to get the assignment are on board especially Routh, Weissman who convincingly sell their roles and thus we get some rather cringe banter between them which makes one laugh uncontrollably.
Now let’s discuss about the other issues and that also includes the ick. The ick appeared to behave somewhat erratically even in accordance with the progression of the tale. It is weak, but it also has its time of strength. One moment it could do something, in another scene it was completely unable to do the same thing. The ick did look nice though. It resembled a strange blend of Venom and the Blob but in a gay and kitsch style most of the time in spite of the fact that it looked as if the budget had run out in the other times. It did however come with great energy and a lot of chaos towards the end which was an exciting climax.
To strike a balance when doing a comedy-horror flick, there are twists on the knots required, and Ick had many enjoyable sequences but it eventually faltered due to a few rather dull scenes and inconsistent pacing and plot lines overall. However, in just over ninety minutes, it’s safe and worth a watch just to see Routh and Weissman juggling their ick and their awkwardness together.
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