Brandon Routh’s character is way from tremendous within the horror-comedy “Ick.”
He performs a nebbishy science instructor standing between his hometown and a gooey menace with a singular identify.
“Ick.”
Director Joseph Kahn’s movie savors ’50s horror tropes whereas taking a protracted, onerous have a look at in the present day’s Gen Z mindset. The cultural Left takes it on the chin early and sometimes. So does the Proper.
In between, “Ick” supplies a enjoyable if exhausting romp led by the erstwhile Man of Metal. Don’t be shocked if it turns into a cult favourite.
The truth is, financial institution on it.
Routh stars as Hank Wallace, a highschool heartthrob whose glory days finish after a brutal soccer harm. He loses his gridiron goals and girlfriend (Mena Suvari) in brutal order. Some modest CGI de-aging fleshes out his sob story.
The film zooms to the current, displaying Hank as a depressed science instructor with a limp from his previous harm.
All of the whereas, a mysterious shrub-like development invades the neighborhood. The curious weed, dubbed the Ick, turns into a part of the small city panorama. It’s odd, however innocent, and locals give it little thought.
Till at some point the Ick will get hungry.
Now, Hank and a handful of scholars – together with one who could be his organic daughter (a spunky Malina Weissman) – scramble to avoid wasting their city.
That’s Style Storytelling 101, all the way down to an homage to “The Blob” (1958). Director/co-writer Kahn brings a twitchy vibe to each a part of “Ick.” Visually, it’s a stunner, with dazzling set items that outkick the movie’s finances protection.
Suppose director Edgar Wright’s type, however with extra coronary heart and narrative constancy. The script is relentlessly hip and clever, boosted by a retro soundtrack of early 2000 tunes.
Sure, there might be Hoobastank.
The pulpy horror comedy, ICK, from acclaimed director Joseph Kahn is coming to theatres nationwide July 27, 28, & 29! pic.twitter.com/WfGQBzNuMX
— Fathom Leisure (@FathomEnt) July 10, 2025
Routh has labored steadily since his 2006 “Superman Returns” closeup, however he by no means turned an A-lister. He’s older and extra susceptible right here, qualities the movie embraces whereas alluding to his tremendous audition. Routh instinctively “will get” the movie’s fizzy tone, which makes even the few quiet scenes pop.
Only a few, to be particular.
“Ick” is like listening to a podcast on 1.5x pace. The visible rat-a-tat is delirious, whereas the banter brings trendy America to life. It ain’t at all times fairly.
The screenplay pokes enjoyable at false flags, conspiracy mongers and extra. In the meantime, some teenagers communicate as if Lena Dunham demanded they sound as woke as doable. These characters don’t notice they’re the butt of the joke.
We do. How refreshing.
Kahn’s sense of cultural steadiness is spectacular. Take the Alpha Male fitness center instructor who overdoses on Alex Jones-style messaging. That “South Park” blueprint – hit each side – wins the day. Once more.
Better of all? The locals aren’t precisely operating scared from the Ick, even when it’s hungry. They’re extra involved that they may cancel Promenade. Priorities, priorities.
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The fantastic thing about “Ick” is how simply viewers can course of the titular menace. The hazards of social media run wild? Verify. Ignore Local weather Change at your peril?
Verify-check.
It’s breezy and open-ended, letting viewers make the ultimate name.
“Ick” may be overwhelming and self-aware, however these emotions by no means final lengthy. There’s additionally a superbly executed quip or intelligent kill to win us over.
It’s good, spooky and relentlessly recent even when some plot beats make much less sense than others. Irrespective of. Kahn’s exuberant “Ick” calls for repeat viewings.
Right here’s betting it’ll generate simply that.
HiT or Miss: “Ick” is precisely what the title guarantees, a gooey horror-comedy with humor, coronary heart and a dizzying sense of real-world chaos.
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