Critics Say Ice Road: Vengeance Might Be the Worst Movie of the Year
Liam Neeson is back behind the wheel for Ice Road: Vengeance, the sequel no one really asked for — and according to critics, maybe he shouldn't have bothered.
The follow-up to 2021's The Ice Road quietly rolled into select U.S. theaters on June 27, and hit VOD on July 1, just in time for a long weekend of regret-fueled rentals.
While the first film barely scraped a 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, the sequel appears to have aimed lower — and succeeded.
Here's what the early reviews are saying:
- M.N. Miller (FandomWire): 2/10
Called it a "mind-numbing, atrocious, and utterly ridiculous piece of trash cinema" and compared Neeson's involvement to "an elaborate fraternity prank" or "career suicide." - Robert Kojder (Flickering Myth):
Complained the film "makes no impression," asked, "Where the hell are the ice roads?" and suggested it's a "4-D chess distraction" from how bland it is. - Frank Scheck (The Hollywood Reporter):
Said it's "destined to be quickly forgotten," even by people who liked the first one. - NYC Movie Guru:
Described it as "a pedestrian, bland and lackluster B-movie."
And in case you were wondering, no — it hasn't been scored yet on Rotten Tomatoes, but don't hold your breath for a comeback.
The only semi-positive take came from Brian Orndorf (Blu-ray.com), who admitted Neeson is clearly on autopilot but still manages to deliver "an entertaining sit" if you're in the mood for "B-movie silliness."
Ice Road: Vengeance comes from director Jonathan Hensleigh, best known for The Punisher, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and Armageddon. He also directed the original Ice Road, so at least he's consistent. Neeson returns as big rig driver Mike McCann, now taking his talents to the Himalayas to save a bunch of tourists from mercenaries. Yes, really.
The cast also includes Fan Bingbing and Marcus Thomas, who somehow got dragged into this glacier of a project.
Box office or streaming numbers haven't dropped yet, but if early critical reaction is any clue, this one may freeze over faster than a Montana truck stop in January.
Release summary:
- Title: Ice Road: Vengeance
- Release date (theatrical): June 27, 2025
- Release date (VOD): July 1, 2025
- Director/Writer: Jonathan Hensleigh
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Fan Bingbing, Marcus Thomas
So if you were wondering what it looks like when Liam Neeson sleepwalks through a sequel that forgot the ice in Ice Road, you now have your answer. Critics say it's not just bad — it might be the worst of the year.