Set against the backdrop of the much talked about Watergate scandal comes this morose look at two dysfunctional families found in Connecticut suburbia who dabble often in substance abuse, adultery, sexual promiscuity, and other things as they try to cope with all their insecurities and frustrations during the changing times. Kline and Allen are married with two kids, however he's dissatisfied with things and caught up in an affair with neighbor Weaver, she too is unhappily married. Maguire is a lovesick sixteen-year-old boarding student hung up on a classmate though she doesn't reciprocate his feelings; fourteen-year-old Ricci is his anti-establishment little sister who's well-versed in the birds and the bees and just beginning to explore her budding sexuality. Somber, thoughtful drama refuses to pull any punches and has interesting characters who speak like real people brought to life by superb all-around casting. It's capable of holding one's attention, may even leave them awestruck at times though it does tend to wander, but still manages to go out strong due to a particularly memorable finale that may leave the viewer feeling a bit woozy. **½
Review of The Ice Storm
