John Cusack stars as a mob attorney in this dark holiday comedy directed by Chicago legend, Harold Ramis.

The Ice Harvest follows Charlie Arglist (Cusack) and pornographer Vic Cavanaugh’s (Billy Bob Thornton) attempt to steal $2 million from his mobster boss on Christmas Eve. To make matters even more complicated, an ice storm sweeping through the area delays their departure (hence the film’s title). Stuck in town, and strapped for ideas, Charlie visits strip club owner Renata (Connie Nielsen), and tells her about the money in exchange for some help. But life is never that simple, and a money heist certainly no simpler, as events continue to unfold that prevent Charlie from running off with his money.

This film’s use of the Christmas setting contrasts well with its pitch-black humor, making it an emerging cult classic for fans of the holidays and crime films alike. Along with Ramis’s directing, the script is a real standout, written by Richard Russo, who got himself a Pulitzer for Empire Falls, and Robert Benton, who has a writing credit on Bonnie and Clyde and directed Kramer vs. Kramer. 

Harold Ramis   |  U.S.A.  |  2005 |  92 minutes