Movie review: Whiteout
The icy wasteland of Antarctica practically becomes a character in “Whiteout,” the mystery thriller based on the graphic novel by Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber.
The “Whiteout” of the title refers to a potentially deadly snowstorm that prevents visibility and can strand even an experienced resident of Antarctica.
Kate Beckinsale (“Underworld”) stars as U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko, who is nearing the end of her two-year term as the law-enforcement officer of this inhospitable land.
But when a body is found between the U.S. base of Amundsen-Scott and the Russian Vostok base, Carrie is drawn into a mystery. She must race the clock to solve the crime before months of darkness descend upon the South Pole.
Examination of the body by the base’s doctor, Dr. John Fury (Tom Skerritt), reveals it to be that of a geologist named Weiss, who had been studying meteorites in a remote area.
His injuries lead Carrie to believe his death was a murder.
After getting a message from one of Weiss’ colleagues, Carrie makes her way to the Vostok base, along with a pilot, Delfy (played by Columbus Short).
Like the terrain, Carrie’s demeanor can become icy. Even after two years, she hasn’t resolved in her mind the events that brought her to Antarctica. She’s also not quick to trust, questioning the appearance of United Nations investigator Robert Pryce (Gabriel Macht) at the Vostok base.
Despite mysterious attacks, Carrie crisscrosses the dangerous land looking for clues that will lead her to the killer.
Where the movie is at its most successful is bringing home the raw danger of the frigid cold.
Unfortunately, the mystery doesn’t completely hang together, and the villains aren’t given a chance to attain much depth.
Movie Review
“Whiteout”|
R/ 1:46/ 2 stars
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Columbus Short, Alex O’Loughlin, Shawn Doyle.
(Violence, grisly images, brief strong language and some nudity.)
— Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
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