Judy Thorburn's Movie Reviews
Ice Princess
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- Category: Judy Thorburn
- Published on 23 November 2008
- Written by Judy Thorburn
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LUKEWARM“ICE PRINCESS” DIARIES
I love ice-skating. Or rather, I should say I am an avid spectator, a fan who truly enjoys watching those marvelous figure skaters who leap and spin through the air when not gliding with graceful force on the glistening ice. They make it look so easy. I’m envious since I can hardy stand on those skates without falling flat on my behind. I remember trying my best as a child to ice skate, but my ankles hurt too much every time I made an effort to stand, let alone move one foot forward. So, I have a real appreciation for those who have become masters on the ice. You can find me glued in awe to the TV when the National or World championships or the Olympics airs so I can follow the very best compete. But, just because ice-skating is utilized as a movie backdrop doesn’t make that film a winner.
That leads me to Disney’s Ice Princess, a G rated feature so formulaic, predictable, and bland it belongs on Cable’s Family Channel or told as a short Cinderella-like fairy tale to help the young ones fall asleep. Like I said, I love ice-skating but I think this princess on ice formula has been played out one too many times. Did it really need three writers to come up with this very un-original storyline? Once again we get a ”transformation into swan” tale where some obstacles must get in the way and be overcome before the happy, sappy, ending occurs. So what else is new? Not much.
Simply put, a high school physics geek has dreams of becoming a championship skater against the wishes of her loving mother (Joan Cusack) who wants to see her brainy daughter go to Harvard. Michelle Trachenberg is Casey, a natural born skater who finds a way to incorporate her knowledge of physics into perfecting ice-skating moves and technique. It all begins with a school project that sends Casey to an ice-skating rink where she meets some local skaters training for the regional competition. That’s all that’s needed to send Casey on a course that will change her life forever. If only what follows is remotely believable. In this case, it’s a definite NO way, Jose. From novice skater to learning how to do triple jumps and competing against the best skaters in a year – I don’t think so. Without a doubt this MUST be a fantasy! FYI, four skating doubles substituted for Ms. Trachtenberg for the more difficult skating maneuvers. But, the actress was able to perform some of the on screen skating herself, which made her very proud.
Real life champion skaters Juliana Cannarozzo and Kirsten Olson are cast as friendly local competitors Zoe, the sarcastic self assured spike haired punk skater and short, but dynamic Nikki Fletcher, aka the “Jumping Shrimp”, respectively. Hayden Panettiere is on hand as Gen, the pretty confident blonde skater who takes Casey under her wing with lessons about boys and makeup. At least she isn’t the typical bitchy popular girl- that’s a change of pace! Gen’s mom, Tina Harwood, a disgraced former ice champ turned tough coach and rink owner is played by Kim Cattrall (I heard she took this as her first screen role, after Sex in The City ended, as a gift for her niece – how sweet!).
Via a nasty experience with unscrupulous coach Tina, Casey gets to know first hand what it is like to be involved in the cutthroat world of competitive sports. No surprise, things work out with Tina and it’s off to the regionals with the added support of Casey’s new friends and obligatory love interest, Gen’s hunky brother, Zamboni driver Teddy (Trevor Blumas).
Now don’t get me wrong. Ice Princess is not a bad movie. Like I said previously, I just think the scenario has been replayed too many times to get excited about. Not that the theme of staying true to whom you are and reaching for your dream doesn’t send a positive message, because it does. And, I’ll give you this – Ms. Trachenberg and her young castmates are an easy to watch, talented, charming bunch. Ditto to always dependable Cusack and Cattrall (who toned down her sexiness to play this hard as nails toughy).
What the heck – take your preteen daughter if she’s never watched this scenario on the big screen before. There isn’t enough G rated flicks as it stands. But, the adult in me can’t give Ice Princess more than a luke warm rating