The Ice Princess

by Carey Bunker | More from this Blogger

20 Dec 2006 07:53 PM

Casey Carlyle (Trachtenberg) is a top physics student and her mom Joan (Cusack) couldn't be prouder. Her dream is to get a scholarship and get into Harvard, but first she needs an impressive project to present to them. She gets inspired to do her project on the physics behind figure skating. Her initial project, though, is dry and her guidance counselor suggests that she take a look at some local skaters. So Casey goes to the local ice rink to watch the junior skaters. She starts filming them but gets in trouble with the rink's owner, Tina (Cattrall), who is a coach (and former skater who left the sport under disgrace). Tina's daughter (Panettiere) is a skater but is having trouble with one of her jumps. Casey explains her project to Tina, who reluctantly agrees to let Casey film as long as she doesn't intrude. Casey gets permission from a few other skaters as well.

The project goes well at first. But, one afternoon, Casey finds herself out on the ice and while trying to demonstrate something for another skater, she easily lands a jump. Casey realizes the best way to see if her project is worth anything is to apply what she's learned to her own skating. So Casey offers the other skaters help with whatever their having trouble with in exchange for a few lessons. As it turns out, Casey is a natural and picks up the sport faster than anyone they've ever seen. And Casey finds she loves skating as much as she loves physics. The problem is her mother. Casey tries to tell her mother about the skating, but her mother won't hear anything about it. She doesn't want Casey to have to settle in life and thinks that using her brains and attending college is the only way she'll be successful. So Casey begins taking her skating lessons in secret, and unbeknownst to her mother, qualifies for the regional skating competition. Should she place there, she'll then qualify for the junior championship. Casey must figure out what her dream is now, and how she and her mother will be able to come to terms with it.

"The Ice Princess" could easily be a trite and common movie, but it has a lot of heart and the young actors do a great job. The skating doubles are fantastic and at times it really does look like it is the actors skating. It's a great family movie and kids of all ages will enjoy it (our five year old boy really liked it!). We've watched "The Ice Princess" several times, and I still watch Casey's final competition with bated breath.

Starring: Michelle Tratchenberg, Kim Cattrall, Joan Cusack, Hayden Panettiere. Rated G Year: 2005

Learn more about Carey Bunker

My name is Carey and I've been a WAHM (work-at-home mom) for a little over 2 years. I have two boys, ages 5 1/2 and 2 1/2 and two recent "fur baby" adoptees from our local humane society.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger