Christmas films can go either way, which has been my experience watching overtime the festive output of Lifetime and Hallmark. They can either be well-meaning, charming, warm-hearted and don't feel too heavy. Or they can be too over-sentimental, cheesy, contrived and bland. There have been many films of theirs that have fallen in both camps and in the camp where there is a bit of both. And 'Christmas on Ice' did have the sort of premise where the execution could have gone either way.
Lifetime's 2020 Christmas film batch, like all their previous years, was pretty hit and miss which was not unexpected when one takes the circumstances into account, though a better standard than 2019's. 'Christmas on Ice' managed to be one of the better ones once it settled fully, despite there being a medium sized gap where there was some uncertainty of whether to continue or not. It also had a more mature theme than most which was appreciated and done quite well.
By all means, 'Christmas on Ice' isn't perfect. It does start on the slow side and the dialogue is a bit cheesy to begin with. Some motivations did feel rushed and didn't really surprise, especially later on.
Felt the same way with the ending, which had a bit of an abrupt, anti-climactic feel too. The music could have been used less and some of the choices didn't seem appropriate.
There are a lot of things done well in 'Christmas on Ice'. Abigail Klein radiates energy and charm and really does brighten the screen, wholly succeeding in making her character fleshed out and likeable. Ryan Cooper is an amiable leading man and their chemistry is sweet and genuine, part of me wishes there was more of the relationship and not as much of the saving the rink plotting. The best supporting turn comes from adorable and heartfelt Meara Mahoney-Gross, whose chemistry with Klein was even better than Klein and Cooper's.
Moreover, a great job is done with the Christmas atmosphere, where it does feel like Christmas and in an affectionate way. Some lovely Christmas touches and there are some very sweet, but not sickly, scenes. Was not crazy about the script early on, but it did have a nice mix of funny and poignant lines once momentum built. The story may be thin and doesn't do an awful lot new with a familiar scenario but has a warm heart and charm and doesn't take itself too seriously. The characters are also ones worth caring for. It looks good as a film, especially the scenery.
Summing up, pleasant way to pass the time. 6/10.
