Ice Castles

Donald Wrye should have left his classic well enough alone. His remake lacks the deep emotional feelings and quality acting of the original. This is Taylor Firth's first attempt at acting in a movie and, although she makes a noble effort, it shows. However, her skating is top-notch and a joy to watch. The rest of the cast come across as somewhat boring and their acting is mediocre at best. Ice Castles 2010 has mostly uninspiring background music and mundane camera shots. For instance, the original peppered Lexie's skating scenes with interesting ice level camera shots but were left out of this remake. It's a shame this was Donald Wrye's last movie before his death because his films are usually very good.

What makes a great movie? To me, that question is answered on many levels. The first, most crucial, to me, is does the movie uplift and motivate me to examine parts of my life that may need improvement. Movies and movie roles are captivating if the character has strengths that the audience can examine through one's own personal lens. This movie meets that criteria. It is very touching. I personally loved the cinematography, especially the views of the Iowa landscape and the figure skating. Beautiful makeup and costumes on the star for competition (I was reminded of The Black Swan.) No villains in this story and a very appropriate relationship between the two young sweethearts for a young audience (applause, applause), with the added feature of "something to aspire to," in terms of personal growth and challenge. No inappropriate sexuality. All around a fine movie to enjoy with a young daughter on a weekend.

Who cannot love a character lifting herself out of adversity? These movies uplift the viewer to make more of their own lives and uplift others. That is this movie. The characters are believable. Even the momentary appearance of Michelle Kwon, as a sports newscaster is believable. The father is believable. The boyfriend is believable. Even the coaches are believable. There is not a conniving script line. Good writing, I'd say. Good directing I'd say also. So, if you want an evening of good enjoyment with your sweetie, this is one movie you need to watch. Did I say that this was good casting? Did I mention that there was good acting?

As part of the generation of the original, and not a fan of remakes or reboots, I was surprised at the beauty the film offered, both cinematically and the athletics. I was impressed by Taylor Firth's first film performance, but wish they hadn't reduced the part of her father and aunt, as they were key figures in her backstory. She managed to carry the film anyway, despite my desire to see the Holly-Johnson cameo. The best touch here was preserving the music from the original.

This movie had such great potential! They ruined it with fake drama, fake relationships, fake emotions. No one behaves like that! It's as if aliens put the movie together by copying the worst B movies ever made "oh, this is how people act". It's insulting! Watch the original! That one is enjoyable and won't hurt your eyes.