Un Natale sui pattini

It's set at Christmastime in Michigan. But, really, the story could just as easily have happened during the summer in Arizona. It's about an indoor ice rink.

I liked the two leads. But the antagonist was an arrogant jerk in a movie that didn't even need a villain. It would have been more interesting if he was a kindhearted developer who simply had a different viewpoint than the rink owner.

Come to think of it, I would like to have seen more ice-skating, less drama outside the rink. The movie should have really focused on the protagonist overcoming her past, finding new purpose in the ice, and saving the rink.

Yes folks another Hallmark plot to save something, in the past they've saved a wine business, a farm, a restaurant, a micro brewery, and even Christmas! This time the story involves SAVING AN ICE PALACE, (which is actually a skating rink and center of the small town festivities, "palace" makes it sound more important) Journalist, Lori, played by Celeste Desjardins faces her fears regarding a skating incident that happened from her past, and returns to her hometown to do a story. She meets the ice rink owner, Mark, played by Marcus Rosner, who is attempting to save the rink from greedy developers. All the while this is going on, there's a subplot where Lori also helps Mark's young daughter,Zoe, to try to realize her skating dreams, as Lori reflects on her own life. The movie is very predictable but the chemistry between Mark and Lori captures your attention. And Marc Rosner is one of my favorite actors and he's hot, hot, hot! It's just another pleasant "guilty pleasure" movie from Hallmark.

This movie wasn't exactly a cinematic masterpiece, but oh, the model of the new ultra-modern building at the architectural firm truly stole the show. The quaint town, in a desperate bid to revamp their cozy downtown, decided to go full dystopian. They commissioned a high-rise that was the epitome of bleak - a gray, windowless monolith that could easily be mistaken for a gigantic parking garage.

The town planners, in their infinite wisdom, decided that the roof of this dreary edifice would be the town's new social hotspot. Because obviously, when you think of lively gatherings, a parking garage rooftop springs to mind.

And then, as if this architectural wonder wasn't already a marvel, the planners added another 10 stories of 'residential space' above. These living quarters were so laughably small, residents could barely fit inside. One might stand there, sandwiched between the walls, staring out into the void, thinking, "Why do I live here? My 'apartment' can't even fit a bed, and I have to limbo dance just to get through the door."

In this movie, the building model wasn't just a structure; it was a bold statement on the absurdity of modern urban planning, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the lengths we go to in the name of progress.

"An Ice Palace Romance (2023)" skates just above thin ice, managing to deliver a lukewarm blend of predictability and charm. The film follows the well-trodden path of a big-city journalist, Emma, who returns to her quaint hometown only to face her childhood fears and, of course, a dormant love for ice skating. The plot, as cozy and predictable as a pair of old mittens, offers few surprises. It's the cinematic equivalent of a comfort food dish - not particularly exciting, but satisfying in its own right.

The saving grace of the film lies in its heartwarming dynamics between Lori, the rink owner Mark, and his precociously adorable daughter, Zoe. Their chemistry is as smooth as a freshly Zambonied ice surface. Mark, with his rugged charm and dad jokes, brings a lightness to the story, while Zoe's earnest enthusiasm for skating and matchmaking adds a sparkle of joy. However, the film's reliance on clichés feels as rehearsed as a figure skating routine.

In conclusion, "An Ice Palace Romance" is the kind of film you watch while wrapped in a blanket, sipping hot chocolate, and not expecting any cinematic revolutions. It's a feel-good movie that skates by on its charm and the sheer predictability of its plot. It doesn't aim for a triple axel of storytelling and settles for a steady glide. It's a three-star film - not because it's exceptional, but because it's comfortably okay, like a familiar pair of skates that have seen better days but still fit just right.

Another "big city girl returns home" story from Hallmark - only to find it is where she belongs. I sure wish they would come up with different storylines. This one has been done to death. The leads are OK. There was some compatibility between the two. The skating daughter was cute. Lori decides to help coach her - even though she gave up skating long ago. Although, I have never heard of an up-and-coming skate champion giving it up because she fell. Ummmm ... I've watched the Olympics ... many skaters fall on the world stage and pick themselves up and continue. They don't just quit. Seemed pretty unrealistic to me. AND PLEASE! Stop with the flamboyant gay men! I know a lot of gay men - the majority do not behave like this. HALLMARK - in your quest to be "all-inclusive" you are defining this ALL WRONG. I'm certainly OK with gays being included in your stories - I am over you depicting them ALL as flamboyant. It's ridiculous. You should know this - you cast a lot of gay men in straight, romantic roles (Jonathan Bennett, Luke McFarlane, Peter Porte - to name three). Give it a rest!