Un amour de patineuse

I expected this to be romantic, but it was more a movie about encouragement, positivity, and that attaining your goals should be enjoyable. Andrew Walker plays Spencer, who I loved in the Hallmark movie A Dream for Christmas. Spencer, a figure skating coach, is hired to coach a young, talented, figure skater named Nikki. Nikki's mother is one of those pushy, demanding, moms whose only goal is to see her daughter win. When Spencer arrives in town, he heads to the local coffee shop where he meets Emily. Emily is a part-time waitress at the coffee shop and also teaches figure skating at the local rink. More than that, Emily was a talented skater who dropped out of the Midwest Trials eight years ago. Spencer immediately knows who she is and convinces her to start training for the trials again and offers to coach her.

There is an attraction between Spencer and Emily, but I don't think there was any real chemistry that came through on camera. I was hoping for a little more romance. Other subplots were interesting, but one, in particular, was left open. I felt the ending left me feeling cut off. Overall it was a pleasant movie but not as touching as some of the other Hallmark movies.

The chemistry between the main characters could have been better. It was nice to see girls competing and yet remaining friends who are rooting for each other. However, I can't help but wonder - would they really be competing in the same category? Also, I think Linda Kash (who plays Hildy) reminds me of someone else I recognize, but I still can't figure out who it is!

7.8 stars.

Right from jump street I could see this was not going to be the most spectacular film. I attribute that sentiment on my gut feeling it wasn't flowing smoothly at first. I credit this to some rough edits, lack of direction, maybe the cinematography was intermittently off. All that aside I appreciate both leads, they radiate energy and athleticism, which is crucial for a figure skater and coach to capture. The female lead is rarely seen in Hallmark films, and she has definite screen presence. The male lead is one of Hallmark's best, so no need to embellish his accolades.

This story contains a lot of competitive drama between skaters and a parent, news reporters, and coaches. The plot is about and up-and-coming young female phenom, and a comeback story for the female lead. The majority of the setting is shared between a diner and the rink.

This film is mostly about skating, and I am surprised how much skating footage is utilized. It was meticulously and realistically presented. I feel the focus of the director was to deliver skating footage to perfection.

I found "Love on Ice" to be quite entertaining in various parts, but a bit slow at times. As a whole it's a feel good film, and I shed a few tears. This was literally love on ice for me, partly for the romance, mainly for the love of the art and sport of figure skating.

If you enjoy movies that showcase skating, this is one of the best for Hallmark. Contrary to some other reviews, this movie is probably the best for pure skating action shots, but maybe not as much for character flow and chemistry, or dialogue. There is a definite authenticity to the female jock vibe, kudos for nailing that part.

I watched this whole movie thinking this sub plot of Dave and hildy was going to be addressed when he proposed. THEY NEVER SHOWED THE ANSWER ITS LIKE THEY FORGOT!!!!! Bad hallmark remember you sub plots!

A young skater's mother hires a coach from out of town to take over her daughter's training. When he comes to town, Spencer (Andrew W. Walker) enlists the aid of a former champion, Emily (Julie Berman), who skates at the local rink and has a good relationship with the young girl.

Spencer soon realizes that Emily ---who inexplicably walked away from the sport years ago---still has what it takes to compete. He begins to coach her, too. Of course, feelings follow, as this is a Hallmark romance.

The story is somewhat weak and very predictable. But the characters are likable.

Ana Golja plays the young skater, Nikki Lee. Her mother is played by Gail O'Grady and she really captures that skating mother vibe: overly-demanding, aggressive, and too involved.