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.

This did not have the depth of characters, quality of acting, authenticity or pace that the original had. If you have seen the original, don't waste your time on this one. It will only disappoint. If you haven't seen the original, please watch that one instead of this. The Original was a beautiful movie, This one feels like an after school specail. The original is timeless and did not need to be remade. And the changes made in this remake only took away from the elements that really worked in the original and made this one feel rushed and surface. Not much more to say but I'm required 9 more characters to post this. Lol.

This is what happens when you make a "remade for tv" film and you leave out the soul. It is just another so-so attempt using b grade actors and c grade acting. Even the skating was just meh. All of the dialogue of the original with none of the heart.

The film is indicative of Hollywood's failure to produce original material, preferring to serve up remake after remake for a buck. Sadly, the story is good enough that had Donald Wrye, who also directed the original was given some decent actors, he may have been able to improve upon the original.

Finally... if you're going to update the soundtrack, make it different enough to notice or use Melissa Manchester's original... or better yet, invite her to record a new version.

So many choices... most of the poor.

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?