The Cutting Edge (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
"Toe piiicckk". That's the quote you'll remember most from 'The Cutting Edge' (directed by Paul Michael Glaser). Kate Mosely & Doug Dorsey (Moira Kelly, D.B. Sweeney) were both part of the American team at the '88 Winter Olympics. He was star capt. of the hockey team; she was 1/2 of the national champion pairs figure skating team. Both have catastrophic results: he suffers a career ending eye injury during a game versus West Germany, & she takes a medal-losing fall that she blames on her male partner -- shattered dreams. Now it is 1990 and their futures seem uncertain. Doug is denial about the fact that he can't return to hockey; and he works in his brother's lowly sports bar. And Kate's prima donna attitude sends most of her prospective male partners running for the hills.
Her new coach, Anton Pamchenko (Roy Dotrice), sees Doug's potential & suggests he try out figure skating as Kate's new partner. He agrees, but its hate at 1st sight with the 2 of them (she refers to him as a Neanderthal). Still, he's willing to learn figure skating & is strong enough to deal with Kate's personality; so they start training. The 2 argue constantly, but they work hard, overcome their differences, fuse their artistic styles, invent a dangerous skating maneuver, & start seeing results. Nationals are ahead, followed by the '92 Olympics; and a romance even follows. But late-breaking plot melodrama threatens their rejuvenated dreams of the 'Gold'. And the two of them must dig deep to realize what really matters most if they are to overcome their obstacles en route to Olympic success.
'The Cutting Edge' is not the most original film you'll ever see. And this is a movie where plot comes second to the characters (and the actors portraying them). But that's okay because the film is a hell of a lot of fun. Kate & Doug feel like real people; flawed, but rootable. And their love/hate relationship is perfect. In fact, said love/hate relationship causes some palpable romantic tension that sizzles onscreen. Don't get me wrong, I quite liked the skating story. The acting is solid. Moira Kelly & D.B. Sweeney give fun, amiable performances. I even think they're portrayals here will be iconic in the well-established genre of 'cheesy romantic' films. But acting aside, it IS the love/hate component which makes 'The Cutting Edge' sing most. The characters are the film's resounding success.
On a technical note, I really enjoyed the editing of all the skating practice sessions (where Kate infamously teases Doug after he constantly trips on his "toe picks") & skating routines. I really liked the filming of the mock National & Olympic championships; complete with catty rival teams. I also liked the tip of the hat to the skating world by having real skaters & commentators have minor roles in the movie. And whenever Moira Kelly & D.B. Sweeney had to complete a difficult move, it's hard to tell when it's the actors or their skater body doubles. Great job, there. I also liked seeing the stereotypical skating costumes. And the soundtrack offers some fun songs. So yeah, thinnish story & predictable ... but wonderfully energetic & heartwarming in the end. Toe piiicckk {haha}.
Her new coach, Anton Pamchenko (Roy Dotrice), sees Doug's potential & suggests he try out figure skating as Kate's new partner. He agrees, but its hate at 1st sight with the 2 of them (she refers to him as a Neanderthal). Still, he's willing to learn figure skating & is strong enough to deal with Kate's personality; so they start training. The 2 argue constantly, but they work hard, overcome their differences, fuse their artistic styles, invent a dangerous skating maneuver, & start seeing results. Nationals are ahead, followed by the '92 Olympics; and a romance even follows. But late-breaking plot melodrama threatens their rejuvenated dreams of the 'Gold'. And the two of them must dig deep to realize what really matters most if they are to overcome their obstacles en route to Olympic success.
'The Cutting Edge' is not the most original film you'll ever see. And this is a movie where plot comes second to the characters (and the actors portraying them). But that's okay because the film is a hell of a lot of fun. Kate & Doug feel like real people; flawed, but rootable. And their love/hate relationship is perfect. In fact, said love/hate relationship causes some palpable romantic tension that sizzles onscreen. Don't get me wrong, I quite liked the skating story. The acting is solid. Moira Kelly & D.B. Sweeney give fun, amiable performances. I even think they're portrayals here will be iconic in the well-established genre of 'cheesy romantic' films. But acting aside, it IS the love/hate component which makes 'The Cutting Edge' sing most. The characters are the film's resounding success.
On a technical note, I really enjoyed the editing of all the skating practice sessions (where Kate infamously teases Doug after he constantly trips on his "toe picks") & skating routines. I really liked the filming of the mock National & Olympic championships; complete with catty rival teams. I also liked the tip of the hat to the skating world by having real skaters & commentators have minor roles in the movie. And whenever Moira Kelly & D.B. Sweeney had to complete a difficult move, it's hard to tell when it's the actors or their skater body doubles. Great job, there. I also liked seeing the stereotypical skating costumes. And the soundtrack offers some fun songs. So yeah, thinnish story & predictable ... but wonderfully energetic & heartwarming in the end. Toe piiicckk {haha}.