Ice Dreams

MOVIE REVIEW

Ice Dreams - Family film about pursuing your dreams

Network: Hallmark Channel

Original Air Date: January 23, 2010

CAST:

Jessica Cauffiel ... Amy
Shelley Long ... Harriet
Brady Smith ... Tim
Jerry Stiller ... Skipper
Kathleen Wilhoite ... Debra
Noelle Bruno ... Nicky

PLOT:
from Hallmark Channel-

After abandoning a dream years ago, it will take the dedication of an ambitious teenager to get an ex-Olympian back in the game in “Ice Dreams.”

When U.S. Olympian Amy Clayton’s (Cauffiel) father died trying to get his daughter to
practice on time, it only seemed right to hang up her skates for good, even if it meant disappointing her mother, Harriet (Long). But the call of the run-down Mid City Ice Rink was too strong to ignore, and having worked out a deal with Skipper (Stiller) and the owner the rink, Amy has continued to skate privately.

When the owner passes away, he leaves the rink to his nephew, Tim King (Smith), who arrives to decide the property’s fate. Having skated there for years as a kid, Tim knows what the rink means to the few who still frequent it, among them aspiring figure skater Nicky Laston (Noelle Bruno). But the offer from developers to buy the property is tempting, and with dwindling funds, Tim is finding it almost impossible to keep the rink open.

Meanwhile, Nicky and her mom find out that Amy is skating at Mid City, and convince
the reluctant (and broke) ex-Olympian to coach Nicky. Although reluctant at first, Amy recognizes Nicky’s dedication and talent, and through coaching the ambitious young skater, she has the chance to reevaluate her own dreams, even the one she thought she had left behind.

Movie Review:

For anyone who likes ice skating, I'm certain you would also enjoy this movie. There's nothing in it that children can't see... which means it is safe for family viewing, as most Hallmark Channel Movies are! (Thank you, Hallmark! There's a reason why people enjoy your wholesome Family Movies... they're a rarity among the other Channels!)

Nicky, the ex-Olympian and barely getting by Waitress, finds herself back at the ice rink more and more, inspite of her avoiding it publicly in the past due to her own past issues. She learns to deal with losing her father and she and her Mother strenghten their relationship.... just as Nicky and the Ice Rink's New Owner, Tim start skating and dating one another.

Shelley Long, who plays the Mother, is a refreshing part of the story... very witty & funny!

When funds are low, Nicky tells her Mother... "It's the Economy!" I thought this was a very realistic comment that hits home with a lot of people today.

Also, when Nicky asks Amy to practice on the ice again the next Morning, she says... " I can't, I have Church. " I liked this comment. It was refreshing to see a show with a teenager who has goals and strong faith.

Can Tim & Nicky save the rink from being sold... in spite of lack of business?

I'll just say... it's a Sweet Story with a Hallmark Happy Ending!

See or Skip:

See... sweet family movie!