I was skeptical when I stumbled across this film one night after putting my young children to bed. With a title like Ice Princess, I expected a story for very young kids and the movie having to do with, well, a princess. I expected some fluffy scenes with a Cinderella-like plot. Although the title does not do this movie justice, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed myself through the end of the film.

The main plot surrounds a teenage girl named Casey, who is extremely talented with physics and understanding the science of how the world works. She has a joy of skating on her frozen pond behind the house she shares with her mother, a college professor and feminist. Casey's hidden talent, which was pushed aside for most of her life while going after what she thought was her dream of attending Harvard, is finally unleashed during an important physics project. For this key assignment, Casey chooses to study the physics of ice skating and in the process mingles with competitive skaters her own age, takes fundamental lessons in the sport, and realizes that she not only has an enjoyment for the sport but a natural talent that could take her very far, but at a cost.

As the story unfolds, we find Casey making decisions many teens face when deciding what it is that they are good at and how to pursue it, despite what their odds are. The story is refreshing in that it captures teens as they are, unlike a lot of stories out there, which depict teens in a negative way or with the mindset of twenty-somethings. There are key challenges that Casey faces involving how to get the money to pay for lessons, how to get past a competitive setback in order to move forward in the sport, and how to make peace with her mother and have her see her daughter for who she really is.

The Characters

It is also wonderful that every character in this story has a purpose and are all affected by the main character of Casey and her lack of self confidence even though she is so unsure of herself. Michelle Trachtenberg is well cast as Casey and her scenes with veteran actor Joan Cusak, who plays Casey's mother, are both realistic and poignant.

The coach of the skating club's competitors is played wonderfully by veteran actor Kim Catrall, who mixes the toughness of a keen competitive coach with the uncertainty of a mother who has pushed her daughter, played by experienced young actor Hayden Panettiere, too far in order to gain glory she never received as a skater. The parallels of the coach and Casey's mother are evident as is the trials of strict regimens of those who compete in the sport, yet these points are not overpowering and can be understood by kids through adult ages. This same subtle style is taken in other aspects of the movie including what teens go through every day regarding not fitting in, having differences with parents, trying to please everyone who expects certain things from them, and eventually finding who they are in a very realistic way of what coming of age is about.

The supporting characters shine in this well-written film for all ages. The coach's son, and Casey's obvious first romantic interest, is played by experienced actor Trevor Blumas. Their awkwardness while getting to know each other holds both humor and sweetness.

Capturing the Sport of Ice Skating on Film

A very important aspect of this movie's realism is that although Trachtenberg and Panettiere's actual skating ability is limited, the rest of the actors are experienced competitive skaters and their talents are showcased. The fact that so much of the film takes place on the ice made this directorial blend both believable and acceptable to the viewer. There are even cameos by Olympic Medalists Brian Boitano and Michelle Kwan.

Overall Review and Summary

Although this is the perfect winter movie, you can definitely enjoy Disney's Ice Princess any time of year. If you are a fan of ice skating, you will find this story to act as a small insight into the behind the scenes of what is sacrificed and rewarded in the sport by these young skaters. If you are not a fan, you will still enjoy the story for all it has to offer, the fine acting, and the never-old coming of age story of a teen who finds confidence in herself and what her true talent is. Kids and teens will also get a clear view of what parents go through as well as parents recalling those days when anything is not out of reach if you work hard and do the right thing.

This is not an Oscar caliber film by any means, but it is not meant to be, and that is just fine. This movie is uplifting, funny, poignant, and above all else, believable. A true family film in every sense of the word and that you and your kids can watch, enjoy, and talk about together. In the world of cinema, this is a type of story that is not told as often as it was years ago and as it should be today. As an adult, I was able to relate to what it was like when I was younger in addition to the older characters and their struggles through their own mistakes. Although I am not a famous critic of film but a regular fan of the movies, after watching Disney's Ice Princess for the first time (and second and third), I was left feeling uplifted, touched, and happy. How refreshing.

Rating and Availability

Disney's Ice Princess is Rated G for all audiences and is available on DVD. The movie is occasionally shown on Disney's television channels.