TOE PICK! For those of you who have seen this fabulous early 90s flick, the minute you think of THE CUTTING EDGE I guarantee those two words pop into your head. When a hot-shot hockey player suffers an injury losing his peripheral vision during the Olympic Games his career in the rink is ruined. During the same Olympic Games, a figure skating team falls eliminating their chances for the gold. Fast forward a few years and we reunite with Doug Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney), who continues to hold onto the dream of getting back on the ice. The chance arrives when Kate Moseley’s (Moira Kelly) skating partner quits on her, pushing her coach to seek out someone who can put up with Kate’s temperamental attitude. Will this odd couple be able to find their footing on the ice? Will opposites attract off the ice? Will there be more training montages than ROCKY IV?
The 90s influence is thick in this flick – from the music to the wardrobe you will transport back in time to an era of cheese-ball fun. Even though the montages are plentiful, they are full of fun moments (like the aforementioned Toe Pick!) that highlight the duo coming together as a team. When Doug finally makes it through the routine without falling on his face, seeing both Doug and coach, Anton Pamchenko (Roy Dotrice), celebrate, I guarantee you will be wearing a fat stupid grin. The dangerous figure skating maneuvers definitely had me covering my eyes and simultaneously thinking of BLADES OF GLORY. You know you’ve done something right when movies throw a spoof nod your way.
Moira Kelly is terrific as the über –privileged, overindulged and spoiled skater. I love the hoity-toity inflection she brings to the rhythm of her speech. Though her character does not allow it to happen often, she has a brilliant and bright smile that makes her sparkle. I love the wide-eyed expression that she has whenever Doug says something that shocks or angers her. D.B. Sweeney was great as the macho tough-guy who is ashamed of making the shift from highly regarded hockey player to competitive figure skater. His playboy tendencies and carefree attitude create the ideal balance for Kate’s uppity perfection. Dotrice’s take on the Russian skating coach is a great addition to the yin-yang of Doug and Kate.
I find it to be a wonderful anomaly when a movie without any major stars can pull off this kind of success. Especially when said movie feels like a lower quality, lower scale picture. There are many small problems within this movie but all is forgiven within the simple story that is full of heart. The grainy scenes, slow motion action sequences and Doug’s family taking the news so hard about his decision to compete in figure skating is absurd. As a viewer, you cannot help but root for these characters as individuals and love cheering for them as a team.
Sure, THE CUTTING EDGE is a fun movie with silly moments but I am always sad when the movie is over. I want to see more of Doug and Kate and what their future holds. To me, that is the true test of good storytelling. Oh and, TOE PICK!
Video (Widescreen 1.85:1): This was a terrible transfer, very grainy and fuzzy at times.
Audio (2.0 DTS HD Master Audio): Audio was perfect for the musical numbers.
THE CUTTING EDGE: Reflections From The Ice (10:53): D.B. Sweeny and Moria Kelly share their memories from the film.
Original Theatrical Trailer
