On C List of Movie Reviews
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The Cutting Edge (1992)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
3/08, 2/22
3/08:
I was initially told that The Cutting Edge would suck in a major way and that I ought to see it for the sake of
mocking it.
Well, I had a pretty good time and was darned entertained by the quirky love story between two opposites. The first half
is marked with a sharp sense of humor, witty lines, and terrific chemistry. Then, there's a slowdown during the second half,
but it manages to have a solid finish.
The true winners are D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, and Roy Dotrice. All have turned in excellent performances. Although
The Cutting Edge involves figure skating, I like how it's treated as a secondary plot device.
The camera work is interesting as it's clear that the leads weren't skating all the time. Subplots are nicely developed, and not
much time is spent on most of them just to keep things moving. That's how the director is able to have plenty of space to
squeeze in more scenes yet stays faithful to the concept that it takes a lot of work to prepare for the big contest.
The way the chemistry is built up between the two opposites pays off dividends at the end when they realize they're in love
with each other before turning in the best skating performance of their lives. The main treat is watching them fight all
the time hitherto. Of course, I don't get to see the actual show in its entirety, but that's okay. Like I said, figure
skating only plays a secondary part.
All in all, The Cutting Edge is an all-time great romance classic.
2/22:
The Cutting Edge works well in two ways: a romance picture that happens to involve figure skating.
The chemistry between D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly is top-notch. Although the former isn't bad, it's the latter
who makes the movie work with her oft-repeated facial expressions. Of course, it's not them who did all the
skating, hence the skillful editing. In many ways, the movie reminds me of Flashdance but better.
The best part is the back-and-forth bitching. Great lines are thrown in during their repartee. It's what makes
the film go. Of course, the so-called Pamchenko move is impossible. Using the female skater as a hammer
throw? Why...she's going to be tossed out of the rink based on sheer velocity of the spin.
All in all, forget the rest of the sequels; The Cutting Edge begins and ends with D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly.