ABC Film Challenge – Ice Castles (1978)

This review is part of the Monthly ABC Film Challenge over at Movie Reviews 101.

This month’s theme is Sports Films

If you’re interested in taking part, feel free to contact Darren.

Tnx for letting me take part Darren!

Here‘s the link to the original post.

“[tough as nails] You’re what’s hurting her! Let her be. She’s good. She’s got more natural talent than anyone I’ve ever seen, and that includes those girls at the Olympics” – Beulah Smith

Number of Times Seen – at least three times (Cable in the 80’s, 20 Apr 2012 and 6 Aug 2021)

Brief Synopsis – An Olympic skating hopeful needs to deal wit the pressure of the sport and of those around her.

My Take on it – This is a film that I recall seeing at a very early age on cable and knew a lot about it because my sisters had seen it in the theater when it originally came out.

The story is told quite well and it’s easy to understand the various pressures that young athletes must endure in order to compete in such a competitive arena.

The plot moves along well and we can see how the main character’s outlook on everything changes as the story progresses.

The frustration of losing and also of dealing with all of these pressures is quite apparent throughout.

The cast is great with Lynn-Holly Johnson doing a superb job in the lead role.

Robby Benson is also great as her boyfriend who will do anything to help her achieve her goals even at the expense of his own dreams.

Loved seeing Tom Skerritt in a small yet important role as her father who also torn about whether to let her compete or not.

The skating scenes are filmed quite well and there are some very breathtaking shots that are very impressive.

The film has an amazing theme song Through the Eyes of Love – sung by Melissa Manchester which was nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song. The theme music also plays throughout the movie and it’s quite uplifting.

Check it out here:

Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Lynn-Holly Johnson says she was repeatedly pressured to do a nude scene in this film, which she refused to do. She says this incident makes her laugh and say “if you only knew!” whenever someone tells her what a great family film this movie was. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (8/10)