Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 10

March 15, 2005

Films Reviewed: Ice Princess and Hostage

Commentary: The current state of affairs at Walt Disney

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Ice Princess

Regarding Ice Princess:

Matt: This movie will be a huge hit with its target audience (read: girls age 6 to 15).  It wasn't made for a thirtysomething film critic like me, but it does have its moments on and off the ice.  Joan Cusack, however, seems to know how to play only one kind of mother: the overbearing one.  But the target audience won't seem to care.  Two and a half stars.

Aron: Despite the fact that I am not the target audience, I really enjoyed this.  Michelle Trachtenberg was very good as the science gal turned figure skater.  Kim Cattrall also has some nice moments as her flawed skating coach.  Most of the other skaters in the film are real skaters making their film debuts.  Quite impressive.  Three and a half stars.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Regarding Hostage:

Aron: It's okay.  You're going to know what happens before it does, but the film is well made and acted.  No great shakes, however.  Bruce Willis has done this role before, and better.  But it's worth a matinee.  Two and a half stars

Matt: I have not read the novel in which this film is based on, but it seems that the screenwriter didn't have too much faith in his source material.  One wild card in a story is good, but two wild cards is too much.  But the film has some wonder production design (especially the opening credits) and the child actors in the film knew how to act.  Two and a half stars.

Average Rating: **1/2 (out of ****)

Commentary: The Walt Disney company is going through some tough times.  Michael Eisner will step down as President in October and Robert Iger is set to take over the reigns.  Aron and Matt discussed what Mr. Iger would have to contend with in the future and whether he can make the Disney name strong again.  Also discussed were the futures of Miramax and Pixar. 

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Ice Princess, with Joan Cusack, Kim Cattrall and Michelle Trachtenberg.