'Ice Princess': The Ultimate Gem of 2000s Girlhood
In days of yore, a teenage figure skater summoned every bit of bravery to pirouette, jump, and strike an arabesque on the ice rink. Clad in azure hues, she remained etched in our memories as such.
In Disney’s "Ice Princess," Casey Carlyle Michelle Trachtenberg ) shines academically and aims for admission to Harvard, yet her formulas and equations slowly lead her towards a new aspiration. Her teacher motivates her to apply for a scholarship and present a research project that includes a personal touch. Watching figure skating on TV with her friend, Ann (Amy Stewart), sparks an epiphany for her.
"You know, I'm sure there's a precise aerodynamic equation for this," Casey remarks. She studies the techniques of nearby competitive figure skaters and uses physics concepts to assist them in enhancing their skills. What began as just skating becomes her biggest enthusiasm for Casey.
Sadly, Trachtenberg passed away in February at the age of 39. The reason for his death remains unclear, as stated. Variety .
Trachtenberg resonated with audiences through her performance in "Ice Princess." Yahoo! Entertainment I spoke with figure skaters Ryan Dunk and Thita Lamsam regarding how the actor motivated them. Dunk and Lamsam Each shared an emotional message about skating to "No One" by Aly & AJ, starting with the initial moment when Casey glides across the pond near her home.
When promoting the movie "Trachtenberg" was questioned about her desire for audiences to take away from "Ice Princess."
“I would love for each young girl in the crowd to watch the film and feel empowered, simply feeling stronger as a result,” answered You might not aspire to become an ice skater, but perhaps you dream of being a teacher, a doctor, or a lawyer instead. My hope is for others to think, 'If Casey could do it—despite her fears—I can too. With determination, I will achieve success.'
I hope Trachtenberg understood the significance of her role in "Ice Princess" for the fans who cherished the movie, marking its 20th anniversary this March. Those from Generation Y along with their Gen Z counterparts came of age amidst an array of BeDazzled outfits and grand aspirations during the early 2000s. This period championed female empowerment but also grappled with imperfections like intrusive tabloid coverage that often portrayed stars unfavorably and body image pressures that negatively impacted many young females. Despite these challenges, movies aimed at preteen girls and their accompanying pop tunes undoubtedly bolstered the self-esteem of those who embraced such cultural phenomena.
The Disney Channel advertised "Ice Princess" through music videos and featured segments on the "Movie Surfers" series — where young reporters went behind the scenes of the movie to talk with the actors involved. Michelle Kwan actually attended the 'Surfers' shoot. The Olympic medalist, who appeared alongside Brian Boitano as a co-commentator in the movie, spent some time skating backstage with Trachtenberg. Kwan expressed being "truly astonished" upon learning that the actor was new to ice-skating.
"I thought to myself, 'Hmm, perhaps she should have begun around age 5. That way, she might be my competitor now,'" Kwan stated.
In Trachtenberg’s cast, Joan Cusack plays Casey’s mother, while Kim Cattrall and Hayden Panettiere portray the mother-daughter skating pair Tina and Gen Harwood. Gen’s brother Teddy (played by Trevor Blumas) assists Tina at the ice rink and develops romantic feelings for Casey.
Casey starts taking lessons, performs in a beginner show, and expresses a desire to compete. However, Tina promptly halts this idea. The coach then explains the rigorous nature of figure skating and stresses that it "isn’t something you just decide to do."
Trachtenberg said in an interview She dedicated eight months to prepare for the movie and ended up with some bruises as well. Four skating doubles assisted the actress.
"Indeed, Miss Trachtenberg showcased significant innate skating skills during the shoot, and these abilities formed the basis of our studio’s effect techniques," clarified Dennis Berardi, a visual effects supervisor, adding that this involved using face replacement technology. Roger Ebert .
I hope Michelle Trachtenberg realized the significance of her role in 'Ice Princess' for the fans who cherished the movie.
We catch a glimpse of Trachtenberg’s dedication through Casey’s story arc as she dedicates more hours to her ice-skating endeavors. The upbeat tune from Emma Roberts sets the scene during a sequence where we see Casey enhancing her physical prowess via ballet exercises and strength training sessions. Additionally, this segment showcases Casey working behind the concession counter at the rink to cover her costs related to skating and struggling to keep up with schoolwork until eventually dozing off in class due to exhaustion from balancing all these activities.
If things were up to me, I'd transform the entire world for just one girl, Roberts sings In "If I Could Do As I Pleased."
Other music from the soundtrack Reflects Casey’s pursuit of her aspirations and the process of self-discovery. Aly and AJ sing Regarding "navigating through a throng of people in search of your true self," Superchick’s “Get Up” captures this sentiment perfectly with these lines: “I'm unafraid to stumble/I've scaled great heights/To falter isn't failure/Failure comes from never attempting." Both tracks featured in the movie emphasize striving towards something—be it an aspiration or celestial goals.
The rapid timing of The portrayal of Casey’s figure skating journey in this movie is not very believable. Nevertheless, there's merit in having clarity about your aspirations and dedicating as much time and effort to them as possible.
Casey’s mom uncovers her child's hidden passion for ice-skating. Joan, who teaches literature, looks down upon the superficial aspects of figure skating and pushes for an educational path for Casey. She feels remorseful about delaying her own college education, believing it has prevented her from offering a superior future for her offspring.
Tina Harwood hinders Casey’s performance at regionals by purchasing her new skates (which require time to break in, something Casey isn’t aware of). Casey becomes extremely angry and holds the whole Harwood family responsible for both the blisters and what she sees as betrayal.
After a bitter face-off between Joan and Tina, Casey attends her Harvard interview but forfeits a shot at admission. One of the most memorable, totally Disney lines of the film is Casey telling her upset mother “No, Mom, I’m letting go of your dreams. I want to pursue my own.”
Teddy Harwood steers his Zamboni right up to Casey’s pond to prepare the ice surface—and mend their bond. As Casey skates, she feels unusually comfortable around Teddy. "On the ice, you reveal yourself," he observes. "Yet, Casey, success isn't about doing everything solo; you'll require assistance." Consequently, Casey persuades Tina to formally take on coaching duties, which greatly displeases Joan.
At the sectionals, Casey really hopes her mother can watch her skate across the ice, performing the sport she adores. "This isn’t about her; it’s all about you," remarks Tina as she puts a crown atop Casey’s head. "Let your passion guide you on the ice." she adds .
Following a difficult fall from a triple Salchow, Casey gets back on her feet and carries on with her concluding performance. As she twirls, she spots her mother in the audience; Joan’s eyes are filled with tears.
With Trachtenberg gone, revisiting the footage of Casey’s lively stride, her perfect triple loop jump, and the happiness on her face as she sees her mother backing her brings up strong emotions. The accompanying music perfectly captures Casey’s spirited nature.
"So this is what it feels like to reach for Heaven / This is what it feels like to touch the sky," Diana DeGarmo croons. As the final credits fade out with Natasha Bedingfield’s "Unwritten," we find ourselves looking at the "blank page" and writing our own tales.
I recall Trachtenberg from the movies " Harriet the Spy and '17 Again,' and I first encountered her as the cunning Georgina Sparks in 'Gossip Girl' when I eventually caught up with the series during my adult years. However, I am particularly delighted that I was one of those young women who watched 'Ice Princess' at the cinema and sang along to the soundtrack two decades ago. Trachtenberg revealed the elegance, poise, and fortitude of her character. For this, I remain deeply thankful.
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