It’s a delicious irony that the screenplay for one of the early 90s' most beloved and, let's be honest, enjoyably cheesy romantic dramas came from the pen of Tony Gilroy. Yes, the same Tony Gilroy who would later give us the intricate espionage of the Bourne films and the corporate thriller tension of Michael Clayton (2007). Knowing that adds a fascinating layer to The Cutting Edge (1992), a film that ditched gritty realism for the sparkling, high-stakes world of pairs figure skating, delivering a classic enemies-to-lovers story that still warms the cockles of many a nostalgic heart. If you ever found yourself rooting for an unlikely couple amidst the synth-pop soundtracks and slightly oversized blazers of the era, chances are this film holds a special place on your mental VHS shelf.
### Oil and Water on Ice
The premise is pure Hollywood gold, the kind you just don't see greenlit quite so often anymore. Doug Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney) is a rough-around-the-edges former Olympic hockey hopeful whose NHL dreams were shattered by a cheap shot that damaged his peripheral vision. Kate Moseley (Moira Kelly) is a privileged, fiercely talented, but notoriously difficult figure skater chewing through partners faster than Zambonis resurface ice. Her wealthy father, desperate for her to finally medal at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Albertville, hires the legendary Russian coach Anton Pamchenko (Roy Dotrice, bringing a wonderful weary gravitas). Pamchenko’s radical idea? Pair the spoiled skating princess with the blue-collar hockey bruiser. What could possibly go wrong? Or, more accurately, what could possibly go right in the most entertaining way imaginable?
It’s the friction, the sheer delightful antagonism between Doug and Kate, that fuels the film. Sweeney, channeling a kind of affable, slightly cocky charm, plays Doug as the grounded force constantly bewildered by Kate’s demanding perfectionism. Moira Kelly, who stepped into the role relatively late after Sean Young suffered an injury, embodies Kate's icy exterior and simmering vulnerability perfectly. Their chemistry isn't immediate heat; it's a slow burn built on clashing egos, witty barbs, and the grudging respect that grows as they push each other, literally and figuratively, across the rink. You find yourself grinning at their arguments, knowing exactly where it’s all heading, but enjoying the bumpy ride nonetheless.
### Behind the Glitter and Spandex
Part of the enduring charm comes from the direction of Paul Michael Glaser. Many knew him best as the charismatic Starsky from TV's Starsky & Hutch, but he’d already proven his directorial chops with films like Arnold Schwarzenegger's dystopian actioner The Running Man (1987). Here, he leans into the romance and the visual appeal of the sport. The skating sequences, often employing skilled doubles for the truly death-defying maneuvers, look fantastic, capturing the grace and athleticism required. Reportedly, both Sweeney (who had prior hockey experience) and Kelly underwent rigorous skating training for months to lend authenticity to their performances, and it pays off in the close-ups and less complex routines. They look like they belong on the ice, even if we know movie magic is filling in the gaps for the physics-defying Pamchenko Twist.
And let's talk about that line. "Toe pick!" Has any single phrase from a 90s romantic sports drama lodged itself so firmly in the pop culture lexicon? It’s the culmination of their bickering, the flashpoint where frustration boils over into something… else. It’s peak cinematic shorthand for their entire volatile dynamic, delivered with just the right mix of exasperation and underlying tension. Apparently scripted by Gilroy, it became the film’s accidental, unforgettable tagline.
### More Than Just Fluff?
Okay, The Cutting Edge isn't exactly Bergman. The plot follows a familiar trajectory, hitting predictable emotional beats along the way. Some of the dialogue feels perfectly preserved in early 90s amber, and the training montages are practically a textbook example of the form. But dismissing it as mere fluff overlooks its genuine strengths. The central relationship feels earned, built on shared ambition and the slow realization that their opposing personalities actually complement each other. There's a satisfying arc for both characters – Doug finds a new purpose and learns to navigate Kate's world, while Kate learns to trust and let her guard down.
Filmed largely in Ontario, Canada, standing in for various training locations and the Albertville Olympics, the production captured the cold atmosphere needed for the setting. While its budget wasn't enormous (typical for the genre at the time), it performed respectably at the box office, pulling in over $25 million domestically, suggesting audiences were definitely charmed. It currently holds a decent 6.9 on IMDb and a much warmer 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving its lasting appeal among viewers, even if critics were initially a bit more reserved. It tapped into something – that blend of sports movie determination and romantic comedy sparks – that just worked.
### The Verdict
The Cutting Edge is pure comfort food cinema from the VHS era. It’s predictable in the best way possible, delivering exactly the kind of feel-good, opposites-attract romance it promises. The performances from D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly are pitch-perfect for their roles, their bickering chemistry remaining utterly watchable decades later. Add in a solid supporting turn from Roy Dotrice and some genuinely impressive skating sequences (however achieved), and you have a film that transcends its formulaic roots to become something genuinely endearing. It might be a little dated, a little cheesy, but its heart is undeniably in the right place. It's the kind of movie you could happily rent on a Friday night, curl up on the couch, and just enjoy the ride – maybe even shouting "Toe pick!" along with Kate.
Rating: 7.5/10
This score reflects the film's undeniable charm, fantastic central chemistry, and iconic moments, balanced against its predictable plot and occasional 90s cheese. It's not groundbreaking cinema, but it executes its familiar formula with infectious energy and heart, making it a highly enjoyable rewatch.
Final Thought: Like finding that perfectly worn-in favorite tape, The Cutting Edge offers a reliably warm and fuzzy trip back to a time when movie romance could be sharp, funny, and surprisingly graceful, all at the same time.