Ice Princess

[ Aly and AJ: No One]

I am moving through the crowd

Trying to find myself

Feel like a guitar

that's never played

Will someone strum away?

And I ask myself

Who do I wanna be?

Do I wanna throw away the key

And invent a whole

new meaning to myself?

-  No one

-  Don't wanna be

No one but me

You are moving through the crowd

Trying to find yourself

Feeling like a doll left on a shelf

Will someone take you down?

And you ask yourself

Who do I wanna be?

Do I wanna throw away the key

And invent a whole new me?

Gotta tell yourself

-  No one

-  Don't wanna be

No one but me

Your life plays out

on the shadows on the wall

Turn the light on to release it all

You wonder what it's like

to not feel worthless

So open all the blinds

And draw the curtains

-  No one

-  Don't wanna be

No one but me

Casey?

- Something wrong, Mr. Bast?

- No, not at all.

l was curious if you'd

started weighing college options.

Options? Uh...

Heard of the Helen Stoller

Physics Scholarship?

No.

lt's given to a student from this state

who shows most promise in science.

Wouldn't that be Ann or... Wyatt?

No, it's you.

You have a calling, Casey.

l do?

- What is it?

- Physics.

Toast?

- Uh... sure.

- You're very lucky.

Most people search their

whole lives for their calling.

- How do you know you have a calling?

- Your brilliant teacher tells you.

And of course your    straight A-pluses

on exams is a hint.

You'll need a letter from me

for the scholarship

and think about a special

physics project over the summer.

Something unusual but personal.

Let them know you a little.

- He says it's my calling.

- QED.

How is this quite easily demonstrated?

You're as good in physics as l am.

Not even close. l grind, you glide.

Event horizon.

One day that guy will wake up

and realize he needs a math tutor.

And that tutor will be me.

Figure out how to get us invited to

even one party and you win the Nobel.

Hey, you're Casey, right?

Uh-huh.

Here's an invite

to my boyfriend's party.

Wow.

You're in chem lab

with Julian Wilson, right?

- Mm-hm.

- Can you give that to him?

Thanks.

That was way inconsiderate.

l love Mr. Bast.

lf he uncovered a scholarship

l didn't know about, he's a genius.

And to think they pay him

almost nothing.

The devaluation of teachers

in our society, it just...

- lt blows my mind.

- Mom.

l'm back. Sorry.

l have to figure out

what he wants from me.

l mean, what is

a personal science project?

lsn't the nature of science supposed

to be completely unbiased and factual?

Now he wants the inner me, too?

The whole secret of the study of nature

lies in learning how to use one's eyes.

- You know who said that?

- l'm guessing it was a woman.

That was written by George Sand,

a woman forced to use a man's name

because she couldn't get published.

- Mom.

- Okay.

Anyway, l always tell my students,

''You'll know your topic

when you learn how to use your eyes.''

[TV: classical music]

Oh! Oh, no...

She had it locked up.

l need to eat ice cream and all

your mother has is leftover tofu.

- Can we go?

- Sh! Sh!

Look at that recovery! Amazing.

She'll still place.

She's so precise.

l mean, down to the last...

You know...

l bet there is

an exact aerodynamic formula.

[ Jewel: Doin' Fine]

We are

What everyone wants to be

We are young and carefree

Life's a breeze

for people like you and me

If you look

Life lays out just like a road

It's for us to grab a hold

There's no one can tell us no

We're alive

And that we are

Doin' fine

- What do you think you're doing?

- l-l'm...

- Why are you filming skaters?

- For a physics project.

- You're scoping her triple loop. Why?

- No, l'm analyzing her movement.

- Who are you working for?

- Nobody.

Teddy, will you come over here?

l'm gonna call the cops.

No, l didn't think

it would be a problem.

l thought this was a public rink...

Private practice only

from six to ten.

These girls are training

for the regional championships,

which l think you perfectly well know.

No, l'm a student.

l have an lD.

l have a notebook.

Whoa, yeah.

Definitely spy code.

- What are you doing here?

- You know her?

She's a science geek.

Look, l'm sorry, but when the C.l.A.

wants to learn new dirty tricks,

they observe skaters

and their moms.

- Tina, can l have a word?

- Frank, not now.

l want to digitize

some images into my computer

to see if any kind of

unified theory emerges.

Okay, if Gen knows you

and you wanna

press your nose up against the glass

and take a few notes,

l don't really care.

But you'll have a hard sell

with the parents.

Absolutely not.

But no one outside of the scholarship

committee will ever see this program.

Here's the letter from my teacher

explaining the assignment.

And my driver's license.

Um... l've also got some letters of

references from people l baby-sat for.

[Tina] Let's keep it moving, girls.

lt's possible. We'll have the Team Nikki

legal team check this out.

- [woman] Beautiful, sweetie.

- [girl] Thanks, Mom!

No talking to my daughter.

She's training.

No distraction.

Not a word. No.

Look, l don't care if you're here.

lf you post me on the school website

falling on my butt,

you'd better transfer to another school.

[Coach] Okay, Nikki.

Let's try that again.

[Tina] Keep it moving.

[Tina] A little wider, that's it.

Hey! No street shoes on the ice!

l'm sorry... Sorry.

[boy] Gen!

Hello, hon.

Gen!

Gen! Brian, she's training.

You know the rules.

- l brought her a burger, Mrs. H.

- Gen can't eat that.

- Come on, l'm burning tons of calories.

- Not enough.

- A half-hour?

- Not if you wanna win.

You should coach our basketball team.

We could use a kick in the butt.

lf you don't leave this instant,

that's exactly what you'll get.

[Gen] Bye.

l do not want him coming here

during practice.

But l never get to see him.

Every other girl l know...

You're not like the other girls.

Winners make sacrifices.

Maybe they just cheat.

- Turn that off!

- Sorry.

Take it from the layback.

The conclusion's too simplistic.

The kinetic energy in a jump

equals half the skater's mass

times velocity squared, minus...

No, l could barely understand it.

But...?

l don't know if they'll care

but it's just a little bit...

...dry.

Mr. Bast said

l have to make it personal.

- How do l do that?

- l don't know.

Put more you in it.

Oh, excuse me, Tina.

ls there any way

that l could take a few lessons?

l think l might be able to write better

about the physics principles

if l'm the one actually applying them.

- lf there's any way l could...

- Fine.

We're starting a novice class

for the summer.

Three afternoons a week.

$.

$  ?

- Popcorn! l want popcorn!

- Where are my Gummi Bears?

- l gave them to you.

- [boy] Four hot dogs!

- Oh, l'm sorry...

- You touched that with your fingers.

Oh, fine. You don't want it?

l'll eat it.

Oh, you breathed on it!

You shouldn't work here.

You're here again?

Um... l'm working.

lt's for my science project.

Aren't you going overboard

with this project?

No, l'm totally committed to it,

like you're committed to skating.

Whatever. l'm starving.

B.L.T. here. Hold the B, heavy on the L.

Um... sure.

Beef patty.

Squish it till it's dry. No bun.

- Salad for me.

- Coming up.

Just iceberg lettuce, half a cup

of garbanzos and a lemon wedge.

Oh, and a quarter cup of cheese.

Ooh, cheese!

lt's Saturday.

l can pig out if l want to.

l don't know what's wrong.

l'm popping my Lutz.

lt's all that cheese.

Would you shut up?

[Tiffany] l've gotta focus. l heard

Zoey Bloch's been sticking a quad.

That is a rumor.

Which she probably started herself.

Early in the season

for stupid head games.

- [Gen] Not for Zoey.

- Food's ready!

That is way more than a quarter cup.

Um... lt's $.

$ .  and $. .

That's $. . Or if you split it

the other way, it's $. and $. .

Whoa. You can keep it all

if you just stop doing that.

[laughter]

You're welcome.

All right, everybody.

Welcome to our Snowplow Sam class.

Let's line up.

Lookin' good.

Class, can you tell our assistant

the most important rule for this class?

- Mom...

- [all] Never be late.

Right. We have a lot to do

if we are going to be ready

for our recital in August.

We are going to work on our toe loop.

Our Lutz.

[children gasp]

But first, all of you

have to get comfortable

with throwing your bodies into the air.

Casey, you're the physics whiz.

What's that rule about what goes up?

Technically,

it's that every particle attracts...

Casey.

Must come down.

This... is your new best friend.

Oh! Oh...

Look, could you try not to, like,

squish me?

l'm sorry.

Casey. Pull your arms in tighter.

They're throwing you off balance.

- Arms in.

- Okay.

Now try that about     more times.

- Right.

- [Tina] Push over on your right leg.

[Tina] Don't look at your feet.

Look straight ahead.

Jeremy!

That toe pick is there for a reason!

You dig it in.

Or no friends over for a week.

This is a lot of pressure for a recital.

lt's not only a recital.

lt's a U.S.F.S.A.J.S.T.

Earth speak, please?

lt's the first step

in qualifying for the regionals.

- l mean for us kids.

- Oh.

- You don't have to do it.

- That's good.

Because it's not humanly possible.

[ Michelle Branch:

You Set Me Free]

Can't you see

There's a feeling

that's come over me

Close my eyes

You're the only one that leaves me

Completely breathless

No need to wonder why

Sometimes a gift like this

you can't deny

Oh, 'cause I wanted to fly

So you gave me your wings

And time held its breath

So I could see, yeah

And you set me free

Are you out of your mind?!

[bang]

[squeals]

Hey, don't you know anything?

No skating when the Zamboni's out.

l'm fine. l'm fine.

- Thank you.

- Oh, you're fine?

Okay.

l'm sorry.

[sighs]

Look, you wanna tell me

what was in your head?

l've never skated on

such a smooth surface before.

l wanted to see what it was like.

- Lake skater?

- Pond. Near my house.

- Look, you need a hand.

- No! l'm good to go.

Oh!

[Teddy laughs]

You must really want that A.

Wow, that's a lot of Styrofoam.

lt's not for an A.

lt's for a physics scholarship.

What, like, uh... inertia and drag

and velocity and all that?

- How do you know about that?

- l'm into cars.

Get this baby out on the road,

l can open her up to...

...seven miles an hour.

Blow the doors off

any street-sweeper in town.

Um... l should get home.

Yeah, you should.

Can't do the ice until you're off.

Right.

Sure.

Well...

How's it coming?

lt's coming.

lt takes incredible training and effort

and there's artistry involved

but l'm sorry,

l just can't get past

the twinky little outfits.

Mom, they're actually

very aerodynamically sound.

lt sets us back   years.

lf l ever saw you squeezed into one of

those things, l'd probably start crying.

Believe me, you never will.

[kiss]

[Mom] Will you get some sleep?

Please?

Hello.

This is my video presentation.

Hi. l'm Casey Carlyle.

Cut a second.

l sound like a driver's ed movie.

[Ann] Relax.

Do it like you're talking to me.

Hey, there. l'm Casey.

Oh, my God.

l forgot my last name.

Can l start over?

Hi. l'm Casey Carlyle.

l decided to see if l could make myself

prove my own hypothesis

on the application of physics

to the required elements

of competitive figure skating.

Now, l'm going to increase

the centripetal force

by tucking in my arms.

This will increase

my moment of inertia,

so l will spin...

...faster.

l'll increase the height of my jump

by applying more force to my toe pick.

- You know, you look kinda hot.

- Shut up.

l'm gonna start off with a bad one.

For the before shot.

- Yeah, that pretty much blew.

- Okay.

- Now you're making me mad.

- [Ann] Good.

When you sign with Nike,

remember l wear size six and a half.

l want to do the recital.

For science.

Be here tonight, :.

Okay.

Mm! Tina... l have this

Harvard alumni tea thing at three.

Then, what are we talking about?

No, it's okay. l'll make it.

Um...

You have nothing to wear.

Come by my house at noon. Maybe

one of my old things will work for you.

Wow. Okay.

What?

[Casey] Thanks!

[knock on door]

- [Mom] Sweetie?

- Just a second!

[knock on door]

Hold on!

- Almost ready?

- Uh-huh.

l have a surprise for you.

That does it.

Perfect.

l think the whole effect

is very grown up,

with a nod to femininity.

We've evolved past flaunting it,

but we don't have to deny it.

l mean, you are going to be mingling

with your future prospective

classmates and professors,

and l really wanted the look to say,

We are serious.

Well, it definitely succeeds.

Mom, we don't have to stay at this thing

for more than an hour, right?

Um, because...

there's something l have to tell you.

Oh... Oh, honey.

- What was that?

- l've been so worried.

You've been living at that rink,

but you're here, now.

And you're excited, because

you understand what's really important.

Look, l've got goose bumps.

l'm sorry, that was so type A of me.

Mom disease.

Just relax. Just be yourself.

Your normal, poised,

charming, articulate...

Mom...

Do you wanna go over it

one more time?

Hi. l'm Casey Carlyle,

and l'm attracted

to the physics program because...

Physics rocks.

ln sophomore year, you can join

the Quantum Club and that rocks

because we compete against

Cal Tech, MlT and Stanford.

Last year, our ion particle accelerator

took first place.

lt rocked.

Sounds really, um... rockin'.

lt is, it really is.

Do you know what l think is great?

lf Casey's scholarship works out,

l'm sensing that you two will be

spending scads of time together.

Hors d'oeuvre?

Oh, how wonderful, bruschetta.

lf you have some time right now,

l'll take you through

the entire physical sciences syllabus.

We have got nothing but time!

Don't we, Case?

Great!

l know l'm late. l'm sorry.

That's the first rule.

[Tina] All right, let's get ready.

Come on.

- That's what she said...

- l have to do two turns...

- Really?

- Yeah.

We're supposed to go round

the side, remember?

- Oh...

- lt's right there.

- Right there, is that better?

- Yeah...

Deep breath.

And then you let it out.

- lt didn't work.

- Come on.

Okay, everybody.

[Tina] l'll take that.

- [whispers] Good luck.

- Thanks.

[Tina] Nice and slow.

Lily, no talking.

[crowd murmurs]

Hi.

[applause]

[ Lucy Woodward:

It's Oh So Quiet]

Sh!

[all giggle]

Sh!

Mom...

ls she wearing your old costume?

It's oh so still

Sh! Sh!

You're all alone

Sh! Sh!

And so peaceful until

You fall in love

Zing boom

The sky up above

Zing boom

Is caving in

Whoo! Whoo!

You never been

so nuts about a guy

You wanna laugh

You wanna cry

You cross your heart

and hope to die

You ring that bell

Bim boom

You shout and you yell

Oh-oh-oh-oh

You broke the spell

Gee, this is swell

You almost have a fit

This guy is gorge and I got hit

There's no mistake

This is it

You blow a fuse

Zing boom

The devil cuts loose

Zing boom

So, what's the use

Whoo! Whoo!

Of falling in love?

The sky caves in

The devil cuts loose

You blow blow blow

blow blow your fuse

Oh! When you fall in love

Sh!

[applause]

[man] Bravo!

Yes!

Whoo!

- What's my score?

- How did l do?

How did l do?

Novice pass. Yes!

- Casey, how did you do?

- Fine, l guess.

lt says...Junior pass.

[girls gasp]

- What?

- [girl] You skipped two levels.

[gasps and exclamations]

- Why didn't l skip two levels?

- Because you're six, Lily.

Junior level is where

Gen and Nikki and Tiff are at.

ls that true, Tina?

That l'm on a junior level?

Yes, it's true.

Okay, everybody, let's get changed.

[Gen] Come on, everybody. Let's go.

So, if l...

- lf l wanted to compete?

- You can't.

Why not?

What happened was, the judges saw the

same thing l've been seeing all summer.

You got some raw talent. That's not

enough for a shot at the regionals.

You need a coach, a valet,

a choreographer, private ice time.

Nikki's parents took out

a second mortgage to do this.

- And Tiffany's dad works two jobs.

- Oh.

- Where d'you get those skates?

- Garage sale.

They're falling off your feet.

You need custom boots, $   minimum,

and the blades need to be sharpened

every six weeks.

You get it?

l'm sorry. lt is what it is.

You have to want it. You have to

want it more than anything else.

lt's not something you do on a whim.

[alarm rings]

[groans]

You know what l was thinking,

Miss Senior?

This is the last first day of school.

Because the next first day,

you'll be in a dorm.

So l went a little nuts.

l made pancakes with white flour.

[Nikki] Can you believe summer's over?

We're wasting our lives here.

[clapping]

- Heard you landed a double.

- Tiff!

- Well? That took me two years.

- Really?

- So l guess we'll see you then?

- No, you won't.

Not at the rink.

l can't train with you guys.

Why not?

Um, l can't afford it.

- Oh!

- Yeah.

But, um, it's been fun.

Look, Casey.

l'll tell you something, all right.

You don't know how lucky you are.

- For what?

- To have a life.

- You think l have a life?

- l know you do.

You have TV time, and friend time...

But you get to skate all you want.

[laughs] More than l want.

l'd love to be you.

Have a Saturday night,

see your boyfriend...

- Yeah...

- Eat what you want.

Like bread.

Buckets and buckets of bread.

Oh, boo-hoo-hoo! Who cares?

Who cares about all that stuff?

Don't you just wanna skate all the time?

- No.

- No.

What's the matter with you people?

Are you insane?

The Jumping Shrimp is a skating machine.

- The Jumping Shrimp?

- My mom copyrighted it.

See ya.

Scary.

We must learn from her.

This is exactly what the

scholarship committee is looking for.

Your enthusiasm for the project

just leaps off the page.

ln fact, it's so good,

you could probably sell it.

Thanks.

- Tiffany.

- Hey.

What if l told you

l could fix your spread eagle?

Would you like to learn how

to stop traveling on your sit spin?

l don't!

Well, maybe l do.

You could land your double Axel.

Clean.

[ Hayden Panettiere: Fly]

I needed some wings

to make it right

I had to fly away

I busted out and headed straight

Now I'm lovin' life

'Cause nothin' can get in my way

I'm the prettiest thing in the sky

Break me, break me

You think you can

Take me, take me...

And she's back!

How'd you score the rink time?

Physics!

[Casey] l'm trading my science project.

Look, you carved up

my nice smooth ice.

But, you know, it wasn't so hard

watching you do it.

Casey!

Mom? What are you doing here?

Orthodontist. New NightGuard fitting.

Remember?

[sighs]

Here.

What's... What's going on here?

Who's this?

- Uh...

- Teddy.

[Casey] Right. Teddy.

Teddy drives the Zamboni.

Teddy the Zamboni driver.

[Mom] l thought you were

working on your project.

She was.

Your daughter's very talented.

And... and you are...?

- Tina.

- [Mom] Tina Harwood?

- Yes.

- The skater.

Yes.

With all the trophies

and the little outfits.

Yes.

Well, don't let me interrupt.

- Carry on with all your fun here.

- Thank you. l will.

- Come on, Mom.

- [Mom] Yes. Yes, of course.

Bye.

Okay. You need to

keep your knees in tighter,

point your foot, so you'll spin faster.

Okay, easy enough.

[ Superchick: Get Up]

I'm not afraid to fall

It means I climbed up high

To fall is not to fail

You fail when you don't try

Not afraid to fall

I might just...

Better?

Perfect.

If I get up

I might fall back down again

So let's get up, come on

If I get up

I might fall back down again

We get up anyway

If I get up

I might fall back down again

So let's get up, come on

If I get up

I might fall back down again

And I might

fall back down again

- lt worked!

- Just like you said it would.

The computer doesn't make the jumps.

That was all you.

Come on, Mom, just this one time.

l'll be back by eleven.

Come on, Mom, just this one time.

l'll be back by eleven.

You have a :  a.m. practice tomorrow.

Think you're gonna be all sparkly for

that if l let you stay out all hours?

Mom, l landed my Axel.

Can't l just have

one Saturday night, please?

Who are you going with?

Hi, um...

- D'you wanna hang out tonight?

- With you?

Yeah, you know, get something to eat.

- Maybe do a movie or something.

- Um... yeah.

[music plays]

- [Casey] But...

- [Gen] Here we are...

This doesn't look like a movie.

[Casey] Gen!

Gen!

Gen!

Gen!

l, um...

l'm not dressed for a party.

Shake it.

Your hair.

Now, no one will notice.

Work the hair.

- Hi.

- Hi.

[music plays]

l don't know any of these people.

Sure, you do.

They're all in your class.

There's... Jason, football.

And Luke, soccer.

l know them but l...

l don't actually talk to them.

l don't talk to guys or... people.

Well, now would be

the perfect time to start.

- Hey, Kyle.

- Hey.

Casey.

Casey, Kyle. Kyle plays hockey.

- Casey skates.

- Hey.

You guys have a lot in common.

Have fun.

But... l...

[Gen] Brian!

- So you skate, huh?

- Figure, uh... skate.

- Figure skate.

- Oh.

l wouldn't let the rest of the team

hear this but

you guys could probably

skate circles around us.

But not pushing a puck.

Why don't you come to our next game?

Whoo-hoo!

[all shout] Go! Go! Go!

- Uh-oh.

- What?

Well, assuming his weight

to be about    lbs,

at that rate of descent, his

estimated trajectory would bring him...

...directly through the window.

Oooh!

l mean, it's a simple

V times M equals A miscalculation.

You know, velocity times momentum

equals acceleration.

Physics.

Yeah, l have to, um...

Yeah, later.

Do you know who that was?

- That was Kyle Dayton.

- Way hot.

Word of advice.

Don't ever speak again.

When l get nervous,

l kind of babble a little.

lt's like this gear gets loose

in my head.

Like those Planck diagrams, where...

You're doing that babbling thing again.

l think babbling is cool.

[Teddy] Come on, Casey.

[laughs] Thanks.

[ Jesse McCartney:

Get Your Shine On]

Get your, get your shine on

Get your, get your shine on

Too hot

Too hot...

[laughter and chatter]

So you're Gen's cover tonight, huh?

lt's usually my job.

She could've warned me

we were going to a party.

You know,

my sister has her own problems.

- Your sister?

- Yeah.

- You're Tina's son?

- ls that so hard to believe?

No, no, wow, l just, um...

- l just thought...

- l was the help?

l mean, l kinda am.

Gen skates and l fix stuff.

Well, most stuff.

An object is only as strong

as its weakest point.

Physics.

Thanks.

Right, so...

Tell me about, um...

...fixing stuff.

Well, l mean the rink

was a pit when my mom bought it.

[Teddy]

Mostly with her divorce money.

l helped bring it back.

l did the repair work, the painting...

The Zamboni.

That was my favorite part.

So, um, for you it's the science stuff?

Um... right.

- [girl] Sorry.

- [Casey Ah!

[laughter]

- [boy] Yeah, nice one!

- [girl] Klutz!

[girl] Dork.

Just can't keep off the ice, can you?

[alarm rings]

[alarm rings]

[ Emma Roberts:

If I Had My Way]

I look around and see

the possibilities

You know, it's fun to be me

Never fit the crowd

Nothin' gets me down

Never scared to dream

And if I

If something can't be done

I'm gonna prove them wrong

Make everybody believe

But if I had the chance

I would change it all

That's what I'm ready to sing

If I had it my way

I would change the world

Just one girl if I, if I

If I had it may way

Yeah, ooh yeah

I've got a buzz in me

That no one ever sees

It's in the attitude, yeah

I'm gonna find a way

No matter what they say

I do what I gotta do

'Cause when I

If something can't be done

That only makes me strong

It happens every time

Na-na-na

na-na na-na na-na

I can do anything

Anything

Na-na-na

na-na na-na na-na

- Hi.

- Where have you been?

Stayed late at school.

No, where have you been all week?

This tutoring thing

has got me totally stretched out.

Why are you doing this? This kid is the

dumbest ninth-grader on the planet.

Mom, it looks good on my application.

Ann's doing it too.

Ann was with you just now?

- Yeah. Five minutes ago.

- Ann just phoned for you.

- What's going on?

- Nothing.

And since when

do you get a C on a test?

l saw it in your room.

l was not snooping.

l mean, you and As

are like peanut butter and jelly.

- ls it belated rebellion?

- What?

ls it...

- ...a boy?

- Mom, no!

l'm sorry.

You do realize what is at stake

with your grades right now?

l know. l know. l'm sorry.

l feel bad about the C, okay?

- Can you just give it a rest?

- Sweetie!

Mom, l just want

to compete at regionals.

Why?

What do you have to gain by this?

- l'm good.

- So, what are you saying?

You wanna just blow off

our whole plan for you,

chuck the scholarship

and become a professional athlete?

Case, what is the shelf life

on an ice-skater?

Eight years?

And then a few years

touring with Has-Beens On lce.

And that's it?

That's the end of your life?

l love it, Mom.

Case, there's no shelf life

on your mind.

lf l'd learned to use mine

a little sooner,

if l'd gone to college

when l was your age,

maybe we wouldn't be living like this.

There's nothing wrong

with the way we live.

l've not been able to give you

a quarter of the things l've wanted to.

You've given me everything.

Then you need

to give me something now.

Attention, skaters!

We will be playing

classical music the entire ride.

Oh, Mom!

Unless, of course,

someone wins a trophy.

- And then its Outkast for you.

- Yeah!

And earplugs for me.

- [Tina] So, we're picking up a stray.

- Hey.

- lsn't your mom coming?

- She's not really into skating.

Guess what? Slonski Toyota sponsorship,

it's a done deal.

[Tiffany] We're way behind on marketing.

l'm working two jobs for you

because you're worth it.

And you'll be even more worth it

when you win.

Très harsh.

You think?

Hey, watch this.

Hey, Nik.

Everyone says you and l

are gonna take first and second today.

Nice try.

- What was that about?

- Classic psych-out.

Softens up the competition

so they don't go all-out to win.

- Don't ever fall for it.

- Got it.

No matter what happens

in the short program,

even if you tank, just tell yourself

it's only one third of the score.

- Never freak till after the long.

- Freak after the long. Okay.

Hey, slowpoke!

You're coming too?

Well, l don't have to

if you don't want me to.

Well, l guess if the van

breaks down or something.

[ Gary Glitter: Rock And Roll]

[ Gary Glitter: Rock And Roll]

Hey, that's Zoey Bloch,

A.K.A. Skate Thief.

Well, well.

lf it isn't the Leaping Dwarf.

lt's the Jumping Shrimp, actually.

Like that's a step up?

- Don't talk to her, Nikki.

- And don't get any closer.

You don't wanna lose your skates.

Like l'd need to steal

her skates to win this?

- Or a lame computer program?

- How'd she know about that?

She's got eyes in the back of her horns.

- Beat it, Harwood.

- Make me, Bloch.

Don't engage, Gennifer.

You should know better than that.

Zoey, come on.

- lmagine you are in...

- A bubble. l know, Mom.

- Remember, don't...

- Deviate from my program.

[Tina] Even if you do nothing but fall,

it's not...

Even an option. l know, Mom.

Look at me.

[Zoey] So you're the one

trying to make it without a coach.

l just wanted to wish you luck. lt's not

easy going out there your first time.

Thanks.

You just gotta keep focused.

And be impressive.

Set the groundwork for next year.

- Next year?

- No way are you gonna place this year.

The judges have already

ranked this thing in their minds.

Nice skates.

Hey, come on.

lt's just another

classic psych-out.

lt's the old, ''You've already lost

so why bother trying?''

Come on.

Don't get offended.

Just one little question.

What?

Haven't you heard of eyeliner?

Not yet. Casey!

Stop. Not yet.

l really appreciate the effort, but l

don't think there's a lot to work with.

- l'm...

- You're hot.

But stay away from Brian. He's mine.

Teddy...

Teddy you can have.

Oh, um, but l don't...

You know, l may not be as smart

as you are, but l'm not an idiot.

[PA] Ladies and gentlemen,

welcome to the  th Annual

New England Regional

Figure Skating Competition.

Our first skater

for the short program

is Zoey Bloch

from Worcester, Massachusetts.

[crowd cheers and applauds]

[rock music]

[classical music]

[ Jacques Offenbach: Can Can ]

We love skating and we love gold!

[classical music]

Yes!

Okay, we're in. Definitely top four.

You're going to the sectionals!

Unless Sasha Cohen

makes a guest appearance.

Good job.

Good luck.

[PA] Our final skater is Casey Carlyle

from Millbrook, Connecticut.

[applause]

[indistinct chatter]

- Some numbers...

- Slip on a turn...

[ Madonna: Ray of Light]

She's got herself

a universe gone quickly

For the call of...

[crowd] Oh!

...thunder

Threatens everyone

And I feel like I just got home

And I feel

And I feel like I just got home

I feel

Quicker than a...

Mom, she's got the crowd.

Quicker than a ray of light

Quicker than a ray of light

[crowd roars]

- Did you know she had a triple?

- She came to win.

She figured that out on her computer.

Mom, the computer

doesn't make the jumps for you.

And I feel like I just got home

And I feel

And I feel like I just got home

And I feel...

[excited chatter]

Number one! Yes!

- Yeah!

- You crushed, baby!

lt's only the short, shorty.

- [Gen] Fourth.

- We'll take it.

Fifth, that's great!

Yeah, but fifth

doesn't go to sectionals.

Skate a clean program tonight,

you can move up.

Knock me out of fourth.

Casey,

you almost lost a boot out there.

- l know, it's giving out.

- l think you'd better come with me.

- How do they feel?

- l really can't accept these.

Just show me you deserve them.

And we'll need a pair of blades.

l'll have them sharpened for you

right away.

Tina, l can't believe

that you would help...

No fawning.

No.

Just...

Thank you.

[PA] And the next performer

in the Junior Ladies Free Skate

is Casey Carlyle

from Millbrook, Connecticut.

[applause]

[pop music]

[crowd] Oh!

[nervous chatter]

Who is it?

And that's how it's done, dwarf.

Shut up, pincushion.

[Nikki's mom] Come on, sweetie.

Excuse me.

l'm going to sectionals!

Good girl!

Congratulations!

Are those new?

- Yeah.

- Are you crazy?

You can't compete on new skates.

They take, like,

a minimum of ten days to break in.

- Everybody knows that.

- But Tina didn't tell me.

You mean Tina,

whose robot daughter

almost didn't make sectionals

because of you?

Typical Tina Harwood.

Just like Sarajevo.

You don't know anything, do you?

They kicked her out.

You might wanna reconsider

that no-coach thing.

Bye, new girl.

- [Tina] Meet at the van in   minutes.

- [woman] Okay, sure thing.

There she is.

- Congratulations.

- Thanks.

- You were awesome.

- l am so happy that it's over.

- Are you happy about my feet?

- What?

l'm sorry, Casey,

but your old skates were a mess.

You bought her new skates?

Please, like you didn't know.

- Casey, l didn't!

- How can you lie to my face?

You're just as bad as she is.

- Hey, ease up, Casey.

- Oh, just defend her!

Like you weren't part of it.

- How could you think that?

- Because it's true.

You set me up. All of you.

What kind of people are you?

Come on, let's go.

Mom?

Can you come and get me?

l'm at the skating rink at Westerly.

l want to come home.

Honey, get in the car.

Just get in the car, honey.

- How dare you?

- Just hang on, kids.

You think you can just waltz away

after injuring my daughter?

lt's Joan, right?

Pulling her away from her studies

behind my back?

Filling her head with a fantasy that she

can skate and sabotaging her chances?

l did you a favor. You didn't want this

for Casey and you're right.

She's not cut out for it.

ls she gifted? l'll give her that.

But Casey won't fight for it.

She's too polite to do what you have to.

To push past everyone and everything

and just take it.

So that's the example

you set for your daughter.

To lie and to sneak around

and to cheat.

l made my daughter strong, and you made

Casey at home in a lecture hall.

And she'll do very well there.

So you see, we agree.

My daughter's brilliant and will

succeed at whatever she does.

But she will do it the right way

despite people like you

trying to convince her otherwise.

Casey!

- l'm in shape. l can keep up with you.

- Go away.

- Casey, l didn't know!

- Right!

Where have you been? You are aware

you had practice half an hour ago?

- Yes, l'm aware.

- And?

And l'm done.

Done?

l'm quitting.

You've got to be kidding.

That's ridiculous.

No, l was ridiculous for putting myself

through this for so long.

We both know l don't have the talent.

Perseverance is nine tenths

of mastering any sport.

Do you know what l want?

No, you don't know what l want.

Because you never cared.

lf you have any sense

of self preservation, you'll scatter.

[muttering]

- l'm listening.

- l wanna stop missing school.

l like school.

You know, it's stupid

and the band will probably be horrible,

but l wanna go

to the homecoming dance.

And l wanna go with Brian.

l want to stop feeling an idiot

for flunking math

because l don't have time to learn it.

- And l want...

- All right. All right.

- l can see maybe we've overdone it.

- Overdone it?

Just a little.

Casey's skates, Mom.

[bell]

We'll continue this discussion at home.

- You heard the whole thing?

- Yeah.

Are you okay?

lt's your slot, Casey.

lf l drop out, you're next.

You'll go to sectionals.

No.

Thanks.

Tomorrow's my Harvard interview.

That's my slot.

That's what l should be doing.

You sure about that?

lt's a nice little experiment.

How does a triple loop jump

entitle you to a physics scholarship?

The proof of the experiment isn't in

the mumbo jumbo of the calculations.

lt's in the improvement in the skating

of three junior champions.

l also applied the findings

to my own skating and...

...and actually managed

to implement the experiment

in a very rewarding

and entirely personal way.

Well, good,

because passion is a key component

of what we look for in students.

Passion makes people

go on to do exceptional things.

So, Casey,

why are you passionate about Harvard?

Dr. Healey,

my mom and l have been imagining

Harvard practically my whole life.

l can't believe l'm saying this,

but what l need to be doing,

l can't do here.

l'm sorry l've wasted your time.

l'm so sorry.

Miss Carlyle, we won't reschedule.

l know.

You can't do this, Case.

You're giving up your dream.

No, Mom,

l'm giving up your dream.

l'm going after mine.

[shrieks]

- How did you know?

- Didn't think you'd give up.

Which meant you'd be out here

bumping it out.

Teddy, l've been trying to find

some way to apologize.

l've got some ideas about that.

Medium smooth or glassy?

l can't have a conversation with anybody

l haven't known since kindergarten,

so how come l can do that

in front of you?

Because you let people see you

when you skate.

But, Casey,

you can't win going it alone.

You're gonna need some help.

[doorbell]

- What do you want?

- Five minutes.

You owe me that much.

lf you're here for an apology,

you won't get one.

l'm not here for an apology.

Tell me what happened in Sarajevo.

Why didn't you win?

l had an unfortunate warm-up

before my short program.

l collided with another skater

and she got hurt.

Are you sorry?

Look, l paid my dues.

l was suspended.

By the time they considered reinstating

me, l was   and it was too late.

But there isn't a day goes by that

l don't wish l could relive that moment

and do it differently.

l want you to coach me for sectionals.

Why on earth would l do that?

Because you don't have a skater

and l don't have a coach.

- We're a perfect match.

- l don't think you have what it takes.

Tina, l have to do this.

l want this more than

l've ever wanted anything.

l said no to Harvard.

l will work harder than

any skater you have ever trained.

And if l fail, l fail,

but because l wasn't good enough,

not because l didn't have the guts.

l want to know what l can do in

this sport, and l'm going to find out.

The rink. Tomorrow, :  a.m.,

and get a good night's sleep.

You're gonna need it.

That you'd even consider

letting that woman back into your head!

l don't have to like her or trust her.

No, you just wanna

spend all your time with her.

- l'm not gonna turn into her.

- She's already rubbed off on you.

That's not true.

Where did this hair come from?

And the make-up and shirt?

l did not buy you that shirt.

That has nothing to do with it.

l think you wanna be exactly like her,

and if you happen to lie now and again,

well, hey, at least you'll be glamorous.

You think this is about glamour?

lt is a sport, Mom.

lt is a thrilling and beautiful sport.

Are you sure it doesn't

just make you feel beautiful?

So what if it does?

What is so horrible about that?

About feeling strong and graceful

and beautiful for once in my life?

Why are you jealous of her?

Well, l guess no matter how old we get,

the rest of us will still

always hate the prom queen.

You know it'll always be

the Casey and Mom show.

Do l?

But if you could just

come to the rink and see me.

Don't ask me! l can't!

Come with me right now. Mom.

Just come watch me skate,

and then tell me that l should stop.

You know what, l have a class,

all right?

[commentator] Welcome to ESPN

at the Eastern Sectional

Junior Ladies' Short Program.

I have to say,

from the practice sessions I've seen,

these ladies are fired up.

That's right. Every skater has worked

unbelievably hard to get here.

And every one of them

is ready to compete.

[cheering]

So, are you a science geek too?

Math geek.

Really? lf l could pass math,

maybe l could get into college.

Do you tutor?

Do you know any cute guys?

[gasps]

[applause]

First up in the Ladies' Short Program

is Zoey Bloch.

[Brian] She skates all out all the time

and this crowd is just rocking out.

[Michelle] Tiffany is probably the most

graceful skater in this competition,

and she's definitely on today.

[Brian] l thought Chantal

was showing signs of nerves earlier.

Not any more.

She's in total command out there.

[Brian] Fans call her The Jumping Shrimp

but remember that name

because this little dynamo

has been landing massive jumps.

[ Jacques Offenbach: Can Can]

[Brian] The word newcomer doesn't

even begin to cover Casey Carlyle.

[Michelle] She's never performed in

a skating competition until this season.

[cheering]

Definitely one to keep your eye on.

[commentator] The standings are

Zoey Bloch in first place,

Nikki Fletcher in second,

followed by Chantal DeGroat

and Casey Carlyle.

. s to. s! One. !

And one. .

Oh, come on!

No good job or way to go?

- At least l landed the jumps.

- You're in the game, no more.

l'm not seeing much fluidity

coming out of your jumps

and that hurt you artistically.

Remember...

Your next movement

is always part of the previous one.

Rub your feet for at least

five minutes and drink lots of water.

You pulled it out, girl!

''Only the short. lt's only the short.''

l lied. You mess up the short,

you can never win.

[both laugh]

Hey, did you work things out

with your mum?

Um, we've hardly spoken in two months.

l think l broke her heart.

[Joan Carlyle]

We can trace that plot line

from Euripides through Shakespeare

crossing the pond to Mark Twain,

finding contemporary echoes

in John Cheever or...

...Janet Jackson.

Don't you mean Shirley Jackson?

- You've done your reading.

- [laughter]

All right. Next week,

l want an essay on your candidate

for the ''less-is-more feminist writer

of the  th Century.''

[applause]

[commentator] From New York

City, New York, Emma Flanders.

[commentator] From New York

City, New York, Emma Flanders.

[cheering and applause]

This is it.

You can lose the long program

just sitting here

if you don't prepare properly.

- Put these in.

- Why?

Believe me, you don't wanna know.

lf they fall, you'll get cocky,

if they bring the crowd

to its feet, you'll feel pressure.

No one else exists.

Go into the bubble.

[cheering]

[ Britney Spears: Toxic]

[cheering]

[ Pink Panther theme tune]

Forget it.

l just need to hear her voice.

[phone rings]

You've reached the Carlyles.

We're not here right now...

lt's not about her.

This is about you.

[commentator] Our final skater is Casey

Carlyle from Millbrook, Connecticut.

[applause]

One more thing.

What?

Skate with your heart.

All my life

There was just me and my dreams

And the days went ticking by

like the beat of my heart

Spent my nights

wondering how it would feel

When the waiting would end

and tomorrow would start

Suddenly I see a light

Out of the darkness

I'm coming alive

So this is how it feels

Reaching for heaven

[Brian] And here's her opening jump,

a triple Salchow.

Like a phoenix

rising from the flames

I'm reaching for heaven

lt's good for the nerves.

- Thanks.

-  All this time

I never knew I was so strong

A flame burning bright

That was there all along

In your eyes

I can see all I can be

Suddenly I want it all

I know you'll catch me

if ever I fall

So this is how it feels

Reaching for heaven

And this is how it feels

Kissing the sky

[Brian] Triple loop.

Perfect landing.

[cheering]

What? She just threw in

that triple Lutz!

Threw in's right,

complete improvisation.

- She deviated.

- And l'll bust her for it.

Tomorrow.

Who said you could let go?

It's my turn to show you

This is how it feels

l haven't seen anyone come back this far

from a disaster since Midori lto

in the '  Olympics.

[Michelle] That has to be

the rally of the year.

I'm reaching for heaven

Heaven

[wild cheering]

[both squeal delightedly]

[Michelle]

Casey Carlyle waits for marks.

Nikki and Zoey first and second

in the ordinals, DeGroat third.

[Brian] Will that fall cost her,

or will that rally,

not to mention the added technical

difficulty push her past the others?

[Michelle] High! . s and. s.

They're almost dead even

with Nikki Fletcher's.

That's my daughter.

That's my daughter.

[Brian]

Here's her artistic set of marks.

Hold on. Hold on.

[Brian]

Those are almost even with Nikki's.

[Brian] Did she do it?

No, it's not enough.

She'll have to settle for silver.

This takes her to nationals and

who knows, maybe the     Olympics.

With this skater,

anything is possible.

Thank you.

[Joan] Case?

Mom?

lf l'd known.

lf l'd just taken ten minutes

and gone to the rink with you,

l never would have...

Mom.

l'm sorry.

l'm so sorry.

How could l not see?

You see me better than anybody.

Come on.

Casey.

Congratulations.

And you can drive the Zamboni

any time you want.

l was this close, this close to losing!

- Where did those triples come from?!

- Sweetheart, you...

Don't you know what'll happen

after six months with Tina?

- What?

- She's gonna whip my butt!

- Someone is gonna pay big time.

- Nikki. Can we have a word?

- Hello, Peter.

- Just wanted to say congrats.

We look forward to seeing The

Jumping Shrimp at the Nationals.

That is so sweet. l just went out there

and skated my best.

And today,

l guess my best was good enough.

- Love you.

- [squeak]

You know l can't afford this.

We'll need to find a sponsor.

l'm on it.

Burger Blast is interested.

Burger Blast?

Oh no, l am sorry. l'm sorry, no.

Why not?

lf she can't eat it,

she can't endorse it.

We'll need something healthier.

How about Grape-Nuts?

Grape-Nuts?

What about cod liver oil?

- Guys.

- You know, l am her mother.

What l say goes.

She is my daughter.

- She is my skater.

- Well, daughter trumps skater.

Well, ask any professional athlete,

coach trumps mother every time.

Guys!

And that boy,

we'll need to nip that in the bud.

l can't go through all this

and a boy too.

That is a huge distraction.

lt's unacceptable.

- l don't believe this!

- You will be busy training.

And four college courses.

Four? Are you out of your mind,

with everything she's doing?

All right, two.

- But then four in the fall.

- Only if she wins sectionals.

Oh, she will.

Release your inhibitions

Rip by Dead Zombie

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you,

only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

Sometimes it seems like you're falling

Falling out of the sky

Sometimes

it feels like you're slipping

And running out of time

And that's when

you've gotta throw it all away

All of the things that people say

And all of the doubts

that fill your mind

Don't belong there

Whatever you do

you'll never be wrong

As long as you reach for it

When you reach for it

nothing's too far

And it's never too long

As long as you reach for it

you can dream on it

Everywhere

There's so much distance

Between what you want

and what you got

But if you really want it

It's your life

So you've gotta try

You've gotta fight

Whatever you do

It'll never be wrong

You can reach for it

You can reach for it

La, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la

Six am, radio playing

Stumble out of bed

and out the door

A brand new day

I never thought

I'd have this feeling

Never thought I'd get this far

But I'm okay

And I fly

I reach out my hands

and touch the sky

It's right in front of me

And I'm trying,

just let go, relax, enjoy the ride

And I feel free

When I'm flying

When I'm flying

Thinking back

There were days

I could barely make it out the door

So much doubt

Changed my mind, changed my ways

Wasn't gonna do this any more

I turned around

Like a butterfly

I choose not to hide any more

I fly

I fly

And I fly,

I close my eyes and kiss the sky

It's right in front of me