Honestly, if you grew up in the early 2010s, you probably have a core memory of scrolling through ABC Family—now Freeform—and landing on a movie where people are doing triple axels while screaming at each other. That was the magic of The Cutting Edge 4: Fire and Ice. It’s the fourth installment of a franchise that started way back in 1992 with the legendary "Toe Pick!" line, and somehow, by 2010, they were still finding ways to make ice skating look like a contact sport.
Most people remember the original D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly classic. Some might even remember the Disney-fied second one with Christy Carlson Romano. But Fire and Ice? It’s kind of the underdog of the series. It brought back Francia Raisa as Alex Delgado, and let me tell you, her character went through it.
What Actually Happens in Fire and Ice?
The plot is basically comfort food for romance junkies. Alex's career is in the trash. Her former partner (and boyfriend) got injured, they broke up, and she’s stuck teaching kids how to not fall on their faces at a local rink. Enter James McKinsey, played by Brendan Fehr. If you recognize him, it’s probably because he was the resident brooding alien on Roswell.
In this movie, he’s the "bad boy of speed skating." He’s been banned from his own sport because of a massive temper and a tendency to punch teammates. His brilliant plan to get back into the spotlight? Switch to figure skating. It’s a total retread of the first movie's "hockey player meets figure skater" vibe, but with a speed skating twist.
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The chemistry between Raisa and Fehr is actually pretty great. They spend half the movie bickering and the other half doing high-stakes montages. One minute they’re playing strip poker (it’s ABC Family, so they’re just in their underwear), and the next they’re fighting in a bar. It’s cheesy, but it works.
Why It’s Better Than You Remember
The movie was directed by Stephen Herek. This guy directed The Mighty Ducks and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, so he knows how to handle a sports underdog story.
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- Francia Raisa’s Performance: She’s the only lead to ever return for a sequel in this franchise. She played Alex in the third movie, Chasing the Dream, and her return gave the series a sense of continuity that’s rare for made-for-TV sequels.
- The "Bad Boy" Trope: James isn't just a jerk; he's a disaster. He shows up to practice hungover. He’s narcissistic. Watching Alex break him down is the most satisfying part of the film.
- The Skating: For a TV movie budget, the choreography is surprisingly decent. They lean heavily into the "dangerous" moves, including a signature throw that supposedly could kill someone if they mess up. You know, typical Tuesday on the ice.
Critics weren't exactly kind to it, obviously. It sits around a 5/10 on most review sites like The Nicsperiment. But if you're looking for an Oscar-worthy drama, you're in the wrong place. This is a movie about people in spandex falling in love.
Real Talk: Is There a Cutting Edge 5?
As of right now, in early 2026, there is no Cutting Edge 5. Fire and Ice remains the final chapter. There have been rumors for years about a reboot or a "legacy sequel" bringing back the original cast, but nothing has stuck. The franchise seems to have melted into the background of streaming services.
How to Watch It Today
If you want to revisit the drama, it’s usually floating around on digital platforms.
- Streaming: Check Disney+ or Freeform’s website, as they own the ABC Family catalog.
- Digital Purchase: You can find it on Apple TV, Amazon, and Google Play.
- Physical Media: There are DVD sets that include all four movies, often found in the "bargain bin" sections of retailers or on eBay.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re planning a rewatch or just getting into the series, here’s how to handle it. Start with the 1992 original to understand the "Toe Pick" lore. Skip the second one if you’re short on time—it’s the weakest link. Watch the third and fourth back-to-back because Francia Raisa’s arc actually makes sense that way.
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Don't take the physics of the skating too seriously. The "Pamchenko" and the "Fire and Ice" throws are basically impossible in real life without ending up in the ER. Just enjoy the montages, the 2010s fashion, and the inevitable kiss during the final gold medal performance.