Teens may prefer this remake to the dated 1941 version of “Here Comes Mr. Jordan.” This rendition is in color, featuring stars they will recognize, and has a gender twist with a macho male coming back to life as a prissy female skater. But the previously made fantasy, which starred Robert Montgomery, is far superior in theme and delivery. Although I found most of the humor and all of the performances best suited for adolescents, (and I’m being charitable), “Ice Angel” is a film populated by decent people who learn life-lessons by film’s end.
As for the theme of reincarnation, this film may open this subject up for discussion between parents and children. (Hebrews 9:27). Families may also find this an excellent catalyst for discussing the subject of angels. Searching the scriptures, you will find that these beings are anything but the bumblers they are portrayed as in this production.
Parents beware: There is an unwed pregnancy, implying that Matt and his girlfriend in his “former” life had been living together outside marriage. However, the film indicates that there has been a price to pay for their disobedience to God’s ordinance. Now she is a single mother, with a child who will never know his father. The film has a few other problems, including the portrayal of Sarah’s parents as dimwitted, but it also presents a positive message about friendship as Sarah/Matt begins to think of others first.
