Pop Star on Ice

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Pop Star on Ice

2009

1h 25m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

44%

Tomatometer

9 Reviews

62%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Figure skater Johnny Weir makes a name for himself as an Olympic champion on the ice and a controversial celebrity in the tabloids. Director David Barba shadows Weir for one year, documenting the competitions, training and inner turmoil that make up his daily existence. Weir refuses, in interviews, to answer questions regarding his rumored homosexuality, only fueling speculation about his private life. But Barba's film focuses on Weir's quest to once again prove himself at the Olympics.

Alissa Simon

Variety

Smartly structured, crisply lensed docu "Pop Star on Ice" is a fascinating portrait of outspoken Olympian and three-time U.S. figure skating national champion Johnny Weir.

Jul 6, 2010

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Nathan Rabin

AV Club

Documentaries thrive on candor and intimacy, two qualities the film fatally lacks. Weir has a reputation as a wild child and a loose cannon with little concern for propriety, but he's awfully cautious here about what he reveals about himself.

Rated: C+

Jan 21, 2010

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Diego Semerene

Slant Magazine

Weir is indeed the epitome of the pop star, embodying a bubble-gum histrionics too addicted to any kind of adulation to ever actually take sides.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jan 20, 2010

Full Review

David Lamble

Bay Area Reporter

The beauty of David Barba and James Pellerito's full-length portrait of champion US figure skater Johnny Weir is that even when you think you know who he is, the next frame will present yet another contradiction.

Jun 18, 2020

Full Review

Phil Hall

EDGE Boston

Where's Brian Boitano when you really need him?

Rated: 2/5

Jan 20, 2010

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Kent Turner

Film-Forward.com

Filmmakers David Barba and James Pellerito have made the best promo for the [Olympic] games (NBC should be thankful).

Rated: 3/5

Jan 19, 2010

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Audience Member

It didn't offer much in the way of exploring Johnny Weir's person/life/etc. It was a very straight (oh god that was not a pun) documentary about his past achievements and then-current trials and tribulations. But I enjoyed it mostly because Johnny Weir has a really, really funny Russian accent. He is pretty hilarious.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Audience Member

I really enjoyed this documentary - but, of course, I really love Johnny Weir. The film sets the foundation for the years leading up to the 2010 Olympics - showcasing the rivalry w/ Evan and providing a prequel to the series "Be Good Johnny Weir." My disappointments are in how much Weir holds back his fabulousness! :) 4 stars

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Audience Member

Well, it sparked my interest in Johnny Weir's reality show but as a documentary it's kind of . . . normal.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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Audience Member

An interesting and entertaining view inside the rink (and mind) of his sport's most dynamic and natural talent.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Audience Member

A good look into all the hard work and heartache Johnny puts into his craft. loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

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David Barba

Director

James Pellerito

Director

David Barba

Writer

James Pellerito

Writer

David Barba

Producer

James Pellerito

Producer

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Critics Consensus: The Tooth Fairy Gets Brushed Aside

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Synopsis

Figure skater Johnny Weir makes a name for himself as an Olympic champion on the ice and a controversial celebrity in the tabloids. Director David Barba shadows Weir for one year, documenting the competitions, training and inner turmoil that make up his daily existence. Weir refuses, in interviews, to answer questions regarding his rumored homosexuality, only fueling speculation about his private life. But Barba's film focuses on Weir's quest to once again prove himself at the Olympics.

Director: David Barba, James Pellerito
Producer: David Barba, James Pellerito
Screenwriter: David Barba, James Pellerito
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 25m
Sound Mix: Stereo