On Edge

A mock documentary in the fashion of Christopher Guest's Best In Show, On Edge is a sardonic, occasionally insightful look at the surreal world of figure skating. A fictitious film crew follows behind-the-scenes dramas as three girls work their way through an amateur competition circuit toward fame, glory and, perhaps, Olympic gold. We meet Veda, a miserable blonde dogged by a severe backstage mom (Wendie Malick) and male groupies; the sluttish, chain-smoking, Tonya Harding-esque J. C. Cain (A. J. Langer); and the hefty Wendy Wodinski (Marissa Jaret Winokur), who shrugs off insults about her weight. Jason Alexander, as Zamboni Phil, the man who's seen it all, serves as unofficial host and commentator, while Kathy Griffin has some good moments as an aging competitor, and actor John Glover--sporting impressive biceps--is very funny as a Russian trainer. Real-life skaters Scott Hamilton (under heavy disguise), Kristi Yamaguchi, and Randy Gardner add to the overall verisimilitude. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include two deleted scenes (nine minutes total), an eight-minute interview with costars A.J. Langer, Barrett Swatek, and Marissa Jaret Winokur, and trailers. Bottom line: a small extras package for a small so-so film.] (T. Keogh)