Let It Snow — fangirl, interrupted

What a difference a year makes. Honestly, maybe it’s because I had the lowest of expectations for Winterfest coming from last year’s less than stellar fare. But this year made up for it in spades because I’m shockingly looking forward to the next time this rolls around. I commend Hallmark on upping their game this year. May all our winters be this amazing.

Winter in Vail

Chelsea inherits a house in Vail. She meets Owen and gets a much needed break. Together, they put on Strudelfest to highlight the charm of Old Vail. Starring Lacey Chabert and Tyler Hynes. [Hallmark]

There is a reason Lacey Chabert stars in as many Hallmark movies as she does because this girl gets it. And Tyler Hynes as also a revelation to me here because though I haven’t necessarily despised him in anything, I also haven’t been enamored by him. And I don’t know if it’s just me, but his accent in this movie is a YES for me.

I’ve never been to Vail and it looks pretty magical. I also love how we finally see the beginnings of one of the Hallmark’s ‘fests’ — this time Struddelfest. HCU movies always have some sort of town festival they have every year and it’s always pretty hilarious, and now we see the origins of one.

I was also pretty invested in the side characters even if they didn’t get much plotline from Owen’s dad to the staff at the restaurant and the real estate agent, Bev. I also liked that Chelsea goes back to the city (!!!), lured by the VP position only to come back to Vail after realizing Vail time is what she wants.

And honestly, I am with her on this.

Winter Feels: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Love in Winterland

Ally, a final contestant on a dating show, must face her high school sweetheart when she is chosen for the Hometown Date. Stars Italia Ricci, Chad Michael Murray, and Jack Turner. [Hallmark]

I wasn’t ever a big One Tree Hill fan but whenever I see the alumni of the show on the Hallmark Channel, I am rooting for them completely. And it’s no different with Chad Michael Murray as the hometown ex-boyfriend who’s casually trying to win back his first girlfriend played by a very pregnant and glowing Italia Ricci (whom I do love on Designated Survivor).

You’ve got to love an HCU movie that shows reality TV because it feels quite meta in the wholesome way that Unreal isn’t. But also, I think this is the first time (that I’ve seen) that they’ve called out global warming (the shorter winter seasons that are affecting the local economy). If only they would have actually said it rather than alluding to it, but planting those seeds in the hallmark universe is a big step.

I did love the chemistry between Ally and Brett (CMM does cocky so well!) and was rooting for them the entire time. However, I have to give it to Tanner because he was such a worthy adversary and so incredibly sweet and adorable that I want a summer sequel where Tanner gets back together with Daphne in an Oxford setting! I mean let’s go all the way with these travel movies, now why don’t we.

Winter Feels: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Love on Iceland

Seeking inspiration for work, Chloe gathers her college travel group back together for a trip to Iceland. When her ex, a member of the group, shows up uninvited, sparks fly. Stars Kaitlin Doubleday, Colin Donnell and Patti Murin [Hallmark]

I’ve never been to Iceland and have always wanted to go and this movie kind of sealed the deal for me. I had this theory that the stars of the show had to be megawatt or at least one of them had to be for me to truly enjoy an HCU movie but Winterfest has been proving me wrong left right and center.

Colin Donnell whom I remember as the bad boy friend from Arrow and Kaitlin Doubleday who I realise needs to be in more HCU movies were adorable together as college sweethearts rekindling their love on a trip to Iceland. I love that she works for a podcast production company and of course, the guy is a traveling photographer. Though college sweethearts is a trope, the background of Reyjkevik did the trick.

I also shockingly was invested in the love story of the friend and the tour guide! I kind of want to see a side story on them and how their long distance romance turned out. Over-all, a great addition to Winterfest.

Winter Feels: ❄️❄️❄️❄️

Amazing Winter Romance

When journalist Julia goes back home to find inspiration, she discovers her childhood friend has built a giant snow maze which prompts her to find her way to true love. Stars Jessy Schram and Marshall Williams. [Hallmark]

I am not hating on this movie. It’s just that Winterfest has been delivering hit after hit that the shoe was bound to drop at some point. And this 3 star rating is nowhere near the three stars I’ve given to other HCU movies of past because this wasn’t bad in the least — just hard to compare with the rest.

The stars had enough chemistry and that winter maze was actually a pretty cute kitschy thing — I don’t think I’ve seen it quite yet in an HCU movie. The big city girl vs townie thing was a bit annoying and I found the actress that had the faux townie thing going for her a tad grating but apart from that even for the “worst” movie of the bunch, I would say I still enjoyed it more than the best from last season. And that’s saying something.

And they should have done more emphasis on the A-Maze-ing Winter Romance because it took me a while to get it — or maybe I’m just slow.

Winter Feels: ❄️❄️❄️

Hearts of Winter

An interior designer brings new life to the house of a widower and his daughter and finds love in the process. Jill Wagner, Victor Webster, and Rukiya Bernard. [Hallmark]

This honestly felt like Jill Wagner’s redemption story from the holidays. It reminded me a bit of Mistletoe Kisses which was honestly a really bad movie except now it was better. She was a decorator who did a home makeover for my mega love Victor Webster and his daughter. Of course, he is a widow and of course the child is adorable.

But really, I liked it. They had chemistry! The daughter was not annoying. They introduced the concept of shipping to middle America! How can I not approve? It was uplifting and nice to see them fall for each other but still have a misunderstanding over a broken bowl!

My only gripe is that the title should have been less generic. Is there no pun for a home makeover? Love on the Level? Building Up Love? I don’t know! I’m not the HCU writer. I guess it was tough to find a makeover AND a Winter pun combined. I’m being nitpicky though, because Victor Webster can sell me anything.

Winter Feels: ❄️❄️❄️❄️