Kiss Me At Midnight — fangirl, interrupted

I’m not sure why Hallmark was trying to rebrand Winterfest but I also kind of get it? It’s never been my favorite season, but I always blamed that on the high that was Christmas movies that precedes it. But to brand it as a new year theme and only have one movie on theme and the rest being Winter movies seems very very out of whack. Maybe next year, they’ll get it right — I’m being “kinder” given the pandemic and all.

Taking a Shot At Love

Former professional ballet dancer Jenna works with NHL star Ryan Cooper to help him recover from an injury using ballet as therapy, and as they grow close, he helps her mend her injured heart. But when it’s time for Ryan to return to the ice and leave Jenna and her small, Connecticut town, they both must consider the paths they want to take and just maybe, love will find its way. Stars Alexa PenaVega and Luke Macfarlane.

I love me some Luke MacFarlane and yet, I have yet to see a movie with him wherein I was all in, in love. I thought this would be the season for it, but unfortunately, it has yet to come. It’s not like it wasn’t a cute movie. After all, we did get Luke and his hockey shoulders being all aggressive but also being incredibly sweet and delicate in the ballet studio.

We got the cozy sweaters and getting snowed in with no electricity and longing looks over the couch in a really pretty styled home. But it just didn’t do it for me. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m not a big Alexa Penavega fan, but she wasn’t deplorable so it couldn’t have been that. I’m really still rooting for Luke and hope he gets his Hallmark standout movie before Netflix sweeps him away. Time to step up, Hallmark.

Rating: ❄️❄️❄️

A New Year’s Resolution

When a morning show producer makes a New Year's resolution to say yes more, she crosses paths with a confirmed Yes man who just might hold the key to her biggest story and to her heart. Starring Aimee Teegarden and Michael Rady.

Definitely the best of the bunch and I’ll give it to my renewed love of Michael Rady. Because this movie was supposed to be released a year or so ago as part of Countdown To Christmas, and last minute, they removed it. And had I watched this pre-The Christmas Bow, I definitely would not have enjoyed it as much as I did now that i’m in love with Mr. Rady.

Because he delivered and so did Aimee Teegarden who I now want to see in more movies with her bob and news producer job. I love a go-getting city girl that isn’t annoying and she fits the bill just right. This is the kind of movie you want a sequel for. I don’t think we’ll get one, but a girl can dream.

Plus, because they had so many dates and were so incredibly upfront and cute about their feelings, I was able to thoroughly enjoy not just an almost-kiss but an actual kiss WHILE dancing. Come on, all my favorite things rolled into one. Now if only they had a height differential? But I can’t be picky.

Rating: ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Two For the Win

A world champion ski racer and local ski instructor find romance on the slopes as he returns home and prepares for the biggest race of his life. Stars Charlotte Sullivan and Trevor Donovan.

I feel for Trevor Donovan because he deserves so much better. Where are the Love, Fall and Order hive at? This movie could have used a better leading lady because the girl in this one was just not doing it for me. It doesn’t help that this winter sport had the leads in full gear so you couldn’t actually see their faces, but I’m just nitpicking.

I absolutely could see no chemistry and was just not rooting for them, when usually Trevor Donovan reels me in. I shall blame the romantic lead, but also, let’s be real, the plot was just ok. No gold medals for me here.

Rating: ❄️❄️

A Winter Getaway

When an average guy is gifted a luxury trip, he is mistaken as a millionaire. But then sparks fly with the lovely concierge. Will she feel the same way about him when she learns the truth? Stars Nazneen Contractor and Brooks Darnell.

I first saw Nazneen Contractor in The Christmas Ring and I wasn’t a fan then, and unfortunately, I’m still not a fan now. These ‘concierge’ roles are always a bit annoying for me so adding her on to it just wasn’t going to work.

I will give Hallmark props for secret millionaire plotlines and interracial/diverse coupling so that’s what it had going for it. Way too many winter activities (but I get it) and just a weird Mr. Deeds “i’m a nice millionaire” vibe to it, which I just wasn’t sold to.

Rating: ❄️❄️

Snowkissed

A travel-averse journalist chases her dream assignment where she unwillingly finds herself mentoring a handsome B&B owner who wants to be a tour guide. Starring Jen Lilley and Chris McNally.

Ok, I promise I won’t dwell long on this because if you really have nothing good to say, they say you shouldn’t say anything at all. Any my rating probably speaks for itself. But what a waste of the gorgeous Chris McNally. I could not remember the plot. Chris could not save it. Because Jen Lilley was just insufferable. Maybe it wasn’t her, maybe it was her character, but I literally tuned out completely. And can you blame me? I know I’m not alone in this.

Rating: ❄️