40 reviews
Premise is cute. Italia Ricci is adorable and so is Chad Michael Murray. Hallmark needs to use them more. You know from the beginning what's going to happen - typical Hallmark movie fare.
Jack Turner is a Hallmark staple. He's been in many Movies. Love that he is using his native British accent. (Yes - to all other reviewers - he IS British - he's not faking this one!)
Worth watching - unlike a few of the recent Hallmark movies! Pure escapism...
Jack Turner is a Hallmark staple. He's been in many Movies. Love that he is using his native British accent. (Yes - to all other reviewers - he IS British - he's not faking this one!)
Worth watching - unlike a few of the recent Hallmark movies! Pure escapism...
I Enjoyed This movie. I can't say it's one of my favorites, but it was still enjoyable. I love Italia Ricci. Her being post partum didn't bother me in the least! Hello folks! It's winter and people wear bulky sweaters and clothes anyways! Of course anyone would look a bit heavier! I cannot believe the pettiness of some people. She is a terrific actress and I look forward to seeing her in more movies.
As for the storyline, it was cute. Had the happy ending we all like. Let's admit it...Hallmark movies are fairy tales for us adults 😊
They did a very similar dating show storyline, I think was set in the late summer or fall, where they went hot air balloon riding. I Enjoyed that one more. Sorry, but I can't remember the name of it! However, that doesn't mean this isn't worth watching. Relax and enjoy!
As for the storyline, it was cute. Had the happy ending we all like. Let's admit it...Hallmark movies are fairy tales for us adults 😊
They did a very similar dating show storyline, I think was set in the late summer or fall, where they went hot air balloon riding. I Enjoyed that one more. Sorry, but I can't remember the name of it! However, that doesn't mean this isn't worth watching. Relax and enjoy!
- mammamia701
- Jun 28, 2020
- Permalink
1. The actress is NOT pregnant; she is postpartum.
The comments regarding a pregnant actress are highly offensive. Let pregnant and postpartum women act! Props to Hallmark for working with pregnant and postpartum actresses and, seemingly, accommodating postpartum duties (i.e. breastfeeding and/or mothering off-set and bringing their baby to the destination at which they are filming).
2. The actor with the British accent IS British!
Maybe do a little research before commenting. (Simple with the British actor: Google "Jack Turner" and click on any interview of him and viola! He's indeed British! Plus, a tip off, according to some of the first lines about the guy, he studied at Oxford.)
I like the story as I love all these shows on Hallmark but I am sorry it portrays me in a wimpy manner. I would put a little more drama in it as seems like there is to much meddling by others.
Cheers Rob
Cheers Rob
- JoBloTheMovieCritic
- Jan 19, 2020
- Permalink
Definitely watch if you like the typical not surprising ending hallmark movie. The actors are easy to watch and do well in their roles.
In regards to another's review about pregnant and postpartum actresses, it IS distracting! I've watched some movies where the actress was obviously uncomfortable being close to her leading man or obviously protective of her belly, its probably difficult to not display these instinctual behaviors.
This movie I think the leading actress does well but it's still distracting with her oversized clothes and layers. I don't know about contracts and pregnancy or postpartum for actresses but some actresses can pull it off better than others when they're contractually obligated to do the movie.
As a viewer, I don't really care about an actor's personal life but they have to be believable as the lead romantic interest in a romance movie for me to enjoy the movie. If they can't wear flattering clothes it becomes distracting and takes away from the romance. A woman certainly doesn't have to be a model to wear flattering clothes for her figure. So when a lead actress has to try to hide something about her figure, it becomes obvious and takes away from the essence of the character. I felt in this movie she was hiding in her clothes and became distracting at times and confusing because was the character suppose to be insecure with herself? It's like they tried to write it in but it didn't work with the "planner, " goal oriented, head strong career woman she was.
In regards to another's review about pregnant and postpartum actresses, it IS distracting! I've watched some movies where the actress was obviously uncomfortable being close to her leading man or obviously protective of her belly, its probably difficult to not display these instinctual behaviors.
This movie I think the leading actress does well but it's still distracting with her oversized clothes and layers. I don't know about contracts and pregnancy or postpartum for actresses but some actresses can pull it off better than others when they're contractually obligated to do the movie.
As a viewer, I don't really care about an actor's personal life but they have to be believable as the lead romantic interest in a romance movie for me to enjoy the movie. If they can't wear flattering clothes it becomes distracting and takes away from the romance. A woman certainly doesn't have to be a model to wear flattering clothes for her figure. So when a lead actress has to try to hide something about her figure, it becomes obvious and takes away from the essence of the character. I felt in this movie she was hiding in her clothes and became distracting at times and confusing because was the character suppose to be insecure with herself? It's like they tried to write it in but it didn't work with the "planner, " goal oriented, head strong career woman she was.
This was so cute. Chad Michel Murray and Jack Turner are so cute.
Watch this if you want to relax.
- mariaandreea-59249
- Jul 4, 2020
- Permalink
To be honest, any show with Chad Michael Murray is already a winner. There was clearly tension with the old flame and the tv bachelor, and it was hilarious. Chad had a lot of great jokes and brought energy to the movie. The girl lead was pretty good at acting herself, and Jack Turner was a good actor for the tv bachelor. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a throwback to "A Cinderella Story".
- blisskissholly
- Apr 2, 2020
- Permalink
Sadly I much preferred the Chemistry between Ally (Italia Ricci) and Tanner (Jack Turner). The Brett character (Chad Michael Murray) is plain irritating even for an old friend let alone a potential partner.......
As has been said more than once, Christmas and winter has always been my favourite time of year. Love the atmosphere, the food, the presents, the family time and traditions, seeing festive films and animations and no school bullies for nearly a month. There are many festive treasures in film, television and animation, and while none of the Hallmark Christmas films fit my definition of treasure there are enough that are surprisingly good and make my uneven Hallmark/Lifetime film quest just about worth sticking with.
Hallmark did do a lot of average or less Christmas/winterfest films and 'Love in Winterland' is one of them. Not quite one of their all time worst, but is closer to being a misfire than a cracker. The premise was very ho-hum but Hallmark have been capable of good things as has been proven a good deal. Also have nothing against any of the cast and Chad Michael Murray has grown as an actor. 'Love in Winterland' didn't do it for me sadly, it has its good points but a lot of bad. And no this review is not going to have any body shaming in sight.
Those good things are going to be started off. Faring best is the scenery, which is absolutely beautiful and at its best there is a magical air about it. Nicely photographed too. The music evokes the spirit of the holiday affectionately and it didn't have a "bombarded constantly" feel, or to me it didn't.
Murray does give his all to his character, didn't like his character in general but Murray does amuse and charm in his acting. Jack Turner gives a nice subtle turn and is likeable and not too subdued. His chemistry with Italia Ricci has moments where it is sweet and genuine.
'Love in Winterland' has a lot of drawbacks though. One of the biggest problems is Ricci, who looks miserable throughout and like she didn't want to be there. Plus her character is close to insufferable, really do not like characters that are devoid of personality and/or have their negative traits over-emphasised and both were the case here. She and Murray have no chemistry together and look completely disconnected and their annoying each other interaction grates on the viewer, is repetitive and doesn't really go very far.
None of the rest of the cast stand out and while Ricci and Turner's chemistry has moments it would have resonated stronger if their subplot was more plausible. While it is more eventful, as the other is painfully thin and dull, it does strain credibility to breaking point too often and can be contrived. Of the characters, Turner's was the only one that was interesting. Everyone else was bland and/or annoying, especially Ricci's. The script is stilted and very cheesy, especially in the more bickering moments or when the film is meant to be funny. The romantic element of the story has very little charm and just feels bland. Too much of the story is pedestrian and there is nothing original in sight, basically recycled cliches executed in a run of the mill way. The direction is at best indifferent.
Concluding, very lacklustre and lacking in much love. 4/10.
Hallmark did do a lot of average or less Christmas/winterfest films and 'Love in Winterland' is one of them. Not quite one of their all time worst, but is closer to being a misfire than a cracker. The premise was very ho-hum but Hallmark have been capable of good things as has been proven a good deal. Also have nothing against any of the cast and Chad Michael Murray has grown as an actor. 'Love in Winterland' didn't do it for me sadly, it has its good points but a lot of bad. And no this review is not going to have any body shaming in sight.
Those good things are going to be started off. Faring best is the scenery, which is absolutely beautiful and at its best there is a magical air about it. Nicely photographed too. The music evokes the spirit of the holiday affectionately and it didn't have a "bombarded constantly" feel, or to me it didn't.
Murray does give his all to his character, didn't like his character in general but Murray does amuse and charm in his acting. Jack Turner gives a nice subtle turn and is likeable and not too subdued. His chemistry with Italia Ricci has moments where it is sweet and genuine.
'Love in Winterland' has a lot of drawbacks though. One of the biggest problems is Ricci, who looks miserable throughout and like she didn't want to be there. Plus her character is close to insufferable, really do not like characters that are devoid of personality and/or have their negative traits over-emphasised and both were the case here. She and Murray have no chemistry together and look completely disconnected and their annoying each other interaction grates on the viewer, is repetitive and doesn't really go very far.
None of the rest of the cast stand out and while Ricci and Turner's chemistry has moments it would have resonated stronger if their subplot was more plausible. While it is more eventful, as the other is painfully thin and dull, it does strain credibility to breaking point too often and can be contrived. Of the characters, Turner's was the only one that was interesting. Everyone else was bland and/or annoying, especially Ricci's. The script is stilted and very cheesy, especially in the more bickering moments or when the film is meant to be funny. The romantic element of the story has very little charm and just feels bland. Too much of the story is pedestrian and there is nothing original in sight, basically recycled cliches executed in a run of the mill way. The direction is at best indifferent.
Concluding, very lacklustre and lacking in much love. 4/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jun 7, 2021
- Permalink
The movie is cute, funny and doesn't reduce the female lead to a one dimensional character. I enjoyed all the actors and loved the main characters. Could have used more diversity but hallmark has made some strides towards this just not with this movie. Definitely put this on your watch list!
The move was cute! Yes, it is predictable but that's Hallmark for you. It's a feel good holiday movie. I'm a fan of the actors as well. I'd love to see more Chad Michael Murray and Italia Ricci. The comments about Italia Ricci's pregnancy are offensive. Many TV hide actresses pregnancies. It doesn't take away from the story line or her acting. Her acting is great. Who cares if shes in chunky sweaters in a Christmas movie.
The triangle here is between a lady and a her match in a reality show or an old flame. The cast is nice looking all familiar to Hallmark movies.
For a change why not shake up the outcome for once.
For a change why not shake up the outcome for once.
- phd_travel
- Jan 28, 2020
- Permalink
To be honest, this isn't one of Hallmark's best, and I abhor the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows upon which this is based. Having all the cameras filming the show within a show was annoying. But it does star the beautiful, charming and talented Italia Ricci. I loved her in Designated Survivor. She improves everything she's been in, and deserves a better Hallmark vehicle. And she's why I gave this 7 stars even though it really didn't deserve that rating.
One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray has been doing a lot of Hallmark movies and starred in one of my favorites (Write Before Christmas) which is much better than this. He's fine here and does what he can with the script.
Jack Turner has also starred in better Hallmark movies (with the stunning and talented Taylor Cole).
My biggest objection is the ending which reinforces an antiquated and, thankfully, less common trope about what Hallmark women do in connection with their careers. Another recent example of that annoying trope is Christmas CEO (which this normally forgiving Hallmark fan hated- even though I liked the leads).
If you're not a Hallmark addict, then you should probably pass on this. For the rest of us, it's a pleasant way to pass the time. It sure made me want to build a fire.
One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray has been doing a lot of Hallmark movies and starred in one of my favorites (Write Before Christmas) which is much better than this. He's fine here and does what he can with the script.
Jack Turner has also starred in better Hallmark movies (with the stunning and talented Taylor Cole).
My biggest objection is the ending which reinforces an antiquated and, thankfully, less common trope about what Hallmark women do in connection with their careers. Another recent example of that annoying trope is Christmas CEO (which this normally forgiving Hallmark fan hated- even though I liked the leads).
If you're not a Hallmark addict, then you should probably pass on this. For the rest of us, it's a pleasant way to pass the time. It sure made me want to build a fire.
- MichaelByTheSea
- Jan 2, 2022
- Permalink
Come on folks, you should know what you're getting with Hallmark films by now!
Yes, the formula is very well followed here, but it's fun and easy going fare, with Chad Michael Murray's droll delivery helping the odd clunky line along here and there.
I enjoyed this, I thought it was fun. Whether the lead actress was pregnant is neither here nor there.
Yes, the formula is very well followed here, but it's fun and easy going fare, with Chad Michael Murray's droll delivery helping the odd clunky line along here and there.
I enjoyed this, I thought it was fun. Whether the lead actress was pregnant is neither here nor there.
Rate it less than zero. This movie was just plain boring. And I agree with other reviewers that say her very heavy postpartum appearance was distracting. I kept waiting for her to go into labour. This is not about being against pregnant women and new mothers, give me a break! We're not talking about an office job here, these actresses aren't hard up for money. These are 'romantic' fantasy movies where the leads are chaste single ladies, definitely not supposed to look pregnant. In the movie she's a contestant on a dating show for haven's sake!! They do a good job of covering up when they are only few months pregnant (like she was in Love In Rome), but this was ridiculous. And I've seen the casting calls for extras on these movies up here - attractive, athletic, well dressed, etc. So everyone has to be fit and good looking, except the lead?? How equitable of you Hallmark. They take care of their stable of actresses, and have pushed productions for whatever reasons, so they couldn't have done so for this one? No. It doesn't matter in the end, this one isn't worth your time.
The film does a great job of good naturedly poking fun of various Bachelor-nation cliches including the heroine there 'for the wrong reason,' the up-and-coming influencer pitching her products and the too good to be true hero who probably doesn't have a job.
The film does a great job of avoiding standard hallmark cliches. The heroine doesn't have to choose between two unrealistic male stereotypes. Plus, she does not have to choose between her job and the small town hero.
In addition to the gentle winks and nudges at reality TV, the graphic design team also mocks early '90s boy bands with various posters.
Chad Michael Murray maintains his usual early OOs charisma in his curmudgeonly role.
This was a great addition to the Hallmark stable. The budget and production values were much higher. The leads had a nice gentle chemistry. The supporting characters were all good actors who were not written as one dimensional small town stereotypes.
So if you are a bachelor fan and a Hallmark fan, this is for you.
The film does a great job of avoiding standard hallmark cliches. The heroine doesn't have to choose between two unrealistic male stereotypes. Plus, she does not have to choose between her job and the small town hero.
In addition to the gentle winks and nudges at reality TV, the graphic design team also mocks early '90s boy bands with various posters.
Chad Michael Murray maintains his usual early OOs charisma in his curmudgeonly role.
This was a great addition to the Hallmark stable. The budget and production values were much higher. The leads had a nice gentle chemistry. The supporting characters were all good actors who were not written as one dimensional small town stereotypes.
So if you are a bachelor fan and a Hallmark fan, this is for you.
- anicho01-944-812539
- Dec 7, 2023
- Permalink
6.9 stars.
This is the story of a woman on a dating show much like 'The Batchelor'. It starts off with the impression that the show is a complete farce, all for publicity. The leading man on the dating show is Tanner (Jack Turner), who has an extremely British accent, and for good reason, Tanner is British. The leading lady on the dating show is Ally (Ricci). This movie gives us a behind the scenes look at a reality dating show from the perspective of the contestants and staff.
There is a total lack of cohesiveness between the screenplay, the acting, and the script of 'Love in Hinterland', as if this is a parody meant to resemble a parody, but the director isn't sure which direction to take it. It's confusing, the chemistry misfires, I don't know what I'm watching. Ricci's character blandly fabricates an emotional bond with both men that is very off-putting if I'm being honest. It is obvious that Chad Michael Murray emulates Luke Perry who resembles James Dean. Ally seems to have invested absolutely zero emotion into this dating experience. There is no chemistry at all, and we are not provided any clue as to the intent of the dating show's producers. All we can see is this is all for pretense. The show comes to her home town for the final week and this is where her ex-boyfriend Brett (Murray) enters the picture. He works at (owns?) the hotel where the final episodes will be filming. There is apprehension in the air due to old wounds being opened between Brett and Ally.
And my thoughts about Murray's aura: I think that we have transitioned into a new era where James Dean is no longer a household name, but just twenty years ago he was still the talk of Hollywood as a man who imprinted his essence on the hearts of millions of woman. What I find most likable about Murray is that his identity continues to pay homage to the legend (deliberately?) . That being said, I am a bit saddened that we have fewer and fewer actors who mirror Gary Cooper, Marlan Brando, and James Dean, those icons of old - now but an afterthought because the generation that fostered their reputations has all but vanished. STELLA!?
Back to 'Love in Winterland'...How many different ways can they botch the production of this film? That is the question I am asking myself as I sit here wondering exactly what I'm looking at. And side note: Ricci is obviously pregnant while shooting this film. Ok fine, I suppose it's just another aspect that contributes to the audacity of the whole production. They should have started filming a year later...
This is the story of a woman on a dating show much like 'The Batchelor'. It starts off with the impression that the show is a complete farce, all for publicity. The leading man on the dating show is Tanner (Jack Turner), who has an extremely British accent, and for good reason, Tanner is British. The leading lady on the dating show is Ally (Ricci). This movie gives us a behind the scenes look at a reality dating show from the perspective of the contestants and staff.
There is a total lack of cohesiveness between the screenplay, the acting, and the script of 'Love in Hinterland', as if this is a parody meant to resemble a parody, but the director isn't sure which direction to take it. It's confusing, the chemistry misfires, I don't know what I'm watching. Ricci's character blandly fabricates an emotional bond with both men that is very off-putting if I'm being honest. It is obvious that Chad Michael Murray emulates Luke Perry who resembles James Dean. Ally seems to have invested absolutely zero emotion into this dating experience. There is no chemistry at all, and we are not provided any clue as to the intent of the dating show's producers. All we can see is this is all for pretense. The show comes to her home town for the final week and this is where her ex-boyfriend Brett (Murray) enters the picture. He works at (owns?) the hotel where the final episodes will be filming. There is apprehension in the air due to old wounds being opened between Brett and Ally.
And my thoughts about Murray's aura: I think that we have transitioned into a new era where James Dean is no longer a household name, but just twenty years ago he was still the talk of Hollywood as a man who imprinted his essence on the hearts of millions of woman. What I find most likable about Murray is that his identity continues to pay homage to the legend (deliberately?) . That being said, I am a bit saddened that we have fewer and fewer actors who mirror Gary Cooper, Marlan Brando, and James Dean, those icons of old - now but an afterthought because the generation that fostered their reputations has all but vanished. STELLA!?
Back to 'Love in Winterland'...How many different ways can they botch the production of this film? That is the question I am asking myself as I sit here wondering exactly what I'm looking at. And side note: Ricci is obviously pregnant while shooting this film. Ok fine, I suppose it's just another aspect that contributes to the audacity of the whole production. They should have started filming a year later...
This movie was great! Just the perfect winter movie after Christmas, such a feel-good with LOL moments. The acting seemed so natural. The banter between the main couple was so nice to watch. I found myself smiling and wishing I would have broke open the HM wine and invited the girls over for a movie night! This was is a 2020 favorite. A MUST watch for all HM fans!
The Chili Cookoff scene was so fun to watch! Cooking outside AND playful food sabotage- haha what fun!
The Chili Cookoff scene was so fun to watch! Cooking outside AND playful food sabotage- haha what fun!
... and yet, this one is such a dud. Which is a shame, because I love Italia Ricci and Chad Michael Murray is always a pleasure to watch. And yet, no one looked like they wanted to be there: CMM tried, but Ricci looked positively miserable and/or angry; whatever chemistry these two are capable of having, there was none of it present. The entire movie feels very by the numbers and there is nothing romantic about that. What a wasted opportunity.
- bulbul_da_great
- Feb 29, 2020
- Permalink
Absolutely loved this movie and new theme. Loved the actors too, they were perfect for it.
- tlnbr-87055
- Oct 25, 2020
- Permalink
For the premise to work, you have to buy into the basis of the premise. I never bought into the idea that Ally had any interest in Tanner. There is supposed to be an explanation in that her ulterior motive is publicity for her hotel chain. How does a woman with no interest in the guy make it as a finalist? She doesn't. Ally makes a half hearted statement early on that Tanner is quite the catch, but it's just that - half-hearted. So there goes the premise which is at least half the movie. And that means there is really no rival. But that's ok because they still manage to have the rival create a misunderstanding.
So Ally and Brett should have a nice romantic story, right? But they were too busy annoying each other, or at least Brett was annoying Ally. I think I missed the part that explains why either of them would want to be together. For that we have to rely on history, which is somewhat understandable, but makes a lousy story. Any chemistry between the two was based mostly on history and not what we see in the movie. Brett says "We know each other, good and bad."
Hallmark almost always has some great scenic views and this movie has a few.
I want to be clear that Ricci's recent baby birth has nothing to do with any of my opinions. When I first saw this movie, I didn't notice. The movie is set in winter, which is convenient for layering. So I wasn't distracted. And I'm glad that Hallmark supports their actors both professionally and personally.
So Ally and Brett should have a nice romantic story, right? But they were too busy annoying each other, or at least Brett was annoying Ally. I think I missed the part that explains why either of them would want to be together. For that we have to rely on history, which is somewhat understandable, but makes a lousy story. Any chemistry between the two was based mostly on history and not what we see in the movie. Brett says "We know each other, good and bad."
Hallmark almost always has some great scenic views and this movie has a few.
I want to be clear that Ricci's recent baby birth has nothing to do with any of my opinions. When I first saw this movie, I didn't notice. The movie is set in winter, which is convenient for layering. So I wasn't distracted. And I'm glad that Hallmark supports their actors both professionally and personally.
Cute movie for a hallmark movie. The actors were great and I love the spoof on the bachelor
- dianamarinelli
- Dec 30, 2020
- Permalink
I could not get past the lead actress. She is extremely unlikable, surprising for a hallmark film. The film was also very boring. I agree with a fellow commentor it seems like the lead actress was annoyed or hated being there and ruined the energy of the rest of the cast. Yikes.
- pnelopecleary
- Oct 17, 2020
- Permalink