Hearts of Winter

source: Hearts of Winter

Favorite scene with Bethany (Jill Wagner) - The breaking of the bowl.

I think I am in love with Jill Wagner, she is the star of one of my three favorite Hallmark series Mystery 101. Both Jill Wagner and Victor Webster are wonderful actors and while they are great on their own...they are even better together. They had great chemistry in this the Hearts of Winter. This is the story of yet another widower (I am really seeing a pattern Hallmark...why are you killing off all these parents?) whose daughter Zoe enters them in a contest to win a much needed home makeover. The dad reluctantly allows the makeover to happen when they win...and slowly warms to the interior decorator. Jill Wagner's character fit in so well with their family unit it seemed so natural that they would fall for each other...especially her instant connection with the daughter Zoe. If you are a Hallmark fan I recommend watching this winter love story that showcases two phenomenal actors.

Familiar and talented actors forced to deliver some of the worst dialogue written. The female lead keeps repeating what the men say, first with her brother, then with the male lead. Plot is fine if a little dull. Story premise could have been better in more skilled pens. I like Hallmark movies. I like romance. I don't ask for perfection but the dialogue is awkward in every scene. Written in crayon. Squirm-worthy.

Have liked Jill Wagner in a lot of things and can understand why she is a Hallmark favourite. Rukiya Bernard has a great knack for stealing every scene she's in in all her films, even in the duds. Victor Webster's filmography is a bit of a mixed bag, but in the right role and with the right leading lady he has a good deal of appeal. Having said that, the story didn't sound anything special and little different from most Hallmark Winterfest films and didn't care for most of the 2020 Winterfest films. Of the 2020 Winterfest films, of which there are five, 'Hearts of Winter' is second best with 'Winter in Vail' being the best. Didn't care for the other three, especially 'Amazing Winter Romance' which was anything but amazing. 'Hearts of Winter' is not an exceptional, or even great film, but it is above average. Despite the story being wanting generally, it is worth seeing for the cast in particular. As far as the 2020 Hallmark films go, it's somewhere in the middle. Beginning with what doesn't come off, the story is slow going at first and is bland in spots due to little new done with a formulaic scenario. The final quarter could have done with more tension and felt less neat, the end is never in doubt and easily telegraphed. Webster's character is not easy to warm to at first and his uptightness and grumpiness seemed overdone. He also has a 180 change in character that is introduced too abruptly and is rushed, also thought it came too early when the character had not really grown yet. Wagner occasionally tries too hard. However, there is a lot to like about 'Hearts of Winter'. Wagner on the most part is very charming and plays her role with enthusiasm and good intentions. Once the character loosens up in the writing, Webster becomes a lot more relaxed and has an easy going charisma that appeals. He and Wagner look natural and genuine together and the romance is developed just about right. Lauren McNamara is adorable and heartfelt and has lovely chemistry with Wagner and Webster. Once again Bernard steals all her screen time with a real zesty sparkle, though it would be nice if Hallmark stretched her abilities and landed her in another type of role. Furthermore, the scenery is truly beautiful and the photography makes the most of it without being self-indulgent. While not unforgettable, the music at least fits and isn't overused or bombastic. The script flows and doesn't come over as too talky (though perhaps it could have been tighter in the early stages), corny or saccharine. The story is far from perfect, but it has a warm heart and never cheesy light-heartedness while the characters are ones worth caring for once they settle. To conclude, not great but above average. 6/10.

Well cast characters in a formulaic plot. Enjoyable design elements & good acting elevate an average script.

The 2 cast leads show their acting abilities in this not very original but very nice romcom

I must say I really did enjoy this movie. The characters were really nice and there seemed great chemistry in the whole cast. Lovely scenery - OMG even the snow seemed real! Witty dialogue and it was not too schmaltzy. It's how I would like an adult romance to go! Well done. Very good supporting actors as well.

It is the film of McNamara and Bernard. The film of mother prayers and bleu bowl. And the film of good, noble intentions. Because, against the obvious effort of the main actors, something remains too unrealistic to fake. The change of the attitude of Grant Oliver about his designer is too unplausible and the romance, with huge indulgence, acceptable. So, nice for the support actresses.

I like the cast. The guy is a bit of a grump early on, which I find a welcome change from the usual Hallmark lead and more realistic considering his character's past. The kid is much better than the usual TV movie kid, which is a credit to the actress playing her. I liked Bethany too because she was confident and capable in her profession. Jill Wagner might be my new favourite on this channel. She can display a range of emotion without being fake, annoying, or over the top.