Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Directors: Scott Smith, Marita Grabiak, Jason Bourque, Via Vision Entertainment.
Every so often, escapist entertainment offers light relief – and that’s most welcome. Such is the case with three of the latest films from the Hallmark Channel to ‘keep you warm’ this winter.
The first – Frozen in Love – a 2018 American-Canadian made-for-television romantic drama that sees the two lead characters struggling to achieve their goal. Bookstore owner Mary Cartwright (Rachael Leigh Cook, She’s All That) struggles to make ends meet in order to keep her bookstore open.
Hockey player Adam Clayborn (Niall Matter, Arctic Air) got booted from his third game due to a disagreement with the referee. This caused his suspension. An image makeover gives Mary an opportunity to turn her fortunes around, but work must be with Adam, under the supervision of public relations worker Janet Dunleavy (Sandy Sidhu), who has connections with his ex-girlfriend Erica Parker (Tammy Gillis).
Mary and Adam will have to make sure their mutual animosity and attraction does not lead to their undoing.
Winter Castle is the backdrop for what at first looked like hopes of romance could lead to disappointment for Jenny (Emilie Ullerup, Chesapeake Shores). Born and raised in sunny California, she’s thrilled when her sister Meg (Melanie Mullen) decides to have a destination wedding at an ice hotel.
Jenny is immediately entranced by the magical décor of the hotel and also finds herself captivated by the handsome best man, Craig (Kevin McGarry, Open Heart).
The real life ice hotel is actually the Hôtel de Glace, North America’s only ice hotel, located just 20 minutes north of Québec City in the Québec province of Canada.
In Amazing Winter Romance, Chicago-based journalist Julia (Jessy Schram, Chicago Med, Veronica Mars, Nashville) goes back home to find inspiration, only to discover her childhood friend has built a giant snow maze that prompts her to find her way to true love.
Then Julia runs into her childhood friend, Nate (Marshall Williams, When Hope Calls, Glee), who is building an amazing snow maze. He beckons her to enter the maze, but Julia feels it’s too scary and claustrophobic. The worry is real: if she goes in, she may never get out!
