Polar Opposites

Yes, not one of the typical Hallmark movies, girl fresh from break up, mad at world, swears off men, meets nice guy, treats him badly etc etc love at end. Boring. Or old boyfriend comes back, new boy disappointed sulks away, she realizes new boy her soulmate. Little bit better.

This movie is none of that. The scenery is fantastic and different. The polar plunge is a real thing. So the premise of stowaway, and work of the dad a bit loose on reality and detail but remember this is a movie of about 1 hr 45 min, it needs to move along. It is a feel good, appreciate the setting and the engineering feat movie. And you learn about penquins. She meets a person who will help her. He is an engineer, formal not a "player". Friendly chemistry between them. Fish and Tarasiuk are two of my favourite actors. Both matching the character's backgrounds perfectly. Neither character had that buddy "on the phone" to bounce thoughts off of. Each was independent and relied on each other which made the union grow. You should watch, you will enjoy, unless you are one of those who likes the formula Hallmark movies. Definitely worth enjoying Rhiannon Fish and Markian Tarasiuk.

7.7 stars.

Not necessarily a film I would recommend for multiple viewings, but definitely one you must see once every 5-10 years.

Personally, I really enjoyed it. I like both of the lead actors; they give us their usual quality, and it was entertaining. The adventure is fulfilling as well. The romance is a slow burn, but sometimes it will suffice, as it does in this instance. Would have preferred a bit more of the romantic fire, but there is enough to keep us afloat, so to speak.

The plot is about a woman who is a stowaway on a cruise ship on its way to Antarctica. She is headed there because she is under the impression that her father is in trouble, possibly in danger. He is a scientist who studies penguins.

She meets an engineer on the ship who helps keep her hidden. They have an adventure on the journey, evading the crew. She eventually helps her dad and some penguins.

This movie is the full package, but you must love the lead actors, else you may be disappointed. I love Miss Fish, never been disappointed with any of her performances. She single-handedly elevates everything she does. I feel this would be a 6.7 if not for her presence.

I've never written a review, but this movie is the limit. I've enjoyed Hallmark films every now and then, despite ridiculous story lines or characters and the too occasional white lie, but the last years it's getting out of hand.

We cannot allow telling the blunt truth to overbearing parents or friends, an engaged couple sleeping in the same room or the insinuation of sex before marriage on Hallmark television, but we do allow twisting the truth while it hurts everyone, endangering people, narcissistic behavior, painting women as brainless emotional and helpless beings and plain lying to family and friends? How does that combine with 'family friendly?!

And I"m not even starting with the fact checking, lazy writing and ridiculous conversations... No more Hallmark for me.

I wasn't feeling very hopeful about this film until they introduced the stranded penguin. The penguin's story and the beautiful scenery are what really makes this stand out. The plot itsself is quite pdestrian and follows the standard Hallmark formula. The main characters are likeable enough but the chemistry between them is OK. It's definitely not the kind of chemistry that would make one of them potentially sabotage their career in the process!

One minor thing that was annoying was the makeup! Subtlety is not a strength with whoever did the makeup - way too dark and harsh for the actors' features. It made them look very unnatural.

Hallmark does Antarctica. That must surely mean they have done a film on pretty much every continent on earth now, right?

"Polar Opposites" is good fun, with more ingenunity in the Plot Department than Hallmark movies are generally known for.

These on-location shoots always produce the best finished product, and the icy landscape made for a great backdrop to the film.

I admit I'm a sucker for Rhiannon Fish, and she's at her best here as Emma, opposite Markian Tarasiuk's Andy, sneaking aboard a vessel bound for Antarctica to rescue her father, who has suddenly lost communications.

I bet you can't guess what happens in the end between Emma and Andy? Good fun.