Winter Castle

Jenny, (Emilie Ullerup), is a children's book editor, with dreams of being an author. Her sister, Meg, (Melanie Mullen), is getting married at the majestic and magical Winter Castle Hotel! Meg, tries to set Jenny up with her husband's best man, Craig, (Kevin McGarry), a widower, with a daughter. However, Craig has brought a "plus one" to the wedding, a friend, Lana, (Megan Heffren), who has been a big help to him and his daughter after his wife died. Both Jenny and Lana show an interest in Craig. You can tell Craig has started to have feelings for Jenny, but he also has feelings and an obligation to Lana for all the support she's given to both him and his daughter---there the dilemma lies.

Emilie Ullerup brings a sparkling personality and adventurous spirit to her role as Jenny, perfect casting. Kevin McGarry is usually one of my Hallmark male favorites, however, I'm disappointed to say he brings a bit of a wooden performance to his role as Craig. Craig makes a decision, but the ending seems a bit lackluster and unfinished after all the buildup. The Winter Castle Hotel is spectacular as is the winter scenery. Overall a decent romcom but nothing spectacular.

It was nice to see a very different and beautiful setting but storyline was just so so. I sometimes have problems in some Hallmark movies were attention details get siderailed. For instance Lana buys a champagne dress for Sarah to wear to the rehearsal dinner and Sarah walks in with a red dress. Then Lana walks up the stairs to the dinner, sees something upsetting and walks back out but the shot of the dinner table doesn't even have a place setting for her in the first place. The father says to the wait staff "we're just waiting for one more" and the one more he refers to is his daughter and not Lana. Nobody wonders where Lana is. Guess no one is supposed to focus in on the details anyway but just the characters.

Kevin McGarry was quite dreamy playing a loving Dad with a good heart. It's nice to see him in this role after some of the other characters I have seen him play.

You can't generally go wrong with Emilie Ullerup either, she is a veteran at this 'Made For TV Christmas Film' malarkey now.

The film takes place in an ice hotel, which in itself is an insane concept, but I really like it as a different setting for a change. They still get in the fun things that are to be expected in a seasonal story like this and the romance was nice and gentle.

The "Other" woman was a bit OTT, but they do that a lot, even Natasha in "Bridget Jones Diary" is a bit like it, maybe I've just never noticed a woman marking her territory so vigorously before in real life and they're doing it perfectly, but I don't know?

The bonds that form between the various characters is cute and the story, while still formulaic, is nice enough.

It probably gets extra points for Mr McGarry's handsome face, but I don't care about that.

7ish?/10.

The movie centers on a destination wedding in an ice hotel. Unfortunately the highlight of the movie was the awesome views of the hotel, but the all white background even got old.

Jenny (Emilie Ullerup) is the bridesmaid for her sister's wedding, and a romance develops between the best man Craig (Kevin McGarry). The chemistry between the leads, and the supporting actors is non convincing.

Rating: 2-Star - PASS (one watch is enough)

Jenny is a bridesmaid to her sister's destination wedding at a ice hotel. Meg, the bride, plans to set her up with Craig, the best man, only to find out later that he brought a plus one. Meanwhile, inspired by the place and the adventures Jenny plans to write a children's book to persue her dream: become an author (Bree O'brien, hello?)

The story was nice. No major plot holes to complain about. Generally speaking, it was a stardard hallmark movie. I really enjoyed it.

The best part was definitely the locations the shot at: the ice hotel was real, the landscape was breathtaking. That was a big contribution to the story. (Of course, it's a winter movie)

Emilie Ullerup always delivers enthusiasm with her characters which is greatly appreciated. I always enjoyed her performance. I'm glad they are giving her more lead roles. Regarding the rest of the characters, Kevin McGarry didn't let the spectator down with his performance as a single father (to an adorable girl Sara who filled the movie with joy and happiness). And the rest of the secondary characters were alright. (Wasn't the mother too young though?)

The chemistry between Emilie and Kevin was fine. Finally, I actually feel bad for Lana, "the plus one date", kudos to the actress for that.

Give it a try.