Polar Opposites

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.

This Hallmark story has an endearing cast and features some wonderful photography of South America, sometimes standing in for Antarctica.

Emma (Rhiannon Fish) is an illustrator whose father studies penguins in Antarctica. When he calls her about an emergency, their connection is terminated, so she becomes worried. She immediately hops a plane and tries to find a boat ride into the southern waters. Along the way, she meets an engineer named Andy (Markian Tarasiuk) who is on a mission to the southernmost continent.

The always-wonderful Ms. Fish is surrounded by a strong cast. The story is about more than romancing, and the narrative feels like a real adventure. The most surprising thing about the film is how they managed to capture the story, including animal behaviors, beautiful scenery, and some effects that feel totally natural. It must have been an experience to film.

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.

Love when Hallmark leaves Canada to film on location-this time to Patagonia and Ushuaia, Argentina-the gateway city to Antarctica. The cruise and location footage was exceptional.

I won't go into detail about the movie since the first reviewer here(Fire And Ice) did such an excellent job but I will say I stayed with the movie till the end because of the strong cast and interesting chemistry between the two leads, Rhiannon Fish and Markian Tarasuik. There was an ease between them that sold the developing relationship and storyline-farfetched at times.

So I give Polar Opposites a 7 for the lead actors, the scenery and of course, the penguins.

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.