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.
