30 reviews
Take the story outline of 100, no 1000, no even more than that, other Hallmark movies and flip around some details and set it in a most beautiful winter wonderland. I can't emphasize enough how overused the general story line is, from start to end.
As I've said before, when the story is not a factor, at least not a positive one, then look to the relationship building. Meh. Doubleday and Donell were OK together, but not that great either. There was a secondary romance which piqued a little interest but it was definitely secondary. The acting was OK also.
In this movie, it was the places they went featuring great scenery and some background and history behind those places.
As I've said before, when the story is not a factor, at least not a positive one, then look to the relationship building. Meh. Doubleday and Donell were OK together, but not that great either. There was a secondary romance which piqued a little interest but it was definitely secondary. The acting was OK also.
In this movie, it was the places they went featuring great scenery and some background and history behind those places.
Unfortunately it was a disappointment. The storyline was weak, the acting was not great and there was chemistry whatsoever between the two main characters. Thankfully, Iceland is beautiful. Cause it was all that was worth from this one.
- cadpig1979
- Jan 19, 2020
- Permalink
I was hoping for more from this new Hallmark. The story was ok as was the acting. That's it. What I was focused in on was the shots of Iceland which I expected to be much darker and more stark in its appearance.
So I would recommend this film just to view this island country in the North Atlantic with its small population, cool climate, and high standard of living.
The story was pleasant enough but visually there was a lot to look at.
The story is nothing special and the chemistry between the leads is weak. But the locations are beautiful, rescuing what would otherwise be a well below-average Hallmark movie.
One elephant in the closet is never mentioned, the shortness of winter days in Iceland. If it's supposed to be January (it's winter but the actual month is never mentioned) in southern Iceland (where all the locations are), there would only be 4.5 hours of daylight at the beginning of the month and 7 at the end. (The days would be even shorter in northern Iceland.) They spend far too much time doing daytime activities outdoors for the time of year.
One elephant in the closet is never mentioned, the shortness of winter days in Iceland. If it's supposed to be January (it's winter but the actual month is never mentioned) in southern Iceland (where all the locations are), there would only be 4.5 hours of daylight at the beginning of the month and 7 at the end. (The days would be even shorter in northern Iceland.) They spend far too much time doing daytime activities outdoors for the time of year.
Was hoping this would be a great movie. The scenery saved it. Writing was uninspiring, chemistry of the actors was flat...but not terrible. I caught myself doing other things. But as I said in my title, the views of Iceland saved this movie.
- savethewatchmaker
- Feb 27, 2020
- Permalink
Enjoyed Patti Murin & several lines relating to Disney and FROZEN. That was clever. Interesting that she and her real life husband were both in this film.
It wasn't the best as these are so predictable. But it was sweet and a less obnoxious way to pass time than some of the crap other shows try to make us feel is normal. We need the happily ever after!
- sueshixson
- Mar 10, 2020
- Permalink
I really loved this one. The scenery was gorgeous (I want to go to Iceland now! lol), the actors were great, there was a lot of cute humor, the storyline was enjoyable, and the chemistry between the lead actors was really good. All in all, I really enjoyed it!
- jennyelaine-03685
- Jan 24, 2020
- Permalink
- phd_travel
- Jan 23, 2020
- Permalink
Scenery was beautiful, chemistry between main couple was not there. Was hoping for a better storyline. Who wouldn't check with her to see if she was ok having her ex-boyfriend on the trip? He was so obnoxious.
This movie got an 8 because the scenery is beautiful, but the story line was a bit slow.
- pattersonjamie-12079
- Jan 25, 2020
- Permalink
Very meh.
'Love on Iceland' is mostly what you'd expect from a television film, though does manage to mix things up ever so slightly by taking events over to Iceland - kudos for actually filming there, by the way.
The premise is plain and entirely predictable, though a lot of the camera work is solid - including a decent amount of drone footage - even if a few shots did amusingly feel like Eurovision postcards.
Cast-wise it's basic. Kaitlin Doubleday (Chloe) and Colin Donnell (Charlie) are average, neither terrible nor great. I actually think they missed a trick, Preston Sadleir (Kenneth) and Kate Easton (Erin) seemingly had way more chemistry together - of course difficult to tell if they are lead worthy, but I had more interest in their romance than Chloe and Charlie's.
The Icelandic surroundings help raise the film up, but it's still a draggy watch. 2½*.
'Love on Iceland' is mostly what you'd expect from a television film, though does manage to mix things up ever so slightly by taking events over to Iceland - kudos for actually filming there, by the way.
The premise is plain and entirely predictable, though a lot of the camera work is solid - including a decent amount of drone footage - even if a few shots did amusingly feel like Eurovision postcards.
Cast-wise it's basic. Kaitlin Doubleday (Chloe) and Colin Donnell (Charlie) are average, neither terrible nor great. I actually think they missed a trick, Preston Sadleir (Kenneth) and Kate Easton (Erin) seemingly had way more chemistry together - of course difficult to tell if they are lead worthy, but I had more interest in their romance than Chloe and Charlie's.
The Icelandic surroundings help raise the film up, but it's still a draggy watch. 2½*.
There is not an awful lot else to add to what has been said already and very well, though unfortunately it was very difficult to be so generous towards 'Love on Iceland'. Love Christmas, love Christmas films but there are numerous humbugs amongst the numerous crackers. While my festive film quest was interesting, there were some surprising crackers (not enough though) but a fair share of humbugs or at least ones that came close.
'Love on Iceland' is closer to being one of the humbugs. Not one of the worst festive films seen ever or of the ones seen recently as part of the quest, but it's closer to that distinction than being one of the best or the surprisingly good efforts. It takes me absolutely no pleasure being critical of 'Love on Iceland', being such a fan of Christmas and being somebody who has always tried to be encouraging and honest without being brutal when reviewing, but there are just too many problems that stopped me from enjoying it.
Absolutely agree about the scenery being stunning and at its best magical. Actually think of the films from the recent festive film quest, 'Love on Iceland' is easily one of the best looking, with the photography complementing it beautifully. The music evokes the spirit of the holiday affectionately and it didn't have a "bombarded constantly" feel, or to me it didn't.
While the acting on the whole was not good at all, Colin Dunnell and Patti Murin try their best and their efforts are game.
Everybody else flounders. Most of the acting is stiff, but on the other side of the spectrum there is the very affected acting of Kaitlin Doubleday as one of the most irritating female leads seen in quite some time for any film. Sparks certainly do not fly in the chemistry between her and Dunnell, didn't detect any and actually the chemistry between the whole cast seemed disconnected. None of the characters are that interesting or worth rooting for properly.
Moreover, the script lacks any flow or life. Much of it is pretty pedestrian and there is a lot of cheese. Worst of all is the near-non existent (when there is any it's very predictable), barely coherent and very dully paced story.
In summation, lacklustre but the scenery saves it from being worse. 4/10
'Love on Iceland' is closer to being one of the humbugs. Not one of the worst festive films seen ever or of the ones seen recently as part of the quest, but it's closer to that distinction than being one of the best or the surprisingly good efforts. It takes me absolutely no pleasure being critical of 'Love on Iceland', being such a fan of Christmas and being somebody who has always tried to be encouraging and honest without being brutal when reviewing, but there are just too many problems that stopped me from enjoying it.
Absolutely agree about the scenery being stunning and at its best magical. Actually think of the films from the recent festive film quest, 'Love on Iceland' is easily one of the best looking, with the photography complementing it beautifully. The music evokes the spirit of the holiday affectionately and it didn't have a "bombarded constantly" feel, or to me it didn't.
While the acting on the whole was not good at all, Colin Dunnell and Patti Murin try their best and their efforts are game.
Everybody else flounders. Most of the acting is stiff, but on the other side of the spectrum there is the very affected acting of Kaitlin Doubleday as one of the most irritating female leads seen in quite some time for any film. Sparks certainly do not fly in the chemistry between her and Dunnell, didn't detect any and actually the chemistry between the whole cast seemed disconnected. None of the characters are that interesting or worth rooting for properly.
Moreover, the script lacks any flow or life. Much of it is pretty pedestrian and there is a lot of cheese. Worst of all is the near-non existent (when there is any it's very predictable), barely coherent and very dully paced story.
In summation, lacklustre but the scenery saves it from being worse. 4/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Feb 24, 2020
- Permalink
A film that has me rather more overall (I saw much worse at Hallmark). What I appreciate is that we are immediately put in the bath from the first minute. Obviously everything is romanticized, all beautiful, and simple.... It is difficult in real life to go to Iceland in 24 hours and organized a tourist tour ^^.
In short, the fact that the troupe leave with friends my well pack. (who wouldn't like to take this kind of trip)?? The scenes follow one another, this quite dynamic. For my part I find that the alchemy of the actors is present, on the other hand the kiss was very late .... Obviously and fortunately the environment and location plays a lot.
The production is correct, except for the scenes in the cave (green background) and its false pieces of ice that we find at the end of the film during the scenes of the Northern Lights.
I would also like to see a lot more about Finland
In short, the fact that the troupe leave with friends my well pack. (who wouldn't like to take this kind of trip)?? The scenes follow one another, this quite dynamic. For my part I find that the alchemy of the actors is present, on the other hand the kiss was very late .... Obviously and fortunately the environment and location plays a lot.
The production is correct, except for the scenes in the cave (green background) and its false pieces of ice that we find at the end of the film during the scenes of the Northern Lights.
I would also like to see a lot more about Finland
Iceland so beautiful ! Really looking magical.
Movie is sweet . Actors are sweet too, expecally these who played Charle and Cloue, only ending I think must be little better..Its happy ending of course and sweet, but i think little more scenes wouldn't be wrong
- kris_love_slavi
- Jan 7, 2021
- Permalink
Chloe reassembles her college travel group for a trip to Iceland to get perspective and help her with ideas for her job...as a podcast producer.
Iceland is a gorgeous snowy backdrop and their tour guide is a handsome local named Johann.
"Preparation is not a crime."-Chloe
The secret lagoon is an interesting place to let your cares drift away. Supposedly kept secret by the locals...but their tour guide takes the foreigners there? I bet the locals in the lagoon didn't appreciate the incessantly talking Americans...and wished it was still a secret.
The Skyr story of how Anna met her husband is very sweet...they made the perfect compliment to each other's products.
The accents and the drizzled in Icelandic words...along with a few myths and legends was fun and maybe make this worth watching...but this ends up being a second chance romance between a rule follower and a risk taker who has trouble not wandering off on his own way.
Iceland is a gorgeous snowy backdrop and their tour guide is a handsome local named Johann.
"Preparation is not a crime."-Chloe
The secret lagoon is an interesting place to let your cares drift away. Supposedly kept secret by the locals...but their tour guide takes the foreigners there? I bet the locals in the lagoon didn't appreciate the incessantly talking Americans...and wished it was still a secret.
The Skyr story of how Anna met her husband is very sweet...they made the perfect compliment to each other's products.
The accents and the drizzled in Icelandic words...along with a few myths and legends was fun and maybe make this worth watching...but this ends up being a second chance romance between a rule follower and a risk taker who has trouble not wandering off on his own way.
You expect the less than mediocre acting, the frequent wardrobe changes that somehow pop out of the tiny suitcases and of course the fake snow. But distinct night and day in January? Landing in Reykjavik with a mountainous background? Two things you notice this time of year when you land at the airport. The terrain looks like a flat section of mars and the light is dim. Does Hallmark think so little of its viewers' intelligence? I gave this 2 for the first few minutes of scenery. Then pressed delete.
- heather-greg
- Jan 25, 2020
- Permalink
It is very, very rare to write I like it ! About a Hallmark film. But this film deserves that. Not for ingredients , basic ones, but for...the spices. First, the location. Second - the dialogues about love stories as contain of the podcasts. Not the last, the love story between Icelandic guide and the shy American lady. And the cover/ illustrations of Norse legends and Myths. Sure, the predictability is the basic trait. But it is a charming film and that just matters.
- Kirpianuscus
- Oct 8, 2021
- Permalink
Wanted to love this movie as I really liked Colin Donnell and Patti Murin from Chicago Med. They were great and I did enjoy them.
But the lead actress, Kaitlin Doubleday, turned me off from the get go! She came across as a spoiled, egocentric! She had no warmth to her! To get up and walk out because her ex joined them, tells exactly who she is, self centred & rude! If he was part of their college gang, why would she not have invited him in the first place--again rude! She just overacted and it took away from the group of friends! And if Kenneth arranged for the tour guide which she knew nothing about, why did she feel it was her place to introduce the group--it should have been Kenneth! Rude again!
Sorry, but Charlie was too good for Chloe! She didn't deserve him!
I was looking forward to this movie, character leads I have enjoyed in other movies/series along with filming in Iceland, but this thing fell flat. The story line was beyond weak, made little sense, lack of chemistry between the lead characters (blame that on the lame script). No doubt the location shots sold this movie.
7.8 stars.
Five good friends have an adventure in Iceland. Will an old romance be rekindled, will she be able to open up to him again, or will he choose his career over love?
This is a story about second chances at love. If only life afforded us opportunities like this one, maybe the world would be a happier place. Miscommunication, missed chances at love, hesitation, bad timing... they all play a major role in the possibilities, or lack thereof for our leads navigating their way back into each other's arms. The torch is lit, the fire is ablaze, sit back and enjoy the show, because this Icelandic vacation just got real.
The characters have their work cut out for them because the real showstopper is the location. It's a stiff competition. I was actually invested in this movie partially because Iceland is so breathtaking. There are such a variety of exotic and wonderful sights and attractions.
Five good friends have an adventure in Iceland. Will an old romance be rekindled, will she be able to open up to him again, or will he choose his career over love?
This is a story about second chances at love. If only life afforded us opportunities like this one, maybe the world would be a happier place. Miscommunication, missed chances at love, hesitation, bad timing... they all play a major role in the possibilities, or lack thereof for our leads navigating their way back into each other's arms. The torch is lit, the fire is ablaze, sit back and enjoy the show, because this Icelandic vacation just got real.
The characters have their work cut out for them because the real showstopper is the location. It's a stiff competition. I was actually invested in this movie partially because Iceland is so breathtaking. There are such a variety of exotic and wonderful sights and attractions.
We like Hallmark films for for delivering a romantic story and this one is quite good. The plot is familiar, but the dialog and chemistry between the leads makes up for that, plus the surrounding cast is strong. And the dramatic Icelandic backgrounds will make you want to travel there. Yes it is worth watching. James Welch Henderson Arkansas 6/4/21.
- jds01-803-90597
- Mar 2, 2020
- Permalink