A serious conversation between the lead actors is impossible to hear near the end of the movie, once again Hallmark has made the music too loud! Otherwise, a nice story and a good cast. Good movie, bad sound...
32 Reviews
Music too loud!
pmtilton-8805125 January 2021
The Scenery was spectacular
bmiller592 February 2021
Eh...could tell from the beginning we were not going to be excited about this movie, but we hung in there. Everything flowed right off the pages of the script. I was multi-tasking as the movie went progressed. I didn't really feel any chemistry. The two leads were OK, but there was no pop.
Watch it, enjoy the scenery and make up your own minds.
Watch it, enjoy the scenery and make up your own minds.
The ending was awkward
rhonnie-4313917 March 2021
The movie has potential. The story seemed interesting. But I thought the ending with dancing and music and dialogue all at once was difficult.
It didn't feel genuine and there was too much going on to focus on the actors alone. It felt forced to me.
There are some of these movies that I would watch again; unfortunately this is not one of them.
It didn't feel genuine and there was too much going on to focus on the actors alone. It felt forced to me.
There are some of these movies that I would watch again; unfortunately this is not one of them.
the details
Kirpianuscus22 January 2022
Not for acting, not for story itself , not for the too sweet end it is not bad to see this film but for details, from curling, art gallery, beer and old game of apparences. And, off course, for landscapes. It is just a correct Hallmark film, predictable, nice and reduced at theoretical chemistry between main characters.
A worthwhile getaway
TheLittleSongbird10 February 2022
The 2021 New Year New Movies films, only five, were mostly good, especially 'A New Year's Resolution'. The one exception being 'Snowkissed', though personally would count that as more of a Winterfest film as it would have been categorised as in any of the previous years. 'A Winter Getaway' also feels more like a Winterfest film than a New Year New Movies film. Expectations were somewhat mixed, the story sounded really charming but due to really disliking Nazneen Contractor in 2020's 'The Christmas Ring' that brought the expectations down.
Of the New Year New Movies films, 'A Winter Getaway' is to me the second weakest. Do prefer 'Take a Shot at Love', 'A New Year's Resolution' and 'Two for the Win', but it is much better than 'Snowkissed' (the only bad one of the five in my view). 'A Winter Getaway' does do a good deal right and one aspect came off much better than expected, but there was room for improvement too (though the flaws have been executed far worse in many other Hallmark films).
'A Winter Getaway' succeeds a lot more than it fails. The best aspect of it is the scenery, which is nothing short of spectacular which is what a vast majority of the 2021 Hallmark films have in common. The camera was clearly in love with it and there are some lovely and lovingly framed shots throughout. Enough of the script flows well and is light-hearted without being too jokey and not going into cutesy overload generally.
While the story is not perfect, it is not as formulaic as most Hallmark films are and has a genuine sweetness and charm without the sentimentality going overboard. 'A Winter Getaway' to me has two lead characters worth caring for. Brooks Darnell is a charming leading man but the biggest surprise was seeing the massive improvement in Contractor's acting here compared to 'The Christmas Ring'. She is a lot more relaxed and expressive here. Their chemistry is engaging and is particularly sweet towards the end.
However, there was room for improvement. The supporting cast are competent, but nobody stands out and they don't have the memorability factor that the two leads have. The film is perhaps a slow starter and some parts are on the overripe side in the writing.
Really have to agree with everybody regarding the music. The film is over-scored in general, but it really does drown everything else at the end. Which is a shame because the final 10-15 minutes do have a good amount of heart.
Overall, above average but wasn't wowed. 6/10.
Of the New Year New Movies films, 'A Winter Getaway' is to me the second weakest. Do prefer 'Take a Shot at Love', 'A New Year's Resolution' and 'Two for the Win', but it is much better than 'Snowkissed' (the only bad one of the five in my view). 'A Winter Getaway' does do a good deal right and one aspect came off much better than expected, but there was room for improvement too (though the flaws have been executed far worse in many other Hallmark films).
'A Winter Getaway' succeeds a lot more than it fails. The best aspect of it is the scenery, which is nothing short of spectacular which is what a vast majority of the 2021 Hallmark films have in common. The camera was clearly in love with it and there are some lovely and lovingly framed shots throughout. Enough of the script flows well and is light-hearted without being too jokey and not going into cutesy overload generally.
While the story is not perfect, it is not as formulaic as most Hallmark films are and has a genuine sweetness and charm without the sentimentality going overboard. 'A Winter Getaway' to me has two lead characters worth caring for. Brooks Darnell is a charming leading man but the biggest surprise was seeing the massive improvement in Contractor's acting here compared to 'The Christmas Ring'. She is a lot more relaxed and expressive here. Their chemistry is engaging and is particularly sweet towards the end.
However, there was room for improvement. The supporting cast are competent, but nobody stands out and they don't have the memorability factor that the two leads have. The film is perhaps a slow starter and some parts are on the overripe side in the writing.
Really have to agree with everybody regarding the music. The film is over-scored in general, but it really does drown everything else at the end. Which is a shame because the final 10-15 minutes do have a good amount of heart.
Overall, above average but wasn't wowed. 6/10.
Average: probably my least favorite of the winter season.
MIssM1930 January 2021
Courtney works as a VIP concierge (is that even a thing? if so, where can I drop my CV?) and is given a job to go to the mountains with a guy named Joe Franklin. However, there is something Joe is hiding from her: who he really is.
It literally took me 24hs to watch this (I kept being distracted by you know, real life, sleep, work, and even a Turkish show, seriously). I did pay attention (mostly) but... honestly? It bored me a little bit. I liked the leads, they had good chemistry and enough scenes to make the romance believable.
(It's funny how her professionalism flew out the window as soon as he asked her to come with him. It didn't took much convincing. That being said, he is so charming, I would probably go with him as soon as he asked too.)
I love winter movies, we saw curling, we saw the leads skiing, we saw dog sledding and the views were pretty.
The plot was okay. I understand why Joe hesitated to tell her the truth and it's a forgivable excuse, and I think Courtney took it quite well, while it was a problem, it wasn't something serious.
And most reviewers are right, the music, specially in the final scene, was too loud, I could barely hear what they said.
It literally took me 24hs to watch this (I kept being distracted by you know, real life, sleep, work, and even a Turkish show, seriously). I did pay attention (mostly) but... honestly? It bored me a little bit. I liked the leads, they had good chemistry and enough scenes to make the romance believable.
(It's funny how her professionalism flew out the window as soon as he asked her to come with him. It didn't took much convincing. That being said, he is so charming, I would probably go with him as soon as he asked too.)
I love winter movies, we saw curling, we saw the leads skiing, we saw dog sledding and the views were pretty.
The plot was okay. I understand why Joe hesitated to tell her the truth and it's a forgivable excuse, and I think Courtney took it quite well, while it was a problem, it wasn't something serious.
And most reviewers are right, the music, specially in the final scene, was too loud, I could barely hear what they said.
Pretty standard stuff except ...
Jackbv12330 January 2021
I never realized there was such a thing as a personal travel concierge, but I guess the premise isn't that much different than say a party planner. Can't say that switching an average Joe for a billionaire is that common for a premise, but still the whole thing wasn't that unusual. Then there is what I call "the hanging lie" or "hanging secret". That always goes the same way - you know what's going to happen. There were no great highs or lows or big surprises.
Nazneen Contractor and Brooks Darnell were both new to me this past Christmas season and I can't say either one impressed me in the combined four previous movies I've seen with one or the other. But something connected for me in this movie. I guess that's what chemistry is between the leads. I also enjoyed Erik Athavale's part as Gabe. (Interesting that he's reunited with Darnell.)
I just plain enjoyed the movie. I enjoyed going along for the ride.
Hallmark often has great winter scenery which is true again.
Nazneen Contractor and Brooks Darnell were both new to me this past Christmas season and I can't say either one impressed me in the combined four previous movies I've seen with one or the other. But something connected for me in this movie. I guess that's what chemistry is between the leads. I also enjoyed Erik Athavale's part as Gabe. (Interesting that he's reunited with Darnell.)
I just plain enjoyed the movie. I enjoyed going along for the ride.
Hallmark often has great winter scenery which is true again.
Did they match?
charlotte-1122327 January 2021
Enjoyed it but music too loud at the end!
angelsusan27 January 2021
Loved all the activities, actors and especially the scenery. Chemistry was good and would like to see more of Brooks Darnell in future movies.
Canada looks like a beautiful country and the filming locations are gorgeous. Winter movies are always my favorite so I would definitely love to see more areas.
Unfortunately, once again the music overwhelmed the last half hour and I could NOT hear what was going on! I don't know if this only happens in certain areas but it's a problem.
Great movie otherwise and now I have a craving for Root Beer :)
Unfortunately, once again the music overwhelmed the last half hour and I could NOT hear what was going on! I don't know if this only happens in certain areas but it's a problem.
Great movie otherwise and now I have a craving for Root Beer :)
Loved Lead Actor
MyTinderbox7 February 2021
The movie deserves a 3 or 4 rating. Predictable storyline from very beginning. I rated it a 7 because I loved the lead actor and his unique acting choices throughout the movie. Very likable character. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the fabulous scenery. Canada has a lot to offer. Other than those two examples, this movie is nothing special.
addition to my review
taylornan25 January 2021
A Winter Getaway - "One of the best Hallmark films*
psmusicpro24 January 2021
Particularly during this world-wide pandemic, The Hallmark films have been a perfect oasis for my wife and me. The lead actors are charming, consummate actors. They took the words written by a fine writer and made the story believable and seamless. The director also honored the writers' story. It was refreshing to see this film slightly deviate from the usual Hallmark format. I would gladly recommend this film to everyone. The viewer will spend a fast 2 hour in a beautiful setting with an excellent cast.
*This section may not end up with my sincere review above. Hallmark, I think you should read and discuss my observations. I have had a long career in the music production business. The music in this film is well written and performed by professional musicians. However, in the last 15 minutes...the two lead actors are having a very honest and loving conversation...but by most accounts the viewer will not hear the writers script or be able to respond emotionally to the two actors portraying impassioned feelings in their facial cues and vocal delivery. Why? Because for some reason, either the director, music composer or the music mix engineer at the final dubbing session decided to diminish the writers words and the actors performance by pushing the level of a singing vocalist way above the level of the actors voices. Invariably this "punch it up" surge in the singers track happens at the most important story point of the film. Thereby robbing the viewer of the time they have invested in watching the film. That is bad enough, but not six minutes later, the singing vocalist again "steps" on the last few lines of the film where the leads are trying to plan their future. This technique, of adding a song near the end of a drama, has become a popular cliche'. Grey's Anatomy is the most consistent offender of this cheap trick. For example: A lady's husband has died suddenly, by an excessive injection of the wrong medicine. At the end of the drama the apologetic Dr talks to the decedents wife..." but this is where the predictable, obligatory song that has nothing to do with the story must be sung over the Dr's apology and wife's grief.
*This section may not end up with my sincere review above. Hallmark, I think you should read and discuss my observations. I have had a long career in the music production business. The music in this film is well written and performed by professional musicians. However, in the last 15 minutes...the two lead actors are having a very honest and loving conversation...but by most accounts the viewer will not hear the writers script or be able to respond emotionally to the two actors portraying impassioned feelings in their facial cues and vocal delivery. Why? Because for some reason, either the director, music composer or the music mix engineer at the final dubbing session decided to diminish the writers words and the actors performance by pushing the level of a singing vocalist way above the level of the actors voices. Invariably this "punch it up" surge in the singers track happens at the most important story point of the film. Thereby robbing the viewer of the time they have invested in watching the film. That is bad enough, but not six minutes later, the singing vocalist again "steps" on the last few lines of the film where the leads are trying to plan their future. This technique, of adding a song near the end of a drama, has become a popular cliche'. Grey's Anatomy is the most consistent offender of this cheap trick. For example: A lady's husband has died suddenly, by an excessive injection of the wrong medicine. At the end of the drama the apologetic Dr talks to the decedents wife..." but this is where the predictable, obligatory song that has nothing to do with the story must be sung over the Dr's apology and wife's grief.
Good movie
provvident24 January 2021
Predictable, boring but nice scenery
taylornan25 January 2021
Sumptuous Scenery!
KehDBug17 March 2021
I thought everyone did a good job with what they had to work with, and they are definitely attractive. However, I found the movie boring. We've seen the forced drama ad nauseum where a failure to disclose information must be resolved in the eleventh hour. But kudos to the location scouts for a breathtaking view of winter in all its majesty. And, this particular storyline has not been done to death, so there's that.
Very enjoyable!
Mysterylover-601981 February 2021
Another Hallmark Winner
Tigerbai124 January 2021
The co stars have great chemistry. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy this new Hallmark romantic comedy. Set in Banff it makes you want to go on vacation yourself even if you hate the cold. Moral of this story is money is really nice, but is not the most important thing. My wife and I both enjoyed watching this one. I've seen many Hallmark movies and they keep surprising me. They never get old for me. Enjoy.
Too unbelievable for words
dianemohr27 January 2021
The scenery, mountains, snow, etc. were beautiful but the set-up was just too much. If the friend was paying for this vacation, no one would stay in this high end room when they KNOW that this is not the room the friend paid for. Who's paying the difference? For the male lead to insist that the luggage guy and others call him by his first name is unrealistic, as the staff know they may get in trouble for being too familiar with the guest. The script made him seem too much like a country bumpkin and a liar. Sorry I just couldn't buy it, even thought the leads were nice to look at and somewhat charming. Hallmark should use them in other movies with better scripts/set ups and ending.
Strong on Cast, low on hokey
rickhickman24 January 2021
A refreshing movie with divine scenery and 2 very strong leads. Unfamiliar with both lead actors, they were both highly likable and had strong and believable chemistry. It also made me want to take a vacation to Canada!
Hokey X10; unbelievable, contrived, mediocre acting
Sir-Fred25 January 2021
A real concierge would NOT have believed he was a rich guy for one minute. Way too many clues. That whole setup not believable.
The "regular Joe" (haha-that's his name) parts are super forced and contrived.
I just couldn't get over the hokey factor to enjoy it at all.
The "regular Joe" (haha-that's his name) parts are super forced and contrived.
I just couldn't get over the hokey factor to enjoy it at all.
A unique story that proves that kindred spirits attract one another, and what's meant to be it'll be, regardless of life's challenges or one's insecurities.
luvnalaja28 January 2022
Nazneen Contractor and Brooks Darnell
have always given stellar, believable performances with ease and class.
Their connection is effortless in this movie!
Brooks is so likable and enjoyable to watch as an honest to goodness, trustworthy, cool, but humble, and sweet male lead.
Nazneen conveys a gorgeous inner strength, but yet so much warmth and realness to her character.
What a refreshingly unique plot, with unexpected outcomes (compared to what we're used to in many other Hallmark classics). They kept me engaged and wanting to know what would come next. It was beautifully shot, with stunning landscapes that made me feel I was vacationing along with them. Yes, loud music in the end, but can't pick apart an entire good movie for a small mistake.
However, don't expect to have the same type of experience if you stop a movie a hundred times.
If you didn't even gave it all your attention, please don't post a public review as it is not fair to the movie nor to all who worked in it.
There are still some universal themes; we can all relate to the love of family, finding true love, shared values that make us closer, to fighting for your dreams, etc.
These universal themes, human experiences and values, and happy endings are the reason people look forward to see these movies every season, and year. However, unique story lines allow us to escape into other people's lifestyles and experiences. This movie had both familiarity and uniqueness, which is rare to achieve or see these days.
It's a shame some people are so biased, they cannot bring themselves to rate films with minority leads or cast fairly, and they even dare to leave back handed compliments that do nothing, but show their biases very clearly.
You liked it, it surprised you, it's a good movie, but you still rate it low? Hmmm. Oh, and then there's the plain old haters who seem to leave an untrue or mean spirited comment, just to do damage. Not cool! We see you too, and that's wrong!
I invite open minded people, who see everyone as "human beings" first and foremost, to give themselves the opportunity to watch this and other hallmark movies with minority leads and cast, and rate them in a fair, objective, and unbiased way, as it should be.
I'm very pleased with this beautiful movie, and others done since 2020, which have shown classy, and culturally diverse stories that celebrate family and love in all its forms.
Please have Brooks and Nazneen back in many more films!
Bravo to Hallmark for making a commitment to be a network that employs diverse casts and champions inclusion! Please continue to do so always, and continue making beautiful movies! Lord knows our nation needs to see our stories, our children need to see themselves represented in people who look like them, and our actors need the platform and the opportunities.
I celebrate and support them all! Bravo!
Their connection is effortless in this movie!
Brooks is so likable and enjoyable to watch as an honest to goodness, trustworthy, cool, but humble, and sweet male lead.
Nazneen conveys a gorgeous inner strength, but yet so much warmth and realness to her character.
What a refreshingly unique plot, with unexpected outcomes (compared to what we're used to in many other Hallmark classics). They kept me engaged and wanting to know what would come next. It was beautifully shot, with stunning landscapes that made me feel I was vacationing along with them. Yes, loud music in the end, but can't pick apart an entire good movie for a small mistake.
However, don't expect to have the same type of experience if you stop a movie a hundred times.
If you didn't even gave it all your attention, please don't post a public review as it is not fair to the movie nor to all who worked in it.
There are still some universal themes; we can all relate to the love of family, finding true love, shared values that make us closer, to fighting for your dreams, etc.
These universal themes, human experiences and values, and happy endings are the reason people look forward to see these movies every season, and year. However, unique story lines allow us to escape into other people's lifestyles and experiences. This movie had both familiarity and uniqueness, which is rare to achieve or see these days.
It's a shame some people are so biased, they cannot bring themselves to rate films with minority leads or cast fairly, and they even dare to leave back handed compliments that do nothing, but show their biases very clearly.
You liked it, it surprised you, it's a good movie, but you still rate it low? Hmmm. Oh, and then there's the plain old haters who seem to leave an untrue or mean spirited comment, just to do damage. Not cool! We see you too, and that's wrong!
I invite open minded people, who see everyone as "human beings" first and foremost, to give themselves the opportunity to watch this and other hallmark movies with minority leads and cast, and rate them in a fair, objective, and unbiased way, as it should be.
I'm very pleased with this beautiful movie, and others done since 2020, which have shown classy, and culturally diverse stories that celebrate family and love in all its forms.
Please have Brooks and Nazneen back in many more films!
Bravo to Hallmark for making a commitment to be a network that employs diverse casts and champions inclusion! Please continue to do so always, and continue making beautiful movies! Lord knows our nation needs to see our stories, our children need to see themselves represented in people who look like them, and our actors need the platform and the opportunities.
I celebrate and support them all! Bravo!
Stiff as a board
folsominc227 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Just because Hallmark puts in two pretty people does not make a good movie. The hero, although good looking and has a great voice, was stiff as a board and not a very attractive personality. The heroine all she could do was smile but she looked way older than the hero.
There is zero chemistry buildup between the two and they look like they were just going through their motions.
I wish them both luck in their future careers but the movie was a great disappointment.
There is zero chemistry buildup between the two and they look like they were just going through their motions.
I wish them both luck in their future careers but the movie was a great disappointment.
Different Than Regular Hallmark
pattersonjamie-1207926 January 2021
Obviously Hallmark doesn't like techies...
picturestothewind27 April 2022
Hallmark is now in the habit of making glaring and obvious mistakes in their movies and just not caring about quality. Sometimes one, sometimes many.
Some mistakes are horrible and some trivial, but it feels like Hallmark thinks we the audience are just too stupid to notice.
One example of many in this movie - actor says "cachet" instead of "cache". No techie that ever lived would make this mistake. If the script had the wrong word, fire the writer. If the actor screwed up... ever Google anything? Google Translate does have a pronunciation feature.
Some mistakes are horrible and some trivial, but it feels like Hallmark thinks we the audience are just too stupid to notice.
One example of many in this movie - actor says "cachet" instead of "cache". No techie that ever lived would make this mistake. If the script had the wrong word, fire the writer. If the actor screwed up... ever Google anything? Google Translate does have a pronunciation feature.
Why I am a Hallmark Fan!
ginasharp24 January 2021
This is a new favorite! I so enjoyed the characters and the setting. I just love the ones where there is no dead spouse and / or no "old flame". This is a great storyline where a couple meets for the first time. There was no wierd awkward moments or overly "Perky" facial expressions. This seemed more like a real experience, real people meeting and falling for each other. Loved it, a MUST watch!
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