Was on the whole not very impressed with the 2020 Winterfest films. Didn't "hate" any of them and none of them are among the worst 2020 Hallmark films, but of the five the only above average one to me was 'Winter in Vail'. The others were mediocre at best. Absolutely have no bias against Hallmark, one can see actually with past reviews of mine for their overall output that a fair share of them surprised me in a good way although there were certainly also a fair share of stinkers.
'Amazing Winter Romance' is one of the stinkers and is the complete opposite of amazing. As far as 2020 Hallmark films go, it is down there with the worst and of the five Winterfest films from 2020 it gets my pick as the worst. 'Amazing Winter Romance' is not irredeemably awful and has a few good things, but those good things are overshadowed by the numerous major flaws. This is coming from someone who did see it from an open mind and who wanted to like it.
Beginning with the few things that 'Amazing Winter Romance' did right, it looks professional and pretty. The scenery in particular is of sheer beauty and people are not exaggerating when they say that the maze is the best thing about the film. There are a few pleasant moments in the soundtrack.
There are also a few good supporting performances. From Bob Magel, Nancy Sorel and adorable but not over cute Zoe Fish.
On the other hand, neither Jessy Schram or Marshall Williams cut it as the leads. Schram is stiff and at times tries too hard while Williams looks bored and doesn't look as though he wanted to be there. There is absolutely no chemistry whatsoever between the two. Melissa Marie Elias comes over as very hammy, quirkiness can be endearing and fun but when it is overdone to extreme levels it comes over as irritating. The characters are not well developed at all and are mostly dull or annoying.
Furthermore, the script rambles in a mundane manner and sounds awkward. The music mostly is completely forgettable and has little personality and the direction is routine. The story is excessively predictable from dull start to contrived and too neat finish, with nothing new done with a more of the same scenario filled to the brim with typical Hallmark plot and character cliches. The conflict is thin and lacks tension, while the story is paper thin and burdened by the pedestrian pace and the lack of charm and heart.
In summary, weak. 3/10.
