'Baby it's Cold Inside' was hardly one of those doomed from the start kind of films. Despite it being a familiar scenario, that has been used in some of Hallmark's previous Winterfest films, hotels are always great to see on film and have been used to memorable effect many times (i.e. The Plaza Hotel in 'Home Alone 2'). Have seen the leads in other things and when the material is good they are too. Despite mixed expectations, there was some potential.
Potential that is not really lived up, which did annoy me as somebody that hates wastes of potential of all else when watching film and television. 'Baby it's Cold Inside' is not an irredeemably terrible film, haven't said that yet for any of Hallmark's 2021 output, but it to me was very weak and never really grabbed my attention in most areas and as an overall film. Hallmark's 2021 output was hit and miss, but not as bad as it could have been considering the difficult circumstances, but 'Baby it's Cold Inside' is one of the misses.
Am going to begin with the good. The scenery is spectacular and even more magical is the character of its own that is the hotel. One of those places where a stay during winter would be strongly considered.
Steve Lund does a good job with what he has to work with, charm comes very naturally to him.
Jocelyn Hudon however came over as very bland as a character that doesn't have much development or personality. She and Lund lack chemistry, which needed a lot more playfulness and charm than what was given. The romance wasn't realistically developed and plays second fiddle to the events going on in the hotel, it takes too long to find its groove and then rushes its way to the finish line with not enough time to go. The supporting cast are stuck in typical Hallmark cliche roles and are not very memorable.
The story goes at a rather sluggish pace and has too little content to sustain the length. What there is just follows a basic and done to death formula that is familiar ground for Hallmark, and does so in a run of the mill and characterless way. There is just nothing to it. The conflict with the hotel manager makes little sense and feels thrown in, not enough is done with it too, while the ending is rushed and abrupt.
Furthermore, the script is cheesy and mundane and can sound awkward. Didn't care for any of the characters other than some moments with Lund and the music is over-scored and over-used. The direction is routine at best and plods at worst.
In summary, weak. 3/10.
