Lacey Chabert has always struck me as very watchable and can understand why she is a Hallmark favourite, though will agree that it was time that she toned things down a bit. Tyler Hynes is likewise worth watching more often than not, despite not all his films being good (same with Chabert). Was not sure about whether 'Winter in Vail' would be good or not, due to not caring for most of the 2020 Winterfest films and finding 2020 a very variable year for Hallmark (especially the Christmas output).
'Winter in Vail' however surprised me in a pleasant way. It is not great, only a small handful of Hallmark films in 2020 were nearly that, or flawless (none of Hallmark's output in 2020 or any other year are). 'Winter in Vail' does though succeed more than it fails, despite being very predictable and cliche ridden it does benefit from the leads, their chemistry, the scenery and that it was fun. As far as the 2020 Winterfest films go, this gets my vote as the best.
As said, 'Winter in Vail' is imperfect. There is absolutely no doubt how everything is going to map out or end, the Winterfest films are quite samey structurally and 'Winter in Vail' follows the formulaic structure to the letter pretty much. Making it predictable too many times, especially in the final third, and pretty much all the standard Hallmark cliches are here.
Did think too that Hynes' character could have had more development, had no problem with Hynes' performance but his character was pretty one dimensional and one doesn't learn a huge amount about him that is illuminating, we know the basic bones but not an awful lot more. The ending is too easy and could have taken its time more.
However, a lot is good. A big selling point being the leads. Hynes has a lovely easy going charm and great comic timing, while Chabert gives one of her more subtle Hallmark performances without dulling her personality down too much, she's also quite amusing. The two of them have great chemistry together, the only chemistry of the 2020 Winterfest films to be more than above average. Just loved how playful yet also sympathetic it was. The supporting cast are solid. While the characters are far from complex, they were ones worth caring for.
It is a good looking film visually, regardless of the lack of authenticity/accuracy the scenery is gorgeous and taken full advantage of in the photography. The music has been known to be overdone and intrusive in Hallmark, it is pleasantly festive here. The script is playfully light-hearted and has a good deal of heart without being sentimental. The story is far from perfect, but it was clear what it was trying to do and wanted to be and it is very charmingly cute and heart-warming.
Overall, nice film. 7/10.
