If you have seen your fair share of Hallmark Christmas films, it would be safe to say that you are very likely to know what to expect on the most part (there were some change of paces but not all came off). Especially regarding the pretty samey stories due to mostly following a formula, and one shouldn't expect any more. Have seen my fair share myself and have always watched them with mixed expectations. That are either met and even exceeded, or the film completely misses the mark and does little with any potential.
'One Winter Weekend' is one of the Hallmark films that doesn't meet or exceed the mixed expectations had. Part of me thought that it looked quite good and have also seen a good deal of surprisingly good Hallmark Christmas films of late, but part of me was not particularly wowed by the story and Taylor Cole has always varied for me as an actress. It also doesn't completely miss the mark. It does however do too little with its potential.
A good deal is done well. What especially redeems 'One Winter Weekend' is the way it looks. To me, this is among Hallmark's best looking films, for primarily the absolutely spectacular scenery that gives off a festive vibe better than most Hallmark Christmas films. There are enough times where the soundtrack is pleasant and has a nostalgic quality.
Most of the cast come off well. While Jack Turner is a likeable and pleasingly subtle leading man, the best performance comes from the radiant and sparkling breath of fresh air that is Rukiya Bernard. Dewshane Williams is fun and charming as well, and his chemistry between him and Bernard crackles. It has been said by many that their subplot is much better than the main plot and do have to absolutely agree, a lot more entertaining and investable by quite some way.
This is coming from somebody who didn't care for most of the main plot. Too much overwrought and contrived drama and too many things that leave more infuriating questions than answers. The plot feels dull and padded, while also feeling senseless in motivations and why things happened the way they did. Everything happens pretty much exactly how one predicts, the film is routinely directed and there is nowhere near enough heart or charm (like having a pudding with no flavour).
Furthermore, the plot is burdened further by very soapy (even for Hallmark) writing and no chemistry whatsoever between Cole and Turner. Their relationship doesn't really go anywhere and they seem too distant with each other. A major problem in 'One Winter Weekend' is Cole, who never looks comfortable and is far too much of an ice queen with no warmth generated. Hated her character too, her arrogance constantly going too far to the point that she becomes insufferable and one really questions what people see in her. The writers did a good job in not making her likeable and not only succeed but take it to extremes.
All in all, very average and underwhelming, that one subplot is much better than the other makes it feel disjointed. 5/10.
