Decent love story, awful skating, weird casting choice. From the very start of the movie, it was obvious that the actress was way too old to be portraying a famous figure skater. Most retire in their mid to late twenties and she was definitely in her thirties. And if she's a gold medalist, she should be doing triples left and right along with spinning, jumping, etc. I'm no expert, but that was pathetic.
The romance was sweet, the daughter with the French cereal name was sweet. The mom was sweet. The stuff with the coach was stupid, but I guess they had to throw some drama in there somehow.
Anyway, decent Christmas movie.
22 Reviews
Above average.
rebekahrox5 November 2020
Nice chemistry from Hallmark fave Niall Matter and his costar put the cherry on top of this one. Good story with some tension and suspense and the bad guy turns out out to have some comic potential as well. Lisa Whelchel is charming as the Mom and her secondary romance with Niall's brother? Uncle? fills the time nicely. Fits in with the Hallmark ethos without the usual themes of saving the (fill in the blank), town v. country, or royal imbroglio.
Dear writers, please research what a triple Axel is...
elli_ejf6 June 2020
The movie was cute, and the main characters likeable. I liked the storyline. But omg could the writers not do some basic research on figure skating? That was novice level skating at best, and trying to pass off a loop as a triple Axel??? lol. A stunt double who could actually do triple jumps (as needed to be a national medalist), and getting rid of those stupid spotlights would have gone an awful long way into making the skating scenes more convincing.
Cute movie, bad skating.
susanharvey-2366926 November 2019
This was a very cute and charming romance. But the skating was bad. This was not a woman with the skating skills and jump technique of a national champion. And that was not a triple axel. Also, a silver medal at Nationals most likely would've gotten her to Worlds as there are typically 2 spots open for Canadian or American female skaters. So her medal in the beginning should've been a bronze. Anyways that's just details that only fans of figure skating would know so it probably doesn't matter much to the general audience. It is a really adorable romantic movie that the whole family can enjoy.
Gorgeous Backdrop for a 6 star
andrewdgreen-7191412 December 2020
Great movie with great scenery and predictable story line. Obviously the writers know nothing about ice fishing. Five people never share one hole in the ice and worms and standard fishing poles are not used by ice fisherman! In the ice skating scene the little girl is given like two minutes on the ice. Ridiculous! Otherwise a nice family movie with a common ending!
Falling for Christmas
TheLittleSongbird27 July 2021
Christmas films can go either way, which has been my experience watching overtime the festive output of primarily Lifetime and Hallmark. They can either be well-meaning, charming, warm-hearted and don't feel too heavy. Or they can be too over-sentimental, cheesy, contrived and bland. There have been many films of theirs that have fallen in both camps and in the camp where there is a bit of both. And 'Snowcapped Christmas' did have the sort of premise where the execution could have gone either way.
Despite the concept not making me go wow, 'Snowcapped Christmas' did sound very cute. The setting also sounded nice and have liked Niall Matter in other things. 'Snowcapped Christmas' turned out to be a lovely if unexceptional watch, nothing blew my mind and very little frustrated me at the same time. There are better Christmas films out there, but also far worse. This is a high middle effort as far as my recent Christmas film viewings go.
'Snowcapped Christmas' isn't perfect. Its biggest and most glaring problem being the ice skating, which shows real lack of research and is very basically choreographed and danced. For such a high goal, it did seem unrealistic that the ice skating is as basic as it is and inaccurate.
Expectedly, 'Snowcapped Christmas' is pretty predictable and has some slow stretches early on. Much of it was easily telegraphed early on and is played a little too safely. The conclusion is too neat for my liking as well.
However, there is a lot to like here about the film. It is very nicely shot with the scenery having a cosy charm. The music is not over-bearing or syrupy and is quite nostalgic. There are enough amusing and sweet moments in the writing, even having a nice and not too preachy message, and the film is hardly without soul. Actually found much of it still very charming and heart-warming, as well as easy to like. The direction didn't in my mind come from somebody who didn't care, the character interaction was not stiff or static and the spirit of Christmas is handled just about right.
Furthermore, the characters were investable and are neither too perfect or over-flawed. Leah Renee and Matter are immensely charming leads, especially Renee, and Lisa Whelchel sparkles in her role. The daughter is also played very endearingly, no cutesiness or brattiness and actually comes over as relatable.
Concluding, nice film despite the ice skating and that there is not much new. 7/10.
Despite the concept not making me go wow, 'Snowcapped Christmas' did sound very cute. The setting also sounded nice and have liked Niall Matter in other things. 'Snowcapped Christmas' turned out to be a lovely if unexceptional watch, nothing blew my mind and very little frustrated me at the same time. There are better Christmas films out there, but also far worse. This is a high middle effort as far as my recent Christmas film viewings go.
'Snowcapped Christmas' isn't perfect. Its biggest and most glaring problem being the ice skating, which shows real lack of research and is very basically choreographed and danced. For such a high goal, it did seem unrealistic that the ice skating is as basic as it is and inaccurate.
Expectedly, 'Snowcapped Christmas' is pretty predictable and has some slow stretches early on. Much of it was easily telegraphed early on and is played a little too safely. The conclusion is too neat for my liking as well.
However, there is a lot to like here about the film. It is very nicely shot with the scenery having a cosy charm. The music is not over-bearing or syrupy and is quite nostalgic. There are enough amusing and sweet moments in the writing, even having a nice and not too preachy message, and the film is hardly without soul. Actually found much of it still very charming and heart-warming, as well as easy to like. The direction didn't in my mind come from somebody who didn't care, the character interaction was not stiff or static and the spirit of Christmas is handled just about right.
Furthermore, the characters were investable and are neither too perfect or over-flawed. Leah Renee and Matter are immensely charming leads, especially Renee, and Lisa Whelchel sparkles in her role. The daughter is also played very endearingly, no cutesiness or brattiness and actually comes over as relatable.
Concluding, nice film despite the ice skating and that there is not much new. 7/10.
**IF THE ICE IS CRACKING, LIE DOWN!!!!
dbh85012 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I hate it when the protagonists in film are idiots.
The film is a bit of fluff, forgettable, perfect if you're sick in bed and don't want to do much thinking.
Actors did well with what they had. I always like films including my own sports - I did a LOT of skating when I was young. And... that's a problem here. The skating was TERRIBLE. I'm 65 - I would have been a better stunt double than the actress was as a skater, and that's absolutely terrible. Why didn't they hire someone who can truly skate?
ANY winter sport athlete knows to check ice before getting on it. And we ALL know that if ice is cracking, you LIE DOWN to distribute your weight and reduce the VERY high PSI from standing. In this ridiculous bit, the professional skater is "frozen" in fear when the ice starts to crack. Really?? She's a pro and doesn't know what to do on cracking ice? And the man, MUCH heavier than she, walks to her, PICKS HER UP, and carries her off? MASSIVELY increasing the PSI. They both would have been in the water. That drove me bats, I'm afraid.
The lttle girl is cute but not off-puttingly so. Actors have fairly good chemistry. Sets are nice. Location is good. Script/dialogues made me cringe a bit. I despise "cute" comments. Oi.
Nice, benign story and benign happy ending. Sometimes you're in the mood for that.
The film is a bit of fluff, forgettable, perfect if you're sick in bed and don't want to do much thinking.
Actors did well with what they had. I always like films including my own sports - I did a LOT of skating when I was young. And... that's a problem here. The skating was TERRIBLE. I'm 65 - I would have been a better stunt double than the actress was as a skater, and that's absolutely terrible. Why didn't they hire someone who can truly skate?
ANY winter sport athlete knows to check ice before getting on it. And we ALL know that if ice is cracking, you LIE DOWN to distribute your weight and reduce the VERY high PSI from standing. In this ridiculous bit, the professional skater is "frozen" in fear when the ice starts to crack. Really?? She's a pro and doesn't know what to do on cracking ice? And the man, MUCH heavier than she, walks to her, PICKS HER UP, and carries her off? MASSIVELY increasing the PSI. They both would have been in the water. That drove me bats, I'm afraid.
The lttle girl is cute but not off-puttingly so. Actors have fairly good chemistry. Sets are nice. Location is good. Script/dialogues made me cringe a bit. I despise "cute" comments. Oi.
Nice, benign story and benign happy ending. Sometimes you're in the mood for that.
Such A Sweet Movie!
michaelgarykelley199423 September 2019
My fiancé and I watched the film, last night, and we had so much fun. We love these Hallmark movies around Christmastime, but we've now watched this one in late September lol.
The film was sweet, and really made us have that warm-and-cozy feeling that most modern Christmas films never seem to have. This was special, and we enjoyed it tremendously, even if it's formulaic for this type of movie. It worked on every level, and all of the cast were good.
I'd certainly recommend it, if you're a hardcore fan of Christmas stuff like we are!
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you, and merry Christmas!
The film was sweet, and really made us have that warm-and-cozy feeling that most modern Christmas films never seem to have. This was special, and we enjoyed it tremendously, even if it's formulaic for this type of movie. It worked on every level, and all of the cast were good.
I'd certainly recommend it, if you're a hardcore fan of Christmas stuff like we are!
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you, and merry Christmas!
Will the athletes find love??
kz917-19 June 2017
A bit lame and hokey but enjoyable. An international figure skater is sent to a mountain rehabilitation retreat center and meets a former hockey player and learns maybe there is more to life after skating. Cute premise and story, nice to see Lisa Whelchel from Facts of Life! The only thing that was "off" were the fake vista screens for some of the outdoor shots. Enjoyable overall.
Not your typical Holiday Movie
jewelch21 December 2020
I liked Falling for Christmas because it was not your typical holiday movie. The theme was about dreams but not just fantasy, it was about real life decisions. It was not a sugar-coated fairy tale yet it was full of drama and hope. The setting was interesting and beautiful. There was a good dose of comedy mixed in, just enough to give a chuckle or two. It left me with a good feeling and instilled a hope that there is always more to look forward to. I would recommend this movie to all ages. I enjoyed it very much. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 12 20 2020
A cute, non-offensive, light story that kept my attention
contestjunker29 November 2018
Like another review on here, I found the fact that Claire was considered a top skater with the routine she did a little hard to swallow. I am NOT a skater, but you did have to consider what skaters do to compete. Plus, she was lovely, but at her age to be still in the throes of competition really made you have to suspend your reality to enjoy the movie. That being said, I really loved this movie for it's lovely storyline, including the subline for her mom. It's a wonderful movie to curl up with on a cold night with a cup of tea and just enjoy.
Cute
Jackbv12329 November 2018
In a romance for me, whether it be Christmas or not, I put a lot of value in how much time the leads spend together. Leah Renee and Nial Matter have good chemistry. Gracyn Shinyei is just right as the daughter. She is just cute enough but not too much.
I was pleased with the ending partly because it didn't tie absolutely everything neatly in a bow.
I was pleased with the ending partly because it didn't tie absolutely everything neatly in a bow.
Hallmark Holiday movie, familiar themes, everyone is happy at the end.
TxMike21 December 2018
Canadian movie with Canadian actors, filmed in the Canadian mountains, my wife and I were able to watch it on Amazon streaming movies.
These Hallmark movies all have a familiar theme, two very attractive people who happen to be single for different reasons meet, there is mild friction at first, but as they get to know each other find they are in fact a perfect couple.
Leah Renee is 30-ish Claire Benson, figure skater who aspires to her country's championship in a few weeks but she has an injury. She is sent to a clinic at a resort in the mountains to see a specialist and recover properly.
Her limo stranded in the new snowfall she is given a lift by 35-ish Niall Matter as local Luke, driving his snowmobile. They don't know anything about each other but he is a retired multiple MVP professional hockey players so he probably owns the resort and everything near it.
It also happens that Luke has a young daughter, aspiring figure skater, who recognizes Claire, so there is that additional opportunity for bonding.
Overall a very pleasant movie with attractive characters and a bit of comedy from situations Claire's coach gets into when he visits her in the mountains.
These Hallmark movies all have a familiar theme, two very attractive people who happen to be single for different reasons meet, there is mild friction at first, but as they get to know each other find they are in fact a perfect couple.
Leah Renee is 30-ish Claire Benson, figure skater who aspires to her country's championship in a few weeks but she has an injury. She is sent to a clinic at a resort in the mountains to see a specialist and recover properly.
Her limo stranded in the new snowfall she is given a lift by 35-ish Niall Matter as local Luke, driving his snowmobile. They don't know anything about each other but he is a retired multiple MVP professional hockey players so he probably owns the resort and everything near it.
It also happens that Luke has a young daughter, aspiring figure skater, who recognizes Claire, so there is that additional opportunity for bonding.
Overall a very pleasant movie with attractive characters and a bit of comedy from situations Claire's coach gets into when he visits her in the mountains.
offensive to figure skaters everywhere
taraevesimons19 December 2018
The plot to this movie was cute, I guess, but they should have tried a little harder with the actual skating scenes. For a figure skater competing at nationals I would expect her to actually be able to do at least one triple jump. And to qualify for worlds barely being able to do a triple? Absolutely not. The spins were not impressive, and when they tried to pass off a triple loop as a triple axel??? I mean come on people. An axel jump is the ONLY figure skating jump you enter from a forward edge...I don't know how they thought their audience wouldn't notice that. If you want a good movie about a romance between a hockey player and a figure skater watch The Cutting Edge. Even though some of the skating in that isn't great, at least it's better than whatever the hell this was. But hey, if you know nothing, and I mean NOTHING, about figure skating, you might not even notice there's anything wrong.
Shown on tv As "Falling For Christmas"
Christmas-Reviewer1 May 2019
I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.
Claire Benton is a figure skater who is broken on the inside and out. Driven to the brink by her coach, she is forced to spend the weeks leading up to Christmas in the picturesque mountain regions of Western Canada at a sports rehabilitation center. While resting, Claire meets Luke, a single father and former Canadian hockey player. Forced to retire early from the game due to an injury, Luke now spends his time raising his daughter while running the local ice fishing and tackle shop. This unlikely duo locks horns only to discover they have more in common than they thought. A true man of the Canadian north, Luke teaches Claire all the activities that personify a Canadian winter - from snowmobiling and ice fishing to chopping down a real Christmas tree for the holidays.
This film was a nice change of pace. The romantic leads do not start off as adversaries. However this film is really not about "Christmas". "Christmas time" does not propel the story.
My biggest gripe about this film is that the "Worlds greatest sports doctor" would never work in this small town.
Claire Benton is a figure skater who is broken on the inside and out. Driven to the brink by her coach, she is forced to spend the weeks leading up to Christmas in the picturesque mountain regions of Western Canada at a sports rehabilitation center. While resting, Claire meets Luke, a single father and former Canadian hockey player. Forced to retire early from the game due to an injury, Luke now spends his time raising his daughter while running the local ice fishing and tackle shop. This unlikely duo locks horns only to discover they have more in common than they thought. A true man of the Canadian north, Luke teaches Claire all the activities that personify a Canadian winter - from snowmobiling and ice fishing to chopping down a real Christmas tree for the holidays.
This film was a nice change of pace. The romantic leads do not start off as adversaries. However this film is really not about "Christmas". "Christmas time" does not propel the story.
My biggest gripe about this film is that the "Worlds greatest sports doctor" would never work in this small town.
Entertaining but not for the right reasons
cehutton24 November 2018
I have to admit that I like these type of movies but this one cracked me up more than other for the wrong reasons. As a former competitive figure skater I really enjoyed making fun of the skating. The main female lead is supposed to be a famous figure skater. I don't know any current famous figure skater that can only do double jumps. Also she would never make it to Nationals or qualify for Worlds with double jumps. It's too bad they didn't find a stunt double that could do a few triples to make it more believable but I guess to most people who don't follow figure skating wouldn't know the difference. I also found it funny they used a spotlight on the skater at a competition. Overall it was still enjoyable and provided me with a few extra laughs.
Beautiful movie!
MIssM1916 January 2017
Wanted to watch this film for a while and I did not disappointed me, at all.
Just finished the movie, and I'm writing this review with a smile in my face. The movie was beautiful! The characters were amazing, the leading lady had the personality that ice skaters tend to have: they are delicate, sweet, sophisticated. The leading guy was great as well! Luke's daughter was lovely girl, not annoying at all. The best part of the story is that is believable, so is the plot, and the pre-ending drama. You will also laugh as well, that's Julian's part: the demanding coach who wants Claire to success so that HE can success. It is so worth the watch and I assure you that you will end with a smile in your face.
Just finished the movie, and I'm writing this review with a smile in my face. The movie was beautiful! The characters were amazing, the leading lady had the personality that ice skaters tend to have: they are delicate, sweet, sophisticated. The leading guy was great as well! Luke's daughter was lovely girl, not annoying at all. The best part of the story is that is believable, so is the plot, and the pre-ending drama. You will also laugh as well, that's Julian's part: the demanding coach who wants Claire to success so that HE can success. It is so worth the watch and I assure you that you will end with a smile in your face.
Cute Movie with beautiful scenery
spiffygirl-9768313 October 2019
My boyfriend and I enjoy watching Hallmark movies and we both enjoyed this one. It was light and enjoyable with beautiful mountain scenes. The warm indoor lighting and beautifully decorated Christmas trees give such a feeling of home as well. Overall good acting and an enjoyable film.
This is a good holiday fun
ADadandHusband28 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I liked this movie and it comes with the expected moments found in these holiday movies. There are two love stories going on and conveniently are matches between mother and daughter visiting a town and two guys that may be related but wasn't clear if it was uncle and nephew or brothers since the daughter referred to one of them as Uncle Lou. A little much on that the lead actor and actress were elite world class athletes rather than just good athletes (the guy was a 3 time Pro Hockey MVP). Good fun and with watching as expected it ends with everyone happy.
A Warm Fire
chiltonsjillfreeport29 December 2019
Warm and just-Christmassy-enough, I really enjoyed Falling for Christmas.
The casting was terrific, from Leah Renee and Niall Matter as leads Claire and Luke, to sizable supporting roles for Lisa Whelchel, Gracyn Shinyei and Lachlan Munro, and comic relief from coach Julian and clinic receptionist/hype gal Patty.
Best of all, Claire and Luke felt real. Imperfect, kind and relatable, especially their tentative attraction. With points for largely showing, not telling, us. We didn't need a big speech from Luke to illustrate what he loved about his quiet post-hockey life, even as we saw Claire shed her prima donna ways as she distanced herself from Julian.
It's a shame HMC didn't cast a better skater to stunt double for Claire or really scale back the competitive skating scenes. First rule of movies: don't talk about a triple unless we'll see it. (That Santa dress costume was a flincher, too.)
Yes, some of the fake mountain vistas were distracting, but snow scenes at the edge of the woods were really filmed there, a major improvement over most of these holiday romance sets.
Things were left unsaid; I appreciate it wasn't all tied up with a bow for us in the end. Sometimes 2 big decisions and a lot of winter quality time and affection make for a nice escape.
The casting was terrific, from Leah Renee and Niall Matter as leads Claire and Luke, to sizable supporting roles for Lisa Whelchel, Gracyn Shinyei and Lachlan Munro, and comic relief from coach Julian and clinic receptionist/hype gal Patty.
Best of all, Claire and Luke felt real. Imperfect, kind and relatable, especially their tentative attraction. With points for largely showing, not telling, us. We didn't need a big speech from Luke to illustrate what he loved about his quiet post-hockey life, even as we saw Claire shed her prima donna ways as she distanced herself from Julian.
It's a shame HMC didn't cast a better skater to stunt double for Claire or really scale back the competitive skating scenes. First rule of movies: don't talk about a triple unless we'll see it. (That Santa dress costume was a flincher, too.)
Yes, some of the fake mountain vistas were distracting, but snow scenes at the edge of the woods were really filmed there, a major improvement over most of these holiday romance sets.
Things were left unsaid; I appreciate it wasn't all tied up with a bow for us in the end. Sometimes 2 big decisions and a lot of winter quality time and affection make for a nice escape.
I Fell for this Christmas Movie.
gehewe11 February 2017
"Falling for Christmas" is a much better title than "A Snow Capped Christmas" because the story is about a Figure Skater. The actors were all very enjoyable- well done- enjoyed watching it. This is the first time I've seen the lead actress (who is 31 playing a 20 yr old- but it worked well). The lead actor was in "Finding Father Christmas" and he is very likable in both roles. The two were great together especially with the 8 year old daughter in the mix. In the supporting cast we have Blair from Facts of Life as the mom and Lochlyn Munro who played a part in Christmas Mail- 2010 (both these added to the film). I also thought the receptionist at the clinic was a nice touch.
I recommend watching it (especially for those familiar with women's figure skating), but it failed the doze test. I dozed a few times past the half point watching on a commercial free DVD. Little effort was put into making the figure skating scenes special. The plot: previous years Silver medalist from the National Women's Figure skating contest meets former NHL MVP (for 3 years) Hockey Star. I think that should have been toned down a bit to maybe a regional figure skating championship and a former pro hockey player.
I recommend watching it (especially for those familiar with women's figure skating), but it failed the doze test. I dozed a few times past the half point watching on a commercial free DVD. Little effort was put into making the figure skating scenes special. The plot: previous years Silver medalist from the National Women's Figure skating contest meets former NHL MVP (for 3 years) Hockey Star. I think that should have been toned down a bit to maybe a regional figure skating championship and a former pro hockey player.
doctors name
georgefhd29 December 2019
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