Snow Bride (2013 TV Movie) User Reviews

Hallmark Has Another Winner! Enjoyable, Predictable Holiday Fare with Appealing Leads!

[Esselleee · 7/10 · 25 May 2014]

I have to admit that I am a sucker for the Hallmark Channel's holiday movies. I look forward to their annual, 2-month long "Countdown to Christmas" extravaganza with the giddiness of an excited child waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Hallmark's movies are warm, inviting and comforting, and they envelop me in holiday spirit, like a cozy winter blanket or a cup of hot chocolate. The plots are good-natured, usually a bit flimsy, and always predictable -- and yet I am drawn into the stories they tell as though I think something new and unexpected is going to happen at the end of each one.

In the case of "Snow Bride," I expected a standard, lightweight, family-friendly, thinly outlined romantic comedy -- and that's precisely what I got. However, it seems surprisingly modern and fresh.

One highlight of this movie is that the two romantic leads in "Snow Bride" (the striking Katrina Law and Jordan Belfi) are impossibly attractive, and they have genuine chemistry. This is not to say that other actors in other Hallmark productions are unappealing, but many times the couplings fall flat in the absence of any true sparks. The "Snow Bride" duo, however, sparks left and right.

Also, the repartee between "Greta" and "Ben" throughout this movie is fairly snappy, witty, and clever, which had me wondering if Hallmark hired some new writers...or maybe just better actors?

I suppose the only reason I am not assigning a higher rating to "Snow Bride" is that the circumstances under which our two leads meet seem a bit implausible and preposterous, although that is generally the formula for many of the Hallmark holiday romcoms that I already love.

Overall, though, "Snow Bride" is one of the better installments in Hallmark's pantheon of reliable, feel-good Yuletide fare. It's not going to win an Emmy, and it's not going to provoke deep thought, but it is as sweet and delightful as a sugary piece of Christmas candy, and that's all I need it to be.

Nice Film to Watch

[Christmas-Reviewer · 7/10 · 12 September 2016]

Greta Kaine (Katrina Law) is always in search of juicy gossip. As a tabloid reporter at "Pulse! Gossip" in Los Angeles, it's her job to expose the rich and famous for the entertainment of the magazine's readers. So when word gets out that one of the late Senator Tannehill's two sons might be proposing marriage at the family's Big Bear compound during Christmas, Greta and her chief rival Wes (Tom Lenk) are challenged by their old-school editor to get the scoop. There's incentive to be the first, too-- the editorship of the magazine's new online incarnation.

Greta's assistant tells her that Wes has a head start to snowy Big Bear, so she dashes to the mountain resort. When she mistakenly ends up as a guest of the family, she's in the middle of what could be her best story yet! However, she soon discovers that the family, including matriarch Maggie Tannenhill (Patricia Richardson) and caretaker Peters (Robert Curtis Brown), are more down-to-earth than she ever gave them credit for. Increasingly guilt-ridden about her game of subterfuge, Greta must make a decision: how far will she go for the sake of a story?

This film was surprising. The "Kennedy" type family in this film are not mean spirited at all. They are nice. They are just press shy and afraid of letting new people into their lives. The film is worth watching. Kids will Be bored but its meant for a slightly older audience

Another winner for the romcom crowd, thank God television still turns them out

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 3 December 2013]

Great (Katrina Law) works for a blab magazine in the Los Angeles area. Single and very pretty, she nevertheless has been unlucky in love. One of her friends is getting married soon and Greta, good friend, volunteers to pick it up from the bridal boutique. But, wait! Just then she gets a call about trailing a famous political family up in the mountains of California. Dashing off in her shorts, she drives the car into a snowbank and starts to get the big "chill". Needing extra clothes, she puts on the wedding gown and then tumbles down a hill. At the bottom is a good looking guy, Ben (Jordan Belfi) who swears he is the caretaker of the nearby mansion of the famous family Greta is to find. Ben asks Greta about her dress, is she a runaway bride? Playing along, Greata says yes. No one is there to blow here cover. But, not so Ben. Soon it becomes clear that Ben is the elder son of the rich politician and it is expected that he will announce a decision to run for office. Just at this critical moment, Ben's younger brother shows up with a new girlfriend. Horrors! She's Ben's old flame, a true golddigger. Thinking quickly, Ben asks Greta to pretend to be his current squeeze. She agrees to play along. But, what will happen when the secrets start coming to the surface? This nice film is funny and romantic. It has all a romcom lover could wish for, that is, an attractive cast, a beautiful setting, sensational costumes, an energetic direction and a clever script with plenty of twists and turns. Even if its snowing to beat the band, fans, try to get a look at Snow Bride.

Funny.

[crystal-viola45 · 7/10 · 19 June 2018]

The plot was nice, the chemistry was good. there was no awkwardness between the two main characters and there weren't many cliches in the movie. It's probably the best Hallmark movie for Katrina Law, and the same goes for Jordan Belfi, I can't remember seeing them doing better -or any other- Hallmark movie.

Let it snow

[Jackbv123 · 7/10 · 1 November 2017]

One common plot device is what I call the hanging lie, or the looming lie. Well instead of her having one and him having one, in this case, Greta is part of both of them.

Of course the reveal ruins everything in Greta's life, but there are a couple little twists yet to come.

Katrina Law is a talented actress and she does well in this movie. She and Jordan Belfi have some chemistry, although there is too much going on in the movie for them to spend enough screen time together to really sell it. Except for two people, all the supporting cast is good also. I suspect Susie Abromeit and the guy playing the boss did as they were directed, but I thought both were a little over the top and cliché in their parts. She was so transparent and he was more unreasonable than he had to be.

This movie did not exploit all the Christmas themes as much as most Hallmark Christmas movies do, so there was not so much of the heartwarming stuff I enjoy.

As I implied, I think this movie would have been better if they'd found a way for Katrina Law to show more of her talent and work it with Belfi more, but overall it was still enjoyable.

I can't say enough about this one.

[rebekahrox · 9/10 · 28 November 2019]

When one sees one of these early Hallmarks, it is evident how the brand has slid into mediocrity in the last year or two. I guess it's to be expected, considering the sheer volume that are churned out nowadays. It is evident also in how much kinder I am in my ratings now. My standards have well and truly slipped. My expectations are so low, that when I actually enjoy one, it is kind of an event. I've re-watched a few of the older ones that I have given low marks to, and finding that, comparing to what is aired nowdays, they weren't all that bad.

Snow Bride had everything I love about the Hallmark movies and is so rare today. It was both funny and witty. The image of her tromping and tripping through the snow in her friends wedding dress had me laughing out loud. It had some funny repartee as well. The suspense of waiting for the truth to come out had me in a state of anticipation throughout. The big reveal had me cringing for our heroine and the comeuppance to the bad guys was very cathartic. The evil ones had me hissing and booing. There were some heart tugging moments and a satisfying twist near the end that I didn't see coming. Considering the vaunted predictability of Hallmarks, this was a real coup. Excellent writing. The actors were all great. Patricia Richardson was wonderful and wise as the mother. I loved the secondary romance and the story behind it. Very affecting. Katrina Law had great comic timing and also brought emotion to her role. she's no Teri Polo, Meredith Hagler, Autumn Reeser or Melissa Joan Hart, but she was just fine. Unfortunately she was not served well by the make-up artist. Bobby Campo as the brother added depth to his redeemed character. He is a favorite of mine from subsequent Hallmarks. The hero, Ben was a bit blah, but was very handsome. It really had all the ingredients. I wish Hallmark would go for quality over quantity, but at least they still show these oldies but goodies from time to time.

The Domesticated Unmarried Man: Does He Exist in the Wild?

[boblipton · 6/10 · 10 November 2013]

Katrina Law is a reporter for a gossip magazine. She winds up invading a political family in a wedding dress; since one brother is dating the ex-girlfriend of the other, she winds up pretending to be the girl friend of the ... well, it's all put together pretty well in this decently written Hallmark Channel romantic comedy.

My reviews of Hallmark romcoms frequently seem cynical. That is a reaction to the cynical manner in which they are assembled to appeal their audience. The leading ladies are all brittle, driven, unattached, beautiful professionals who need to connect to their hidden niceness. The men vary over the lot until they end up thoroughly domesticated. However, in this one, Jordan Belfi STARTS as the good-looking scion of a rich, truly decent family. He wears elk-pattern sweaters and drinks chamomile tea of his own free will. He could be a senator for the asking, but yearns to write romance novels. He almost cries a couple of times and probably likes cuddling and long, romantic walks on the beach. It's another chick flick with a Christmas background. It could have been rewritten slightly for Arbor Day.

There's nothing wrong with this particular genre of movie, no more than with a western, or a murder mystery, or a buddy picture. However, neither is it incumbent upon us to cheer wildly every time the beautiful young woman discovers happiness in the arms of the handsome young man with the assumption that this time it's for ever after. Sometimes some one puts in some extra effort or some major talent gets interesting. Sometimes you get something where you want your time back. Most of the time, however, what you get is something to kill a couple of hours; and that is okay.

And so is this one. There are a couple of nice plot twists that drive the story and which make sense because of the characters. There are the older supporting actors who perform their roles gracefully, simply and interestingly. The establishing shots up by Big Bear Lake are pretty and if the music is again too intrusive and controlling, that seems to be another aspect of this particular genre. I just wish they could change the last.

Chemistry

[asherthomas · 9/10 · 19 May 2018]

This is an amazing Hallmark movie and if you are looking for genuine chemistry between the two leads in this case look no further than Snow Bride with It's leads played by Katrina Law and Jordan Belfi.

Another Hallmark movie with genuine chemistry between the leads is A December Bride where the leads Layla and Seth are played by Jessica Lowndes and Daniel Lissing.

If you are looking for a good feel good Christmas movie try these out you won't be disappointed.

Christmas gossip

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 14 April 2020]

Hallmark's Christmas offerings have always been a mixed bag. Some are good, some are lacklustre or even bad and some are somewhere in between. 'Snow Bride's' premise could have gone either way in execution. It could either have been a heart-warming, feel-good sort of Christmas film with a real feel for the festive season and better than average acting or it could be charmless and mean-spirited with a lot of predictability and characters not easy to get behind.

'Snow Bride' fortunately is one of the good Hallmark offerings, definitely among the better ones seen as part of my festive Hallmark/Lifetime etc. quest that started around November last year with a lot of spare time on my hands. It is not perfect and reading the synopsis part of me was preparing to not like it as it didn't sound promising at the start and neither did the lead character. Am very glad about giving it a chance without too much prejudice.

It doesn't contain any surprises or much new, if you are familiar with the festive Hallmark formula you have a pretty good idea how things are going to go and map out.

Also didn't find Greta likeable at first, am aware that's the intention at first but she comes over initially as very obnoxious and representative of what really irks me regarding the media and journalism, what her job does is pretty much faithful to what that particular profession does in real life but somehow it didn't sit right with me and felt a little overplayed.

Once 'Snow Bride' gets going, being a film that also takes time to find its footing, and Greta starts to grow as a character, it becomes a better film with enough of what Christmas films should be like. The production values are very pleasing to look at, nice use of locations slickly shot. The music captures the Christmas feel very well and is not near as over-scored or intrusive as too many of later Hallmark films. The script has moments of cheese, but mostly flows nicely and has a light-hearted and sweet tone without being sugary.

Despite the predictability, the story does have a good deal of charm, is light on its feet and warms the heart. Much of the pace doesn't drag and the characters are generally not one that bored or irritated me, despite not warming to Greta straightaway. Nice to see characters that actually show growth. The acting is better than average, with solid supporting turns and very engaging lead performances in particularly Katrina Law, who essentially is the film. The chemistry between the actors has spark and the love and conflict are done believably.

Summing up, surprisingly good. 7/10

Actors or whisperers?

[williamsaetre · 30 October 2019]

Seldom have I seen such dull, yet self-indulgent performing. I would never call this acting. They are all whispering, and it leaves the viewer wondering what is so intimate between the actors which shuts us out. At the end of it all, one can only ask one's self, "who cares?" Boring.

What this movie did not have, made it a tad better than some others.

[adoptshelterpetstoday · 5/10 · 17 December 2014]

Perhaps if Hallmark didn't brag so much about their up-coming new Christmas movies in the previews, then I wouldn't have such high expectations...and I wouldn't be so disappointed.

After seeing this movie several times, I still couldn't find anything enticing about it...or warming...or fun...or delightful. But I did find that it had PLENTY of deception and nothing.

The plot was all based on deception: "Greta" lied to everyone about who she was....."Ben" and "Greta" created a deception about their relationship...The mother and her live-in "friend" held back their info and continued to deceive after knowing who "Greta" really was.....the brother's girlfriend had deceptive motives with her engagement.

The plot...the lines...the players...all were ho-hum.

On the favorable side:

It did not have any annoying players...which some Hallmark Christmas have.

It did not have blaring "background" music and / or atrocious "singing" to drown out the dialogue...which is typical of Hallmark's Christmas movies to have.

Definitely Worth a Watch

[Anonnamus · 9/10 · 10 January 2019]

Hallmark mass-produces Christmas movies by the dozen and they are, for the most part, interchangeable. Although not particularly unique, it's still a charming and heartwarming story with two characters who just mesh well together. Katrina Law is unlike I've ever seen her before (I only know her from Arrow), and her expressive eyes and face and goofy nature steals the show. Patricia Richardson is wonderful as the male lead's mother, exuding a natural warmness that many other actors try too hard to convey. The chemistry between the two leads are what makes this film stand out from other holiday flicks. I definitely recommend this one.

Transformation from brat to beneficent beauty

[MickyG333 · 7/10 · 24 November 2022]

I was skeptical at first. She is a bit rough around the edges, not the feminine sweetheart we anticipate for a wholesome movie. Around 20 minutes, there are glimpses of a softer side, or at least personable. Around 45 minutes I was getting warmed up to the idea this might suffice as one of the slightly above average Hallmarks. By 75 minutes I had forgotten I was trying to find faults, and I hadn't seen anything remotely negative for a while. This movie was really growing on me. At 90 minutes I realized I had been hooked for a while, and the best scene happened at the perfect moment. It's the scene with all the family as secrets are revealed. All in, let's go, what's next...

There are a few moments of pure joy, she is a heart-melting actress. He is great, and I'm pretty sure the ladies love his mysterious, yet gentle, and vulnerable personality. Not to mention, he's just a great guy, and he's wealthy, but not the sort that lords it over people, or parades it. He's the prince of a man that cares not for fame, or fortune, he just wants to love his work (writing) even though he's supposed to be a politician as his father was.

All of the support cast are great, no disappointment there. Frankly, when the support cast don't ruin a movie, it can have wonderful potential beyond the norm. In this case they don't get in the way, and so this movie has the chance to shine - enough to equate to a solid 6.9 for me.

Why are they digging through the snow to find a ring that was just tossed? It wouldn't bury into the crusty snow like that. "Details", to quote a line. Get it right director.

I was captivated by this movie, although it was a long time coming. You might have to wade through the first 30 minutes to appreciate it. If you aren't all in by 45 minutes, move on with your day. The end was also great, so way to cap it off. Girl power, dreams come true, all is well, and a fairy tale ending.

Not much fun

[utgard14 · 5/10 · 11 November 2015]

A tabloid reporter (Katrina Law) trying to get a scoop on a Kennedyesque family winds up meeting one of the rich single sons (Jordan Belfi), lies to him about who she is so she can get the story, then falls in love with him and feels bad about her revolting career choice. If there was ever a Hallmark romcom that was propped up by one person, it would be this one. Katrina Law is the only thing about this that isn't completely forgettable. Having seen her playing tough chicks in the Spartacus and Arrow TV shows, it was nice to see her tackle a romantic comedy role. Still a tough chick (of sorts) but a different kind. But there's only so much she can do here as the predictability of the script (this is Hallmark, after all) and the unlikable nature of many of the characters works against her. Plus there's this skeevy undertone to so much of this. The lying, the scumbag tabloid press, the guy dating his brother's gold-digging ex, etc. It's just not much fun to watch, despite Katrina Law doing her best to keep things light.

Predictable? Not exactly how you expected a Hallmark to go

[dataferret-87524 · 7/10 · 20 December 2021]

Long time reader, first time reviewer. The two paparazzi reporters are the weasel-ferrets you detest, with Greta having a gradual change of heart due to snowballing (pun intended) circumstances. It has the usual formula of unlikely tangled-web woven complications climaxed with the misunderstanding / anger / rejection... except things are actually not what they seem, and a leap of faith is tested (along with well-deserved revenge). Let's just say that politically-savvy Mom and Dad didn't just fall off the rural produce transport vehicle, by any means.

It'd be nice if Hallmark would get a little more racy and lose some of the pabulum G-rated fare, but that's not gonna happen - which is why, all things being equal, I'll select a Lifetime over a Hallmark movie. This one's a good exception.

She was Destined to be his Snow Bride

[gehewe · 9/10 · 19 December 2018]

We watched this movie 4 years ago and have just watched it again. Katrina Law was perfect for this role. We also liked her in 12 gifts of Christmas (2015). I like the way one reviewer described this type of plot as "the Hanging Lie". She is a reporter trying to spy on a senators family and if the senators son ever finds out she thinks this new found romance is over. The tension sure makes the movie interesting. Jordan Belfi who I had not seen before is in the male lead. Also have Susie Abromeit who starred in An Unexpected Christmas a.k.a A Perfect Christmas (2016) which was not that good. Bobby Campo has been in My Christmas Love (2016) and Sharing Christmas (2017) which weren't my favorites. It is nice to have Patricia Richardson (Jill on Home Improvement) in this and she adds a lot as the mom. The title is perfect.

Could Have Been a Theatrical Release

[Dark_Lord_Mark · 10/10 · 3 December 2016]

This movie could have been in the theaters. It has a Hollywood motion picture plot and acting.

It has charisma and charm. The characters are rich and wonderful and do their roles. Ben is a politician who dreams of being a writer and Greta is a reporter who simply wants to get a story. This plot has a few twists and turns and is surrounded by a Christmas feeling. I don't even think Christmas was even mentioned in the movie, but it did have that wonderful feeling of good humored and natured fun.

I keep waiting to dislike these types of movies, but they are so well written and acted, I cannot. This movie is a 9 out of 10 and another must see.

Don't Waste Your Time

[mmccrady · 2/10 · 13 December 2018]

The main actress was obnoxious. Whether it's her acting her character, it was a bit much. There are plenty of other great Christmas movies to watch that I wouldn't waste your time on this one.

Loved the Movie, but I am Looking for a Song from the Movie

[candygremlin · 10/10 · 17 November 2019]

I know this is odd to ask in the review section, but I have been trying to find out where I can buy either the soundtrack for Snow Bride or find the song, "Northern Lights" by Ilsey Juber. For some reason, all of the other songs from the soundtrack I found except for this one. Does anyone know if it is available to buy?

So flippin' Adorable

[debejere · 10/10 · 19 December 2018]

You too are so good together! Hands down! If you like romance you will like this one. I only wish Ben could have shown more for Greta. And Greta for Ben. Works needs more Ben and Greta's

Cheesy but still okay

[RNMorton · 8/10 · 1 February 2021]

Katrina Law is one of the tops in the Hallmark romantic feel-good stable. In this one she plays an investigative reporter who wrecks her car on the grounds of the subject family of her next assignment. One of the sons is unattached and away we go. I actually think the reporter stuff was totally unnecessary for this, the story worked fine as it went without it. But Law is always appreciated and everyone in the family - particularly Richardson - plays well despite the awkward plot.

It has everything you'd want from this sorta film

[r96sk · 9/10 · 2 December 2020]

My favourite made-for-television Christmas film.

'Snow Bride' is excellent, in short. I honestly love every detail of it, it easily surpasses any other made-for-TV production; from what I've seen so far, anyway. Great casting, top notch music and an entertaining plot.

The chemistry between the cast is impressive. Whether it be between Katrina Law and Jordan Belfi, or Belfi and Bobby Campo, or those two and Patricia Richardson, or between her and Robert Curtis Brown. You get my point, they all work super well together. They are all, including Susie Abromeit, enjoyable but Law and Belfi are the most terrific.

I mentioned it earlier, but big credit to Russ Howard III for the music; which fits very nicely. The writing is shipshape, sure it does hit the usual cheesy beats here and there but it actually comes out positively - thanks to the onscreen talent. The film also has the all-important festive vibe to it.

I've actually watched this every Xmas for a few years now, which is very rare for me - I don't even watch 'The Polar Express', my all-time favourite Christmas film, as often. It has everything you'd want from this sorta film, whilst being nice and short. Watch it!

Amazing!

[brookenichole-98054 · 9/10 · 2 December 2020]

Snow Bride is amazing! The whole family has fantastic chemistry along with the romance between Greta and Ben. The music, story, and directing is great. I loved watching the emotional connections forming between all the characters. Plus, the Christmas decorations are gorgeous. Overall, this is one of the best Hallmark movies!

Great movie

[kall6695 · 9/10 · 13 October 2019]

A journalist searching for a big scoop rams her car into a snowbank and the only thing in her car she to put on is her friend's wedding dress. So she trudges through the snow in the dress searching for help. As typical in Hallmark movies, there is lots of charm, a villainous character, lots of Christmas spirit. A sure thing to watch every year.

Hallmark Golden Era

[ConchordsCanFly · 8/10 · 6 December 2019]

I agree with a previous poster about Hallmark being at the top of their game in the 2013 season (I mean, A Very Merry Mixup is definitely entertaining). While I'm always a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, this one is for sure one of my favorites. The lead actress has a fun personality to where it makes sense that A-Team Ben Stiller would fall for her so quickly. For the whimsy of the Hallmark franchise, this one carries a bit or realism in the characters while maintaining its magic. I could only give it an 8 though because tickle fights make me incredibly uncomfortable.