One Winter Weekend (2018 TV Movie) User Reviews

OK but far from great

[Jackbv123 · 6/10 · 21 January 2018]

The story is complex and contrived. A lot of points don't make sense which is normal for these movies, but in this case they were too much for me. How does the CEO of a company only get half the chalet, but get a $500 gift basket also? Some of the bosses in these movies are slave drivers, but this one, while not mean, is ridiculous. Apparently she doesn't sleep and works 24 hours even on weekends. The premise that Ben's dating life affects his company's bottom line also sounds a little ridiculous. As a sub-plot, the idea that Megan's wrist injury means she can't use a phone at all is also silly. There are just too many silly and contrived plotlines.

Taylor Cole and Jack Turner do connect establishing a comfortable relationship, outside of the secrets. Still Jack Turner is a little reserved. Rukiya Bernard looks like someone to watch for as a possible lead in future Hallmark movies. She connects with Dewshane Williams to form a much more realistic relationship than Cara and Ben's. Both of these relationships are pleasant enough to watch in and of themselves until the silly plot messes up at least the one.

OK, but.......

[beachy-38431 · 7/10 · 25 January 2018]

I agree with the previous review that this movie was just OK. I also agree that the winter cinematography was exceptional. I like the way cinematographers are utilizing drones lately, especially in winter scenes. Jack Turner looks a lot like Noah Wyle. He is new to acting and his acting is OK, but not memorable yet. With more experience it should improve.

One stand-out is very pretty and talented Rukiya Bernard. I hope Hallmark taps her for a movie of her own in the future. I also thought that Bea Santos was the prettiest actress in the movie. I see she had the lead in Christmas Encore which I enjoyed much more. At least Hallmark did not have the recent "rinky-dink" music they have been using.

One of the Better Hallmark Movies

[hnhoran · 7/10 · 20 April 2019]

Started out funny and ended fantastic!!!! I loved this movie and it's one of the better Hallmark movies I've seen

just Hallmark

[Kirpianuscus · 26 June 2019]

If you love the Hallmark winter romance cliches, it must see it !Because each of them is present and, in essence, it is a nice thing. The ice princess, the good heart guy, who preserve secret his identity, the boss ignoring the weekend of her people, the correct policy in racial percentage, the revelation and storm changing everything. The coffee cups, the secret dreams and memories of childhood and, off course, the lovely friendship. Nothing new but not boring . So, just Hallmark.

One Winter Weekend

[studioAT · 6/10 · 20 January 2021]

It was nice to see a little more diversity on display in a Hallmark film, with there being almost two love stories playing out here.

If I were being cynical though I would say that the black couple do come across more as the supporting pair though.

I thought this was a fun film on the whole, with some nice little deviations from the standard Hallmark format.

There is a sequel I believe too.

pretty good

[novagirl11 · 6/10 · 3 February 2018]

A pretty good one as Hallmark movies go, but if we had been playing the drinking game, we'd be pretty drunk!

Worth Watching

[athompsonblue · 7/10 · 26 December 2021]

I liked the movie, though I don't understand why Taylor Cole's character is so snooty in the first half.

The best friends were enjoyable to watch as a couple. They should have gotten more screen time.

It was nice that it wasn't just a romance. Three of the leads make decisions about their careers. It's a movie about the freedom to your wings.

Some movies are worth watching more than once.

[MIssM19 · 9/10 · 22 January 2018]

Yes, the title is a pun. Cara and Ben are from the same neighborhood in Seattle but they have never crossed paths. She is a journalist who dreams about publishing her own mystery book. He is the CEO of a snowboarding company who got into some "trouble". One thing led to another and they find themselves sharing a chalet on the mountains. So they are "forced" to share a space and they start spending time together and liking each other.

The story was complex and it had an original plot considering they always use the same ones and it was not as "empty" as some of these movies tend to be but I personally think this is as good as they get. Taylor Cole and Jack Turner's chemistry is insanely good (it's all in their pupils) and deliver an acceptable and enjoyable performance.

I really enjoyed Shawn and Megan's storyline as well as the fact that there were no ex boyfriend/girlfriend involved in the story: you know, when they break up and show up out of the blue to get them back? Always a bonus for me. The one thing I didn't like that much was that the ending felt rushed. I know they a have to last 1hour and 23m but with only two more scenes the ending would have been perfect.

Edit: I actually didn't even remember these two had already worked together before. I may have to watch "My summer prince" again.

While I enjoy Hallmark movies, I can count with my two hands the movies I would watch again, and I may include this one to the list...

Edit 10january2019: I rewatched this two days before the sequel and I still love it. I'm not even sorry.

Not a Hallmark I'll rewatch

[jensenholmesPA · 5/10 · 22 January 2018]

I watch a lot of Hallmark movies. I love the winter theme of the four "Winterfest" movies of 2018. This film is mostly set at a ski resort. The scenery is wonderful and the snowboarding theme is fun. The production is very slick. But I didn't feel much real "heart" or chemistry in this movie.

I think where it fell short for me was in the lead actress, Taylor Cole. She seemed like an ice princess (no pun intended), very cold and distant and bitchy. Especially bitchy and princess-y at first. Even once she "warmed up" in the storyline, she still struck me as someone I wouldn't like in real life. Kind of a "mean girl" vibe. The lead actor, Jack Turner, was good but not memorable. Maybe it was because of the lead actress he had to work with.

For me in these Hallmarks, I find two things can push them from serviceable to ones I love and will rewatch. The first thing is the script. I love the particularly witty or funny scripts like the recent "Love Always, Santa" or "The Seven Year Hitch". The second thing is the lead actors and their chemistry. For example in "Broadcasting Christmas", I loved the quirky and warm Melissa Joan Hart and the ever-boy-next-door Dean Cain. In the case of 'One Winter Weekend', the script never rose above formula, the lead female was not likeable, and I wasn't feeling the chemistry between the leads.

On the plus side, I liked the side romance with the bffs, Rukiya Bernard and Dewshane Williams. She's super cute and I hope she does more Hallmark.

In sum: If you love Hallmark, worth watching once, but I won't be saving this one.

Fun and fabulous

[jkruse1010 · 10/10 · 17 September 2020]

Great pairings, both leads are great with each other

In the flat, cold winter

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 27 April 2021]

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.

A Real Winter Love Story

[MovieTVRomanceFan · 9/10 · 20 January 2019]

I thought this was a wonderful winter love story watching Cara and Ben fall for each other while in a cozy winter restort together. While they may have gotten to a rocky start and while a few misunderstandings along the way, they managed to find their way to each other. Plus I'm happy how they both managed to find the courage for their respective careers and lives. It's never easy, but they did what was right for them. The chemistry between them felt so real, especially their moment in the cabin together. It's really good film to watch over the winter. However, I wish there was more focus between Megan and Sean as well since they are the secondary main romantic love story of the film, but there wasn't much focus or development for their love story although we did get a few good scenes between them.

drama-lite romance

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 20 January 2019]

Cara Reneau (Taylor Cole) is tired of the dating expectation and given up dating as her New Year resolution. As a magazine relationship writer, her boss is concerned especially if she is to be promoted to editor. Due to a last minute cancellation, she joins her best friend Megan (Rukiya Bernard) on a ski vacation. The problem is that another mistake has forced them to share a chalet with Ben Livingston and Sean. Cara and Ben do not get alone. Obviously, they're destined to be together.

Taylor Cole can project a cold hard character. It's a little different this time. It may be her dye job or her friendship or simply her character. There is more softness which helps in a Hallmark movie. The drama isn't that heightened. Their connection is inevitable after the initial meet-cute conflicts. Time and time again, the drama is turned down. It's fine for this type of movies. I really like the cuteness of the best friends. Rukiya is great. It's always an expectation to grade these movies on a curve. I'll meet that halfway and say this is almost tolerable.

I love this movie- this may be my favorite movie of all time

[rjmcneel · 10/10 · 14 September 2019]

This movie makes me feel so comforted I love it so much!

flat and boring

[taylornan0909 · 4/10 · 4 April 2021]

I didn't like any of the other "One Winter" movies so I don't know why I tried to watch this one. The lead actors have zero chemistry.

The leads

[poolede · 8/10 · 19 January 2022]

I wouldn't normally comment on the looks of the leads. But holy cow, both of these people are just gorgeous. The fact that they can also act is wonderful. A really nice Hallmark movie.

I also love the story. How to create a story about snowboarding just Hass to be really difficult. But all of these actors are just wonderful. And I will reiterate, that the two leads, are just beautiful. And I like their chemistry. Bottom line this is really worth watching.

Straight out of a romance novel

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 19 January 2023]

8.2 stars.

I don't think I will ever tire of movies like this. It's packed full of witty and intelligent dialogue. It's possible some of the conversation is bloated and conceited, but I was in the right mode for it. The sarcasm is refreshing for the setting. Ben (Jack Turner) is CEO of a sporting goods company unbeknownst to the ladies, so for now we will imagine he has a secret identity. Cara (Taylor Cole) writes mystery novels as a hobby, but works as a romance journalist for a magazine. Sean is an orthopedic surgeon, and Megan is a support staffer at the same magazine as Cara. The women book a chalet in a resort in Eastern Washington State, and the men are booked into the same chalet by some mistake. Grab a bowl of popcorn and watch the fireworks.

After a very icy cold start, Cara soon warms up to Ben and the romance blossoms. Eventually Sean and Megan have a spark as well. This story is easy, fun, adventurous, a little intriguing, a bit of mystery, and quite intelligent. The two leads are bookworms, which they soon discover about each other, and quickly become birds of a feather.

This is a very enjoyable romp (nothing risqué) at a ski resort, all of our characters eventually become cosy, what's not to love about this film? This will put a smile on your face, it's exciting, and the snowy mountain landscape is natural and breathtaking. There is a lot of elation to be had with this movie experience. No surprise there are sequels to this gem.

Not that good

[jesusfreak-00881 · 4/10 · 7 January 2019]

I rarely write reviews, and completely agree with those on here that the secondary couple was for more interesting than the main couple.

I also agree that this isn't Taylor Cole's best (but I love her in Christmas in Homestead).

However, the biggest issue for me might seem paltry to others - the complete factual inaccuracy when discussing And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. It's been out forever - it's not that hard to get it right - and yet Cole's character arrogantly corrects/informs her paramour that his guesses for the ending on whodunnit are wrong. She's supposed to be a mystery writer who loooooves mystery books, and yet she's completely wrong.

He guesses two people to be the killer, and one of his guesses is correct. She tells him both are wrong with an air of superiority. It bothered me that they'd not only have something so wrong, but have it said in such an arrogant manner by a character who SHOULD know.

Couldn't take it seriously after that. It's like when Hallmark throws in a classic or respected author/actor/theme without knowing anything about it. With google alive and well, it's not even remotely hard to get your facts straight.

The perfect wintry escape, especially if Snurfing is your thing

[innerlooper96 · 9/10 · 29 January 2023]

One Winter Weekend is a romantic comedy/drama that takes place in a ski chalet, which automatically makes it a little feast for your eyes. Cara is played by Taylor Cole, and Megan by Rukiya Bernard (sp)- the latter is my new recent fave on Hallmark. The lead male characters are great, but I truly loved Dewshane Williams; he just cracked me up the entire time.

So many summaries of this movie are provided, so you won't need another from this review; what I will highlight are the types of things that I love most to help you decide if you would enjoy this.

The Scenery is epic, and I'm not a fan of cold weather, but it's beautiful.

The chalet setting automatically makes you feel like you're along on the journey, which makes it a great escape from your regular couch.

The actors are all attractive, young, and in the prime of their professions; if you are a working person, you'll love the way you can relate to a lot of the ridiculous-boss issues, and so much more. If you're a stay-at-home parent, you may still love that aspect, but I'm speaking as a middle-age non-mom who has been working for far too long.

The 'chic' factor in this movie-- moments of dressy occasions - are pretty slim pickings, so it's not something you'd watch for that "royal christmas" feel. It's also NOT a Christmas movie, it's just a winter movie.

The sporty side of the guy characters can help throw a bone to all the people who find romantic Hallmark movies a little silly; you can get some great insight on snowboarding by watching the Trivia scene (haha-- not to mention, it's the most hilarious. "Snurfer"! ) THe chemistry I loved best was actually between Rukiya and Dewshane, followed by the chemistry of Rukiya and Cara as buddies.

I'm short on praise for Jack Turner, who is certainly not a poor actor in any way. I just find him un-captivating, and his appeal to me was around the level of excitement I feel when my coffee is lukewarm. It's just not that great, but not the worst.

Watch this movie if: you're interested in fun friendship dynamics, genuinely joyful people (Rukiya), and the importance of taking risks in life. Don't watch if you dissect the story lines and find gaps in logic. In fact,that's the joy of Hallmark movies, so best to avoid HM if you can't allow yourself to escape reality a bit.

Worst makeup application

[p_bartko · 2/10 · 10 January 2021]

I couldn't get over the horrible eyeliner drawn on the female characters. It was so distracting, I couldn't watch the story. It was like mixing a romcom with a Chucky doll. Creepy....in a bad way.

A fairly gentle romance

[VetteRanger · 8/10 · 8 January 2023]

We watch a lot of Hallmark Christmas romances and their mystery movie series, but virtually none of their non-holiday romances. However, while perusing their schedule after this year's Christmas movies were done, I found a few other titles that interested me, including this one.

Given what I just mentioned, I was amused to recognize this movie as one of the handful we HAD watched in recent years. LOL We enjoyed it both times. We start out with an antithetical romance kicked off with the reservations mix-up cliche, which throws our leads together.

The writers smartly put the leads together through much of the movie, making their relationship building more believable, and you've got to admit they make a great looking couple.

This movie was popular enough it became a trilogy, with One Winter Proposal and One Perfect Wedding to follow. We'll watch those, too.

Same Old Same Old

[icewineannie · 4/10 · 28 June 2020]

Picturesque British Columbia is the only reason to watch this film. The writing is so lame, with the predictable plot of girl distrusting boy (who happens to be super rich & wonderfully philanthropic). Of course he's hiding from the media and she has no idea who he actually is. Hallmark.....phuleese get better writers!! 4 Stars for the location

An indifferent movie

[constantina-dellopoulou · 2/10 · 7 November 2019]

Not much af a success I'm afraid. Of course there are worse than this, yet, there are better also. Taylor Cole's acting is bad, she is as cold as ice and there is no chemistry between the leading actors. The other couple is better. There are also some annoying loose ends in the plot, which makes the film very poor. Conclusion: An indifferent movie....

Taylor Cole

[krichter-24724 · 1/10 · 23 December 2018]

I think she needs to take acting lessons. I thought everyone did a great job with the exception of Taylor Cole. You shouldn't have made a sequel to this movie, or you should have replaced her part with someone else. Why don't you make a sequel to A December bride, I love that movie.

Whitening

[PlasticActor · 2/10 · 7 January 2024]

Winter...get it? Actually more along the lines of teeth, and nervous smiling. The teeth are great so - - 2 stars. Unfortunately great teeth don't make good acting, unless stuck in a toothpaste advert. In fact this whole movie feels like it only has 60 seconds, so I do feel for the actors when rushed. When they were dancing the director was still shooting close ups and cutting to each actor for every line. Let them dance! So many problems here. Oh yes, that flat soundtrack just drones on and on dragging this into Christmas movieland. Not hard rock /rap music, but something with some romantic feeling like Latin jazz or Bossa Nova/Samba to end the serious yak yak, at least the smiles are gone... It elevated them a few years above high school.