Duck: Friends, sometimes two lead actors have such great chemistry that hanging with them is even easier than paddling through a bowl of pondweed soup. And that’s how it is with Brooks Darnell (playing Joe) and Nanzeen Contractor (playing Courtney) in A Winter Getaway.
Star: I really enjoyed these two! And although the screenplay didn’t have a great deal of originality at times, it was full of good vibes, and warm and sweet.
Duck: As a duck’s behind?
Star: Well nothing’s that sweet, duckfriend. But these lead actors did a wonderful job of elevating the screenplay with their chemistry and nuanced performances. I really enjoyed them both!
Duck: The premise? Joe wins a luxury Canadian getaway (no Canadian geese involved) with his own private, stunningly gorgeous concierge who mistakes him as a millionaire duck … no wait—just as a millionaire. Enjoying the dream, he doesn’t ducking correct the assumption, because Hallmark heroes can be prize goobers. But what happens when the pair fall in love and he has to come clean?
Star: There is some light theming, too, around being prepared to take a risk to create a meaningful career, and it works very well.
Duck: Also, flipper-shaped kudos for a story where (small spoiler) the protagonists are allowed to actually fall out about something big, work it through, and get back together.
Star: Plus, dog-sledding! Woohoo!
Duck: On that note, I was ducking relieved when Star told me those huskies definitely don’t eat ducks.
Star: Did I say that? Hmm….
Duck: And extra flipper-points for two leads of color and a racially diverse cast! But the barn quote … what the duck?
Star: The one that went, “Did you think I was born in a barn?”
Duck: Yes! I mean I was born in a barn and I’m super-ducking awesome! And aren’t we meant to be all about diversity? Ducks born in barns should also be represented in Hallmark movies.
Star: Well said, ducky-doo. I am NOT going to argue with that. Thanks for reading, friends!
At the time of writing, you can watch A Winter Getaway here:
Amazon Prime / Hallmark Movies Now
Cover image courtesy of Hallmark Movies Now and Star Tavares
Romancey Pants 
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