Fall Into Winter (2023 TV Movie) User Reviews

No spark

[Jackbv123 · 5/10 · 5 February 2023]

I'm glad to see Lori Loughlin back to work, but this movie felt like she mailed in her performance. I didn't feel like anyone or anything (except for Cherion Drakes) had much emotion. The story certainly didn't have any highs or lows or surprises. And didn't I see almost this same plot a couple of years ago. There are many of the usual formula plot devices including not one but two misunderstandings that threaten to torpedo the relationship.

I liked James Tupper in My Family Christmas Tree (which I've already watched at least 4 times) and after Brooks got past his change everything and squeeze every penny phase, Brooks was a pretty decent guy. But that's just it. Decent. But nothing special. I didn't think Tupper and Loughlin had much chemistry.

There's nothing bad about this movie. It is certainly Family Friendly which is one of the benchmarks (I almost said hallmarks which is the other network) of GAC Family. It is just too vanilla, not chocolate.

A pleasant movie

[christer_stabis · 7/10 · 28 November 2023]

First I want to say that I don't understand the bad reviews for this movie. I have watched a lot of these romance movies and I have seen a lot worse. In fact I really liked this movie. I thought they played well and I liked the characters.

Some says they didn't had any chemistry. Well, I think they had. Sometimes a relationship grows slowly and their characters developed and was believable. I liked that they were sincere and tried to get things to work. I thought the male character played an interesting and likable role. I thought they all played pretty well.

So I can only recommend this movie.

James Tupper needs to not be working in acting anymore...

[modellomelo · 5/10 · 5 February 2023]

The story is light and fun as you would expect for this type of film. The story is a little slow in places and very predictable. The music is annoying as others have said.

Lori does a nice job playing the single mom looking to keep her business profitable and has some funny comedic moments. She is a sold actress for these types of movies and happy to see her back.

James Tupper is stiff, emotionally void and delivered lines with such rigidity it was distracting. There was absolutely no chemistry between them. He also looked too old next to her and to fit the story of a business man when he looks like a retiree. It was impossible to imagine. He ruined the ability to suspend belief they would ever fall in love. He needed to bring warmth and humor but that was sorely missing from his stiff delivery.

I am a huge Anne Heche fan and if you listened to her podcast she often talked about James Tupper having been emotionally manipulative and emotionally abusive towards her while they were married. In one of her final podcasts before she died, she talked about how her time with him was one of the darkest parts of of her life and that she regretted having stayed in that relationship so long because of how she suffered with his lies, constant gaslighting etc..

These actors like James need to not be hired in Hollywood or GAC etc. Any longer otherwise it comes across as though their behavior is ok and being condoned. Especially when it comes to channels like GAC.

Oh, so painful

[crosemnnc · 4/10 · 31 January 2023]

I was really looking forward to Lori Loughlin's return. She needed a better script. She tried, but this movie was awful. Honestly couldn't finish it. She was good, but she could not carry the whole movie. The script was terrible. I never felt a connection between her and the male lead. He seemed boring. It was so predictable. The background music was annoying. I kept wanting to turn the music down so I could attempt to enjoy the movie. I restarted the movie 3 times and the music would start and I would get annoyed and turn it off. I could have tried the close captioning option, but that's aggravating also. Please keep her in the movies, but please find some better writers.

Disappointing

[jpk-84641 · 3/10 · 29 January 2023]

High hopes for this one and Lori's return to movies despite the many recent Christmas movie disappointments from Great American Family. Unfortunately, this was a huge disappointment with a distinct low-budget feel including: -Annoying background music throughout the entire movie -Terrible "winter" decor consisting of obvious fake snow carpets, cheap tinsel garlands, and odd leftover Christmas decorations.

-An unconvincing candy shop set with very little candy and no display cases, but plenty of diner-style counter stools.

-Absolutely no chemistry between the poorly matched leads.

-Awkward dialogue and a plodding storyline.

We Just Didn't Like This

[YabbaDabbaDabba · 3/10 · 2 February 2023]

It's difficult to identify why we deleted this on the DVR, because it was bad in so many ways. {And this has nothing to do with Lori's prison stretch. She paid the price and that's over}.

The premise of her her brother suddenly moving and pressing her to agree to sell his half to an investor was just not realistic. That successful investor guy walking in and trying to take over a tiny candy shop was ridiculous. The faked awkward chemistry was obvious. Who thought this setup was a good movie idea? A moron did obviously.

Bad script, awkward acting, weird circumstances, and just plain bad. So we hit delete and moved on. I gave it a "3" since I was feeling generous (and embarrassed for everyone involved). Here's a word of advice: Next time put on your thinking cap so you don't repeat this dog.

A disappointment

[grammajanie-28811 · 4/10 · 30 January 2023]

This was a big disappointment. I expected much more from Lori Loughlin. She was stiff and lifeless through the entire movie. Guess I thought she was a better actress than that. I get that her character was supposed to be introverted and - somehow, damaged??- but her portrayal was almost catatonic. There was a much better performance from the actress who played her friend. She brought some life into the story. The pace was very slow and plodding - I almost turned it off twice, but kept hoping there'd be a spark of something towards the end. Absolutely no chemistry between the 2 leads. This is an emphatic "no" for me - won't watch it again.

Charming

[debbieboucher-72898 · 9/10 · 27 February 2023]

This movie hit all the marks ! Lori and James had such believable chemistry, I found myself smiling through the whole movie ! Even the other actors who I had not seen before were very good and fit their parts. I loved the store, it was one like I used to visit as a child. I thought the giving aspect really made it, part of the charm. Taking gifts to seniors home, firefighters, and simply a piece of candy to people who came in the store would be exactly what I would do ! An old town community setting, where everyone knows each other. I just love these kind of movies ! Lori is so perfect in these kind of parts !

Pretty blah - plus unbelievable

[VetteRanger · 4/10 · 6 February 2023]

Okay .... so we have a locally-owned candy shop where the candy is handmade ... SLOWLY, and we virtually never see a customer in the shop. This place isn't going to survive a month, yet we have a savvy businessman with modern business ideals buying into it?

Nope.

Then let's take James Tupper. I'm sure we've seen him in some stuff where he showed some life, but that isn't in this movie. He put on the mantle of timid and awkward and apologetic for EVERYTHING and never took it off.

The romance is a typical antithetical romance, where at least one of the romantic leads seriously dislikes the other. Normally those are supposed to be funny. Nothing funny anywhere in this movie.

We were happy to see a resurrection of Lori Laughlin's career. We thought what happened with her was ridiculous. When California won't even charge someone who steals hundreds of dollars of merchandise with a crime, you're going to incarcerate someone who paid big bucks to get their kids into college? Great behavior? No. But save that cell for someone preying on innocent victims.

Just bad

[moho-40260 · 1/10 · 13 February 2023]

Let's start with the title--what does that even mean? Okay, I was never a LL fan, but curious, so I watched this and was mad at myself for days for wasting time on this. LL is terrible (I don't think she really was a good actress to begin with). She is stiff, stony, no sense of humor and has never left her town. She's 58 years old in real life, so I am assuming she's the same age in the movie and she's been in this town her entire life? JT is bland as bland can be and not believable as a brilliant investor. If he was, he wouldn't have invested in this candy shop. All LL's character talked about was how busy they were with Winterfest, and at this Winterfest, there was hardly anyone there. And someone pushing 60 shouldn't be reliving her high school days. Sadly it was just ridiculous and boring, and the end was as well.

Predictable, no energy or chemistry from the leading actors

[UdderBug · 3/10 · 29 January 2023]

The story is very predicable but if you are into these types of ultra simple, pedestrian movies and actually can suspend belief with the lackluster acting, then I guess it does it's job.

The premise is rather ironic, Lori plays a single mom with a daughter away at college (har har) in Europe and her brother thinks he's doing her a favor by getting her a new investor in her candy store. You can piece the rest together from the synopsis already published. James plays a money focused, stiff and unemotional business guy. Nothing to see here, the acting is at best barely passable.

I wish the characters were able to show more emotion, more flirt, more depth, more build up to the romance with more authentic drama. The story could have been fun and sweet instead it's dull and lifeless. It's just too vanilla and simplistic in it's depiction.

I watched it because I have never watch these types of made for TV movies and wanted to see what the hype was around Lori. She was just passable in it, it's all very straight and basic so hard to get a sense of what any of the actors are truly capable of.

I don't understand why these actors - Lori an ex con/fraudster and James in the news for trying to get his grubby hands on his dead ex's estate money by bullying her son - are even still being given acting roles? This is the best they could find? Don't they want actors who are role models in these "Christian" GAC productions?

Why Chose Her

[Pvrspecialist · 3/10 · 3 February 2023]

The story wasn't half bad and John Tupper was good so 3 stars but the outstanding question is why chose her. For ratings? Fan favourite?

From comments doesn't seem to have gone so well. Didn't go out of my way to watch it but it came up on you tube movie surfing. There are dozens of other female actresses who are of the same calibre or better. Lori Loughlin required a judge's decision to allow her to leave the US to film in Canada and Canada to accept her because she is a felon. Hope she had to pay all the costs to the two governments. There are many more good actresses, she should move out of the way and spend that time with her daughters.

Watch this for tips on how to make a movie boring

[EPMD57 · 3/10 · 19 May 2023]

This movie was dull. The storyline was utilitarian. We've seen many similar stories before in this genre, so it shouldn't have sunk the movie on its own.

The actors weren't great. Loughlin still has her obvious beauty, but she gets more and more fake with her acting as the years go by. Her line delivery was so stilted. Tupper's wasn't great either. Tupper and Loughlin did a great job being awkward, but watching two leads be awkward for an entire movie isn't a great watch.

And the music...this was another fatal flaw. It seemed like it was designed to drive viewers crazy. If your script isn't conveying the emotion you want then fix the script. Don't layer on this awful non-music music to try to evoke a feeling.

Dull story, bad script, awkward leads, poor line delivery, and annoying backing music. It's a miracle I made it through this one.

Top Notch

[skillfulcota · 10/10 · 30 January 2023]

Top notch in all aspects!! Great story with good side stories that enhance the main story. Lori and James do an outstanding job and exceed expectations as they create a wholesome chemistry. The supporting cast whom I am not familiar with also were top-notch outstanding. So grateful to be able to find true to life stories that provide thought-provoking character challenges. Very refreshing in an Hollywood culture of promoting perversion and smut and cannot produce anything worth watching. Kuddos to these amazing actors and actresses along with make-up artists, set deisgners, writers, producers and other professionals for creating a movie WORTH WATCHING!

Wow it was awful. Did Lori Laughlin forget how to act or did she ever truly know how?

[rg79912 · 1/10 · 5 February 2023]

Okay, so I used to love Lori Laughlin in When Calls the Heart in the first few seasons. She wasn't amazing, but I guess I didn't expect much good acting from her back then, at least not enough to notice that she's a pretty crap actress. I see it now in this movie. I just loved the character in WCTH is all, I didn't love Lori Loughlin herself. So with all her personal life drama I was somewhat on the fence about watching this at first. I honestly didn't care much about what she did beyond realizing that she severely screwed up and did noting to fix it, just expected to gloss it over. Still, I like feel good movies and it seems Hallmark actors have all migrated over to GAC, so here I am giving the movies a try. Except that this movie was awful, like seriously awful. It was so boring and I spent 5 days just to get through it. I fell asleep on three different occasions because I kept putting it off til later in the night to continue watching and it would just put me to sleep. Her acting was awful, nothing could've saved this movie with her in it. The whole cast wasn't awful, just her, and the male lead wasn't so great either. He kind of creeped me out and there was zero chemistry and I just didn't feel the warm happy feels I get from Hallmark movies. So, I remember the whole big deal about GAC being the new network designed for family based Christian values and if you're a "good Christian" according to Candace Cameron Bure then this is the network you're supposed to watch. Okay, but then I see Lori Laughlin on there in a new movie and it really made me feel like the network is pretty blatantly hypocritical. I mean it's not like she didn't commit actual crimes...she really did and it was proven without a doubt, extensive crimes too. So if this is the Christian values network then why are they endorsing and supporting her? It honestly just kind of rubbed me the wrong way and sent me back to Hallmark. Hallmark seems to have something that GAC movies and their scripts are missing. The characters have no emotion on GAC movies, the spark is missing in the scripts even though it's the same actors and actresses. Why have they all become so wooden all of a sudden when they had so much life before?? Yet I've been watching because I grew to love the acting of most of the actors and actresses who migrated from Hallmark, plus I'm supposed to watch GAC now, right? If I want to support the Christian values it represents then apparently I should be watching this network, because that's what it represents. Except it obviously is a lie because it doesn't genuinely represent Christian values and it just represents bigotry. I may not be happy at all with the changes Hallmark made...so I don't watch those movies. I think the lack of numbers for those movies alone is enough to show them their errors and eventually they'll realize that they messed up and do something to fix it. However, it is hypocritical of GAC to claim to be the network of Christian values in all these news articles and then endorse someone who has been incredibly awful if you give real thought to the extent of thought and actions that went into her schemes and acts from a Christian perspective. It wasn't a simple "I was misled and didn't know better" situation. She created a web of lies, she misled, she bribed, she cheated and conned, many times. A lot of thought, deceit, and manipulation went into it all for a lengthy amount of time. This wasn't a small one time mistake, which is why she was convicted. Through it all and since then she has only exhibited entitlement, arrogance, and never once showed any remorse to make the public believe she genuinely feels bad about what she did or that she even sees the wrong in her prideful behavior. So, it taints GAC and whoever made the choice. These verses call to mind for anyone from GAC reading, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthian 6:14, Psalm 1:1-6.

Rant.. review!

[ts-0000 · 31 January 2023]

Tried to watch it with an open mind but unfortunately,due to Lori & the real drama caused with dishonest activities.. It has rather soured my opinion of her & feel another actress,deserved this opportunity more.

Furthermore GAC according to certain actors,is about holding to traditional values- (Translation)straight & primarily white,with even criminal history.

Yet apparently same sex couples that believe in monogamy,raising kids right,going to church & have no criminal history isn't acceptable? Odd.. Talk about"selective"network standards.

Anyway.. Typical storyline that sits like a Hallmark movie,on another channel airing it.

So nothing special & even if it was cast with someone besides Lori probably wouldn't of saved it either.. Or it might of but GAC probably felt,it got a gem by casting her.

It was mentioned by another review how cool it was that she mentioned her daughter in college,can we say cringe-worthy considering.

Also did Lori actually learn anything? Really pay her dues,did her daughters? Not really because she only served,privileged Hollywood jail time.. Look at her daughters(Olivia)Instagram account,shows how she was raised & that's rather unfortunate.

Overall cinematography was ok,wish could point out more positives.

So far not many movies from this channel have outdone Hallmark or offered something unique in itself,hoping they improve with casting & more.

Wouldn't be too bad if they laid off the constant music

[cjw1976 · 4/10 · 19 December 2023]

I like Lori and the plot line is good. But the constant music, most of it inappropriate, just hurt my ears. Someone needs to look at the Audio and turn down the music. Lets there be some points where you just hear speaking!

I like Lori and the plot line is good. But the constant music, most of it inappropriate, just hurt my ears. Someone needs to look at the Audio and turn down the music. Lets there be some points where you just hear speaking!

I like Lori and the plot line is good. But the constant music, most of it inappropriate, just hurt my ears. Someone needs to look at the Audio and turn down the music. Lets there be some points where you just hear speaking!

Decent rom com

[lisafordeay · 5/10 · 4 December 2023]

Fall Into Winter is a 2023 festive rom comedy starring James Tupper and Lori McLoughlin. A candy maker named Kerry(McLoughlin) is set for the winter festival but she needs some help with her candy making. Enter Brooks(Tupper) a former enemy of Kelly's since high school who is assigned to help her with her candy. Will romance blossom?.

Overall it wasn't a bad film. The chemistry was decent,the story was rather predictable as all these films are so predictable you know the minute you see the leading man with the leading lady you know how it's going to go. If your into Hallmark movies then check it out on Netflix.

Loved it!

[ivorygirl4ever · 9/10 · 28 August 2023]

I don't understand the negative reviews for this movie. I almost didn't watch it because of the bad reviews, but I decided to anyway and I'm glad I did because I loved it. It's a movie I could watch over and over, and I don't watch many movies again unless they bring joy and hope to my heart. This one does.

I thought the two leads had great chemistry. I loved the growth in both of their characters, both personally, and as a couple. Yes, they've both had issues in their real life personal lives, but I think they've tried to make amends and they're trying to move on. Forgiveness is important for all of us. If you're bitter towards them (and it seems some of the other reviewers are), you need to forgive and move on. You're bitterness only hurts you, it's not hurting them.

I enjoyed the side characters as well. Great casting all around!

So don't believe the naysayers, give this one a try!

A heartwarming story

[sethornbush · 8/10 · 3 September 2023]

This film was an enjoyable and heartwarming story. It contains all the elements that one expects from within the genre. And although there were cliche's, these were expected without ruining the overall experience.

Regarding the acting, I have certainly seen worst. The protagonists were good and enjoyable to watch, which made for a pleasant view. Moreover, there might not have been a spark between these two characters, but there was a familiarity and mutual respect, which is believable amongst older characters. The awkwardness of these characters might have - unbeknownst to the audience - been an intentional twist.

Overall, this was a pleasant film to watch. It was as expected.

So Happy Lori Loughlin is Back!

[drbayside · 8/10 · 5 February 2023]

I was thrilled when I saw that Lori Loughllin and James Tupper were staring in a GAC movie together.. The "Fall Into Winter" story line was a great idea! I like that there are now more stories where the hero/heroine are not always in their 20's or early 30's and they are played by actors/actresses that we have watched for years.

Although, I don't like that "Kerry" was so stiff and grumpy (For lack of a better word) during the majority of the movie.

One thing is for certain. I will watch Lori Loughlin movies and am hoping to see her as a regular on GAC.

I subscribed to FrndlyTV just for GAC but we are enjoying many of the other stations FrndlyTV offers.

Welcome Back Lori

[vjf36 · 10/10 · 30 January 2023]

One of the best great American movies this year. Having Lori back makes a big reason why. She is by far one of the better actors working at great American . A very good romcom. It's a very good movie with a good supporting cast. Also I like no hidden messages just good old fashion movie. No hidden messages no political statements and best of all a movie that includes all nationalities without putting it in your face. I can truly see how doing movies like this hiring good actors will surely take over the " Hallmark movies" genre.

Again brining back Lori Laughlin was a great move by GAC. Love the fact she talks about her daughter in college. Done very well and in good taste.

Yay cross-generational movie starring over 40s!

[SunnyDaise · 10/10 · 13 January 2024]

So glad to see this movie as it centres around over 40s and also senior facilities - this is my world, not the 'must-find-love-by-35' scenario usually presented. It is still very cross-generational though as the background story refers to high school and the daughter is at college. There's lots of other contrast too eg staying put versus travelling the world, with the advantages and disadvantages of both. I can understand why some people may feel this movie is a bit flat compared to others, but I like the calmness and limited locations, especially good to watch before sleep - although might induce a craving for midnight snacks!

A very sweet winter

[glori1491 · 8/10 · 29 December 2023]

I watched this movie on Netflix since it came out in the Christmas category, it's not really based on Christmas but on the winter season after Christmas. It's about a family candy business, one of the brothers who owns it goes to live in London and sells his share of the store to a former schoolmate who was a bit obnoxious and bully with his sister, the other owner of the store and the who makes the sweets, initially they have their differences since she sees the business as a family and he sees it more as an administrator, who has to generate more money. Changes are difficult for her, while he has gone through many changes and is looking for more stability.

This movie has bad reviews, but I really enjoyed it, they have good chemistry, I thought it was a very bearable movie, obviously you have to remember that they are television movies, not big movie theaters.

It teaches us to defend our principles and family traditions, but to be a little more open to change, to live a less fast-paced life. In the end they acted a little immature since they only heard part of the story and were already making hasty decisions. It's a short movie to pass the time.

Perfect feel-good movie for escapism

[khdbdpdzx · 10/10 · 28 December 2023]

Loved this movie. Have been so tired of all the Christmas romantic movies that come out every year that are basically identical (whatever happened to good ol' "family" movies that the whole family of adults/teens/kids could all enjoy together? Anyway, this had a slightly different spin than the other romance ones. At first I kept admiring all the beautiful coloring of the decorations (lots of blues and silver twinkles/white snowflakes). Only on watching second half of movie did I realise it doesn't mention Christmas but only "winter fest", with celebration dates on the sign in early January. Really liked the idea of it not just being Christmas but just a movie for everyone's. No gifts under a tree and stockings..... just good values and good moral compasses with some misunderstandings that good communication could resolve. The main characters complimented each other well and the quaint town and candy shop (complete with vintage cash register) were so great for an afternoon to escape the troubles of the world. Relationship between main characters with supporting staff "pop" and the employee of the candy shop who was treated like family all added to the charm. Loved it! Glad to see Lori back!