Polar Opposites

This Hallmark story has an endearing cast and features some wonderful photography of South America, sometimes standing in for Antarctica.

Emma (Rhiannon Fish) is an illustrator whose father studies penguins in Antarctica. When he calls her about an emergency, their connection is terminated, so she becomes worried. She immediately hops a plane and tries to find a boat ride into the southern waters. Along the way, she meets an engineer named Andy (Markian Tarasiuk) who is on a mission to the southernmost continent.

The always-wonderful Ms. Fish is surrounded by a strong cast. The story is about more than romancing, and the narrative feels like a real adventure. The most surprising thing about the film is how they managed to capture the story, including animal behaviors, beautiful scenery, and some effects that feel totally natural. It must have been an experience to film.

"Polar Opposites" is a light, predictable romance set on the way to and then in Antarctica that delivers an average yet mildly entertaining experience. The story, while unoriginal, keeps you engaged with its themes of love and connection, bolstered by a unique subplot involving AI penguins. Rhiannon Fish carries the movie with a charming performance, though the rest of the cast feels interchangeable. The dialogue is below average, the CGI is unimpressive, and the emotional impact is limited. While cute in its simplicity, the movie doesn't leave a lasting impression. Typical Hallmark movie; it's fine for a casual watch but unlikely to be revisited or remembered.

We're supposed to believe this woman 1) gets on a ship; 2) doesn't get caught for 8 days; 3) gets on the Antarctica research base - no questions asked; 4) goes off on her own to find her dad; 5) researcher helps her with all this. I mean ... most Hallmark movies are a "fairy tale" but this one is utterly ridiculous. Come on Hallmark - stop treating us like we're stupid. AND she's walking around in just earmuffs? Please stop making movies that insult our intelligence. I have a couple of friends who actually were stationed in the Antarctica. The Hallmark depiction is just plain stupid. From the internet: "To go outside in Antarctica, you must wear multiple layers of specialized clothing designed for extreme cold, including waterproof outerwear, thermal base layers, and protective gear like gloves, hats, and goggles, and always go with a partner, following safety protocols like checking in with the station before leaving and carrying a radio, as the harsh conditions pose a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia if not properly prepared."

I hope these people aren't dead ... because they certainly should be based on Hallmark ...

Love when Hallmark leaves Canada to film on ___location-this time to Patagonia and Ushuaia, Argentina-the gateway city to Antarctica. The cruise and ___location footage was exceptional.

I won't go into detail about the movie since the first reviewer here(Fire And Ice) did such an excellent job but I will say I stayed with the movie till the end because of the strong cast and interesting chemistry between the two leads, Rhiannon Fish and Markian Tarasuik. There was an ease between them that sold the developing relationship and storyline-farfetched at times.

So I give Polar Opposites a 7 for the lead actors, the scenery and of course, the penguins.

Hallmark does Antarctica. That must surely mean they have done a film on pretty much every continent on earth now, right?

"Polar Opposites" is good fun, with more ingenunity in the Plot Department than Hallmark movies are generally known for.

These on-___location shoots always produce the best finished product, and the icy landscape made for a great backdrop to the film.

I admit I'm a sucker for Rhiannon Fish, and she's at her best here as Emma, opposite Markian Tarasiuk's Andy, sneaking aboard a vessel bound for Antarctica to rescue her father, who has suddenly lost communications.

I bet you can't guess what happens in the end between Emma and Andy? Good fun.