the audience applauded

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The acting in this movie is really good.

First, Dean Cain and Kristy Swanson were unrecognizable based on movies I've seen them do just a few years ago, especially Kristy, her face looks like someone else's, not artificial but I didn't know she was in the movie until I read it here. Cain must have been under orders to smile, no matter what. Overall, not much happens and it is quickly forgotten. I like all the actors, so I assume it was just dumb material they had to deal with.

Fear not, though! In this Hallmark TV-movie, they play strictly down-to-Earth characters. She plays an ex-Olympic skiier who had an emotionally debilitating agony-of-defeat moment. He plays a widower ad exec who means well, yet has more willingness than ability, when it comes to coaching his daughter and only child, the skiing prodigy. So, they strike a bargain. She provides sound professional advice for the daughter. And, in return, he provides sound professional advice on how to out-publicize the big rival ski resort that's hosting a competing winter sports gala. I know; I know. Sounds like one of dozens of other such TV-movies hallmark has done. Especially for Christmas! But, this one is a little different. For one thing, it sort of bridges the gap between the end of the Xmas movie season and the "Count-down to Valentines' Day." So, there's no over-emphasizing of any major holiday.More importantly, though, Dean Cain and Kristy Swanson get to show off some of their under-rated character acting. Their abilities at such heretofore stymied discourtesy of made-for-Syfy Channel monster movies! As two regular people, bringing each other out of their respective romantic shells, they refreshingly excel. Definitely a ten-star dramedy.

While the premise of the Heart of the Mountain's story line seemed promising, the acting of Kristy Swanson and Dean Cain were terrible. They tried way too hard to be "sweet". It (unfortunately) came off as blatantly fake and unlikable... and after 20 minutes, it became dreadfully unwatchable. Hallmark - please don't use these actors again.

Sorry, but I got to the point where Dean Cain was coming down the slopes, acting like a total idiot, and that's when I turned it off. I could tell right at that moment that this was not a good Hallmark movie. I've seen hundred of them btw and for the most part, I loved them. Not this one.