The Snow Queen
What begins as a simple, bittersweet tale about a widower's daughter  grandly unfolds into a rich, mythical adventure in Hallmark's production ofSnow Queen. Based on Hans Christian Andersen'sfairy tale, this story whisks  viewers to a remote mountain town where winter claims a surprising number of  lives, beginning with the local innkeeper's wife. Many years later, the woman's  daughter, Gerda (Chelsea Hobbs), finds true love when her father hires Kai  (Jeremy Guilbaut) as the inn's new bellboy. About one hour into this three-hour  production, the mood turns rather sinister as the Snow Queen (Bridget Fonda)  bewitches and captures Kai. Scenes of Gerda's search--through the lush  temptations of each season personified--are interspersed with downright creepy  scenes of Kai held prisoner in the Snow Queen's ice palace. Keen acting and  smart direction engross the viewer, but those under 8 years old might not be  ready for the repetitive themes of seduction and temptation.--Liane  Thomas