Jack's childlike wonder at the world and infectious enthusiasm for the simple things disrupt Cathy's everyday life as the owner of the city's popular cafe, leading her to share her life with someone again; the "new normal" she thought she had left behind. Milligan plays Jack with a sensitivity that balances innate innocence with surprising emotional intelligence, creating a character who is not only lovable but whose very existence (transforming from a block of ice to a living, breathing being) reflects Cathy's awakening heart. Their connection may be magical, but it is anchored with a believable warmth that anchors the plot's more whimsical elements. (The less you try to think ahead of time about how it all will turn out, the better. This is fantasy, after all.)
As with most films in this genre, casting is key. Indeed, the strength of "Hot Frosty" lies in the chemistry between Chabert and Milligan, which lends authenticity to a story that can sometimes be too superficial and rely too much on showy storytelling. Chabert's Cathy is optimistic and refreshingly down-to-earth, yet wary at first, as she still carries the sadness of someone recovering from loss. Embodying the joy of Christmas, Chabert's journey has real emotional depth against a cheery backdrop, reminding viewers why she continues to reign supreme in the genre. Milligan's Jack never descends into cartoonishness, even when the script calls for some wild rogue comedy. He's lovable and charming, bringing a fresh perspective while effortlessly avoiding the typical fish-out-of-water clichés.
Cathy and Jack are surrounded by an offbeat supporting cast that brings humor and heart to their journey. Joe Lo Truglio's (Pitch Perfect 2) Lieutenant Schatz is lovably awkward, bringing levity to the exchanges. I liked Katy Mixon Grier and Lauren Holly as the town women who meet Jack under very different circumstances. I'm used to Mixon (Minions) being a bit of a big shot in comedies and found her a more subdued version of Doc Martin. Dottie gave her more leeway. Holly (Turbulence) plays a bit of a slutty woman in town who tricks Jack into helping her with the housework shirtless, but screenwriter Russell Hainline doesn't let her go any further. It turns out her character may actually be after Jack's muscles and not his. Miller has had some solid work in Canadian film and TV for years and is great here as the shopkeeper who tries to play matchmaker, unaware of how much he's helping Cathy by giving her a scarf. Together, these supporting characters provide a friendly backdrop and lend the plot a real sense of community.The film is available to stream on Afdah video.
