Hitched for the Holidays

In this film two "Thirty Something" adults are both sick and tired of friends and family trying to match them up-especially during the holidays.

In this film a commitment-phobic Rob Marino (Joey Lawrence) breaks up with his girlfriend before Thanksgiving, he is criticized by his big Italian family about his inability to keep a relationship through the holidays. Wanting to prove them wrong and fulfill his dying grandmother's (Paula Shaw) wish to see him happy in love, Rob goes online and finds Julie (Emily Hampshire), another single New Yorker who's meddling Jewish mom (Marilu Henner), has driven her to seek a temporary boyfriend. Rob and Julie agree to pose as a couple through the holidays to get their families off their backs. But things get complicated when Rob's Catholic clan and Julie's Jewish family get involved. With Christmas coming and Hanukkah around the corner, they double their efforts to keep the charade going, only to discover their fake feelings may be a little too real.

The film does move along at a nice pace. My only problem is that Joey Lawrence is miscast. Since this is a Hallmark movie I am a little shocked that Candace Cameron did not snap up this role (Unless she did not want to play a Jewish Girl) Has lots nice moments. Not perfect but very enjoyable.

7.9 stars.

'Hitched for the Holidays' for me was a Christmas surprise. I'd never have thought they could pull off this type of story and still pack a bunch of twists and surprises into the script. A man and a woman both put ads into what appears to be a made up copycat of Craigslist, and the ads says they are looking for a fake significant other to get through the holidays with, maybe have someone to kiss on the New Year. This is not a new story by any means, but there are so many little tweaks and variances that it's actually quite original in the presentation.

He acts different than most lead men, you can see he's being authentic to himself with his style. Although it can be strange and frustrating at times, because it comes off as too real, in the end it makes this a better movie. She is not someone I've seen a whole lot, yet I recognize her. This was a great role for her and she really shines in this part.

The whole fiasco is downplayed in such a way that it's not too flashy and crazy hectic, with all the pretending, and the white lies becoming worse and worse, spiraling into a nightmare. No, they cut it short where it needs, make it more believable and the families are dismayed at first, but arguably quite forgiving and open-minded.

Wonderful storytelling going on with this film, so I highly recommend it. Almost a full 8 stars, but there were just a couple parts that left me wanting, potential fun that wandered off to a lonely place, underutilized.

Not different by many others Christmas movies, using the same sweet romanticism, with few drops of religion, solitude and ...a horse, it is only nice. and this is the good point. because , in this case, the most important detail could be the status of hot chocolate film. and, few good performances and few references to classic scenes of genre are enough for ignore the not inspired parts and the unrealistic scenes. but the real great thing is the science to use the well known recipe of genre. in simple manner, without many innovations, it is the typical Christmas film - comfortable, nice and romantic.

This is a bit quirkier take on the plot device where two strangers need to pretend to be in a relationship for the holidays. I enjoyed quite a few laughs as this Jewish girl agrees to this with a Catholic boy.

Their first rule is no touching and they break it about 10 seconds later when Julie sees the office creep and grabs Rob and kisses him. In fact this movie probably has more kissing than I've seen in any of these Hallmark friendly movies.

They keep getting into little dilemmas where they have to do some quick thinking that usually leads to a "white" lie. At one point, Rob's whole Catholic family pretends to be Jewish because Rob and Julie have told her family that he is Jewish. Admittedly this isn't PC which hopefully can be forgiven, but it is funny.

Joey Lawrence and Emily Hampshire are cute together.

This story is a nice change on the theme and takes a tiny twist at the end.

Its Thanksgiving. Rob (Joey Lawrence) has a hard time committing to ANYTHING! On the job, he is a talented art director but he happily goes from one freelance position to another, so that he doesn't have to stay true to a single company. The same phobia occurs for his love life, a never ending string of short-term romances. He breaks up with a current flame in a taxicab! His grandma is keenly disappointed, as she is very ill and wants to see him happily married. Meanwhile, beautiful Julie (Emily Hampshire), also single since her last New Year's Eve break-up, is upset that her Jewish mother is endlessly trying to match make her only daughter. Turkey dinner is almost unbearable, since Mom and Dad have invited a "prospect" to join their meal. Enough of this, she thinks! Her brilliant plan is to go online and find a "pretend" boyfriend for the coming holiday season so that she can avoid any future blind dates and complications. Guess who sees her ad! Rob! He believes his grandma is dying and wants to give her a last wish by becoming engaged. Oh, what a tangled web may be ahead, for Rob is Catholic and Julie is Jewish. Each must take a "cram course" in faking a new religion. But, amid the errors, both of them laugh and, in truth, like what they find in their pretend fiancés. Will it only be a case of hitched for the holidays! This darling film has a great cast (including Marilu Henner), lovely sets, fetching costumes, a mirthful script, and a lively direction. How welcome it is to find a seasonal film that touches on Hanukkah as well as Christmas. It also produces laughter, as when Rob's family buys Kwanzaa candle holders instead of Menorrahs! Naturally, romance fans will be delighted, too. Ditch the old re-runs and go get Hitched!