A Lista do Amor

'The Dating List' (2019)

Opening thoughts: While still continuing my Hallmark/Lifetime film completest quest (which started with their Christmas output but has extended to other seasonal blocks overtime as well), part of me wanted to see films that were in similar vein but not from them. So the likes of UPTV. The most familiar name to me in 'The Dating List' is Christian Slater, have not seen his work in some time but remember liking it. While the premise is nothing novel, it did appeal to me at least (premises and talented casts have always been my main reasons for seeing anything).

'The Dating List' is among the better non-Hallmark/Lifetime films of this type seen recently. Is it devoid of flaws? No it isn't, very few films are. It is not a good representation of Slater, yet at the same time 'The Dating List' has made me interested in seeing more of the work of the two leads who are represented well. Which is always a good sign watching film and television. Regardless of how little originality there is, there is so much that the film does right that this doesn't matter anywhere near as much as it could have done.

Bad things: Beginning with the not so good things, Slater is not on good form, slumming it in a cardboard role which really stands out like a sore thumb.

Also felt that the ending can be seen from some way off and felt a little too tidy.

Good things: Natalie Dreyfuss and Andrew Dunbar are however immensely engaging and charismatic leads. Their characters were not difficult to warm to, they didn't come over as too perfect yet any negative traits were not exaggerated. Their chemistry is very sweet, heartfelt and genuine and develops realistically. The supporting cast are solid and their characters are mostly not cardboard.

Furthermore, the production values are quite lovely. Especially the suitably picturesque scenery. It is assuredly directed too, giving breathing space but also momentum, and fittingly scored. There is also a charming, heartwarming story that never felt dull while not rushing through things. The script flows and never came over as too cheesy or schmaltzy.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very nicely done.

8/10.

For a TV movie, it was rather enjoyable. Rom-com is a genre that I personally find the least success in. But even though it covers a lot of cliche's and you exactly how it's going to end, there is a charm to it. The characters are likable and the writing has a sharp wit to it when it needs to.

Abby Morel (Natalie Dreyfuss) has a meet-cute food order situation with Dan Thrubrig (Andrew Dunbar). She is a single gal eager to climb the company ladder and gets assigned to temp assistant to boss lady Susan Danvers (Carmel Amit). It turns out that Danvers is looking to get married and Abby is tasked with screening over 3000 men files. In exchange, Danvers makes Abby a junior editor.

First, I don't like the digital filming. It looks a bit cold and hard. This kind of material requires warmth in the filming. The actors are all B-level and they are mostly fine. I don't really hate anything, but I don't love anything either. It's nice. I try not to be too mean.

This movie is more complex than I anticipated with a few twists thrown in. The lead is surprisingly goofy and everybody is flawed but usually for understandable reasons, which makes them less stereotypical than initially appears. It almost feels like a pilot for a longer run and I would watch more. There's not a massive age range of characters, but youngsters could watch too and anyone feeling a bit unconfident in life would probably feel better about things after.

Now this is superior schmaltz - escapist and fluffy and with the mandatory HEA but some lovely values and convincing connection between the lead actors. A well written and well-rounded script. I could envisage this as the pilot of a tv series and I was left wanting more of these characters.

I couldn't take my eyes and ears of this movie which was a bad thing as I had it in the background for routine paperwork and I was not supposed to be distracted ha ha ha. I had had to switch it off until I met my deadline and put on something more mundane.

I really liked the wit and edge to the writing.