IMDb RATING
6.1/10
7.9K
YOUR RATING
A struggling artist working as a waitress kidnaps one of her customers to take home to meet her parents at Christmastime.A struggling artist working as a waitress kidnaps one of her customers to take home to meet her parents at Christmastime.A struggling artist working as a waitress kidnaps one of her customers to take home to meet her parents at Christmastime.
Timothy Bottoms
- Dad Chandler
- (as Tim Bottoms)
Benjamin Ayres
- Nick
- (as Ben Ayres)
Stafford Lawrence
- Old Man
- (as Stafford Lawerence)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
"Christmas in Handcuffs" is a delightful holiday film that truly captures the spirit of the season. What makes this movie particularly enjoyable is the exceptional performance of the lead actors, Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez.
Melissa Joan Hart brings her signature charm and comedic timing to the role of Gertrude "Trudie" Chandler. Her portrayal of a lovable and quirky aspiring artist who takes drastic measures to create the perfect Christmas for her family is both endearing and hilarious. Hart effortlessly carries the film with her infectious energy and brings a genuine warmth to the character.
Opposite her, Mario Lopez delivers a standout performance as David Martin, the unsuspecting man Trudie kidnaps to pose as her boyfriend. Lopez infuses the character with a perfect blend of charisma and humor, creating a character that is not only charming but also relatable. His chemistry with Hart is undeniable, making their on-screen dynamic a joy to watch.
Together, Hart and Lopez form a dynamic duo that elevates the film to new heights. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and their comedic timing is impeccable, adding layers of humor and heart to the story. As they navigate the chaos of the holiday season together, their performances create a perfect balance of laughter and heartwarming moments.
In "Christmas in Handcuffs," Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez's performances shine, making this festive film a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartwarming and entertaining holiday experience.
Melissa Joan Hart brings her signature charm and comedic timing to the role of Gertrude "Trudie" Chandler. Her portrayal of a lovable and quirky aspiring artist who takes drastic measures to create the perfect Christmas for her family is both endearing and hilarious. Hart effortlessly carries the film with her infectious energy and brings a genuine warmth to the character.
Opposite her, Mario Lopez delivers a standout performance as David Martin, the unsuspecting man Trudie kidnaps to pose as her boyfriend. Lopez infuses the character with a perfect blend of charisma and humor, creating a character that is not only charming but also relatable. His chemistry with Hart is undeniable, making their on-screen dynamic a joy to watch.
Together, Hart and Lopez form a dynamic duo that elevates the film to new heights. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and their comedic timing is impeccable, adding layers of humor and heart to the story. As they navigate the chaos of the holiday season together, their performances create a perfect balance of laughter and heartwarming moments.
In "Christmas in Handcuffs," Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez's performances shine, making this festive film a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartwarming and entertaining holiday experience.
A friend of mine recommended this film to me. I am glad I took his advice. This film was very good and it's one of the better Christmas Television Films I have ever seen.
In this film a Trudie (Melissa Joan Hart) is an aspiring painter working as a restaurant waitress. With the pressure to please her parents (Timothy Bottoms and Markie Post) building, she misses a job interview and gets dumped by her boyfriend just before Christmas, and she has a nervous breakdown. Stressed about going home for the holidays without a boyfriend, she kidnaps David Martin (Mario Lopez), a random customer at the restaurant in which she works and introduces him to her parents as her boyfriend, Nick.
Lots of great moments and so well made. If you want a great comedy to watch you won't go wrong watching this!
In this film a Trudie (Melissa Joan Hart) is an aspiring painter working as a restaurant waitress. With the pressure to please her parents (Timothy Bottoms and Markie Post) building, she misses a job interview and gets dumped by her boyfriend just before Christmas, and she has a nervous breakdown. Stressed about going home for the holidays without a boyfriend, she kidnaps David Martin (Mario Lopez), a random customer at the restaurant in which she works and introduces him to her parents as her boyfriend, Nick.
Lots of great moments and so well made. If you want a great comedy to watch you won't go wrong watching this!
It seemed like an impossible premise but I get the feeling that Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez could make any movie work. Add in some Kyle Howard and just a bit of Gabrielle Miller and it was just a fun movie.
It has heart, character growth and really likeable people. This is what Christmas movies are supposed to be. Mostly just fun, with a bit of watching the people learn and grow.
And that's my review but they want more words so here are a few more words about the movie which was definitely a movie with people in it and a script and a story. It had snow and a cabin and handcuffs........
It has heart, character growth and really likeable people. This is what Christmas movies are supposed to be. Mostly just fun, with a bit of watching the people learn and grow.
And that's my review but they want more words so here are a few more words about the movie which was definitely a movie with people in it and a script and a story. It had snow and a cabin and handcuffs........
Parents want their children to be successful. Children want to please their parents. Everybody puts on a happy face and are miserable inside. That is Trudie's (Melissa Joan Hart) problem. How to make her parents happy so they will love her. Things are not going her way, so she flips out and grabs Mario López to pass off as her boyfriend.
"Saved by the Bell" and soap star Lopex and Hart eventually manage a truce that leads to love, as the rest of the family lets their skeletons out of the closet.
Great family interaction, and holiday silliness. Destined to be one to watch every year.
"Saved by the Bell" and soap star Lopex and Hart eventually manage a truce that leads to love, as the rest of the family lets their skeletons out of the closet.
Great family interaction, and holiday silliness. Destined to be one to watch every year.
A desperate young waitress named Trudie takes a handsome stranger hostage, with the intention of flaunting him as her boyfriend at her family's snow-covered cabin for the holidays.
Sprinkled with clever quips, and hilarious bits of tastefully placed adult humor, this movie succeeds in highlighting many of the deep archetypes of your typical family with grown-up "kids" - who are in their 20's and so are really adults, yet have to answer to the ever-appraising (and ever-loving) eyes of their parents.
The direction of the plot plays out like the tried-and-true holiday storyline, but it is variegated with modern flourishes and hilarious dialog. Altogether, this is a heart-warming and knee-slapping enjoyable watch.
Sprinkled with clever quips, and hilarious bits of tastefully placed adult humor, this movie succeeds in highlighting many of the deep archetypes of your typical family with grown-up "kids" - who are in their 20's and so are really adults, yet have to answer to the ever-appraising (and ever-loving) eyes of their parents.
The direction of the plot plays out like the tried-and-true holiday storyline, but it is variegated with modern flourishes and hilarious dialog. Altogether, this is a heart-warming and knee-slapping enjoyable watch.
Did you know
- TriviaThe movie became the highest viewed broadcast in the history of ABC Family with 6.7 million viewers and adults 18 to 49 (a 2.4 rating).
- GoofsIf Trudie wanted to get rid of her curls, all she had to do was wash her hair. Perms can't be washed for 2 days otherwise the curls don't keep.
- Quotes
David Martin: I hope you aren't expecting a lot from Santa. A federal offense probably puts you on the naughty list this year.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Obscurus Lupa Presents: Holiday in Handcuffs (2017)
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