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.
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.
As far as ABC Family movies go, this one was at the top! Everyone could act and practically none of the lines made me even close to cringing, which is what normally happens when I watch a TV movie.
Miss Hart did a great job and wasn't in the least a cliché character. I was a little dubious at first about Mario Lopez being her love interest in the movie, but it worked out really well.
Another thing that I was happy about was that it didn't to the boring, repetitive "Christmas is about spending time with your family" failed plot. It actually had interesting characters and a funny plot line.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to have a good time watching a movie.
Miss Hart did a great job and wasn't in the least a cliché character. I was a little dubious at first about Mario Lopez being her love interest in the movie, but it worked out really well.
Another thing that I was happy about was that it didn't to the boring, repetitive "Christmas is about spending time with your family" failed plot. It actually had interesting characters and a funny plot line.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to have a good time watching a movie.
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.
I love Christmas movies!
I watch as many as I possibly can throughout December, but let's face it... the plots can be kind of redundant for Christmas movies.
Holiday in Handcuffs presented a NEW story line. While it was a little predictable as plots go, this particular story was new.
It was funny, warm, and light-hearted. The story is a "chick flick" but, even my husband laughed throughout.
Growing up with Saved by the Bell and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.. it was fun to see Mario Lopez and Melissa Joan Hart "all grown up." If you're looking for fun, light-hearted, holiday fare with an original storyline... I recommend this movie.
I watch as many as I possibly can throughout December, but let's face it... the plots can be kind of redundant for Christmas movies.
Holiday in Handcuffs presented a NEW story line. While it was a little predictable as plots go, this particular story was new.
It was funny, warm, and light-hearted. The story is a "chick flick" but, even my husband laughed throughout.
Growing up with Saved by the Bell and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.. it was fun to see Mario Lopez and Melissa Joan Hart "all grown up." If you're looking for fun, light-hearted, holiday fare with an original storyline... I recommend this movie.
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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