Un fiancé pour Noël

An utterly ridiculous premise. A girl breaks up with her boy friend, and kidnaps a guy with hand cuffs to get him to pose as her boy friend for Christmas with her family. Make sense? Of course not, but it doesn't matter.

Even using her Sabrina powers, I doubt the tiny MJ Hart could over power Mario Lopez. Nor is it likely the parents would be fooled by this absurd scheme, especially when the guy starts yelling to them for help! Well, it's a rom-com, so anything goes. On top of that, the Christmas theme demands the exact sentimental outcome you'll see coming more than 50 light years away. Even if you can't give it the poetic license it needs (a lot, lol), you can still laugh at how ludicrous the whole thing is.

Silly nonsense, but utterly harmless. For a brainless diversion, this one, believe it or not, works.

"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.

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.

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........

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.