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.
