The thing about Holidate is that it’s hilarious, and not in a cutesy way. There’s a lot of swearing, an incidence of potty humor; hell, someone’s finger even gets blown off. It’s not your typical romantic comedy, and it’s the type of Christmas movie that fits more in the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation camp than that of the Hallmark channel movies and those like them. Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely a time and place for movies like that, but Holidate isn’t one of them. It’s a Christmas movie that makes you laugh. There are a couple of cheesy scenes, though, so don’t worry if that’s what you’re looking for in your holiday viewing.
The script by Tiffany Paulsen is fantastic. There are jokes all the way through, with drama to balance it out. She worked well within the confines of the romantic comedy genre without falling into anything too tropey. The cast is fantastic, but I especially enjoy Kristin Chenoweth’s supporting performance, but then again, I could watch her reading the phone book and still think she’s incredible. Luke Bracey has a wonderful charm that I think comes along with being Australian, but aside from just that, he delivers an excellent performance.
“…hilarious, and not in a cutesy way.”
I can’t leave without mentioning that one of my favorite Grey’s Anatomy alumni, Jessica Capshaw, brings a lot to the humor table as well. Basically, no matter how big or small their role, everyone is fantastic, which is a testament to director John Whitesell’s ability to work with actors. I also can’t leave without mentioning that Dan The Automator of Handsome Boy Modelling School, Gorillaz, and Dr. Octagon fame made the music. It’s just one more element that makes Holidate a cool holiday film, rather than the types which are so terrible that you can’t help but groan.
My one complaint, because I’m a curmudgeon, is that it’s not even Halloween yet! Couldn’t they have waited till December to put this out? Or at least until November, after Halloween? I will stop here before diving into a whole rant about commercialism and greed and just tell you to watch Holidate. It’s a great addition to the Netflix film library, so check it out, maybe closer to the actual holidays? Or not. Watch it when it comes out on the 28th of October and ignore my Scrooginess.
"…someone's finger even gets blown off."
