“Human beings aren’t meant to be alone on the holidays. We actually need warmth, companionship.”

The film “Holidate” was shot in 2020 by director John Whitesell.
Genre: comedy, melodrama.

Sloan and Jackson hate the holidays. They constantly find themselves alone during them, at a children’s table or on an awkward blind date prepared for them by relatives. But when these two strangers meet on a very bad Christmas, they make a deal to be “friends for an hour” for each other on every holiday for the next year. Their mutual dislike for the holidays and the confidence that they are not at all attracted to each other in a romantic way, make Sloan and Jackson the perfect couple for all events. But love has its own plans for this couple.

This is not the first time that director John Whitesell has worked in the comedy genre, as it was he who gave the world such famous comedies as “Big Momma’s House 2” and “Big Momma’s House 3.” Because of this, he managed to play in this genre and create quite a family comedy.

Also, present in the film are famous actors such as Emma Roberts (famous in many films and series: “Nerve”, “American Horror Story”, “Scream Queens”, “We’re the Millers”, etc.), Luke Bracey, Kristin Chenoveth, Frances Fisher and many others. Cast fit well into the picture and played his roles well.

The plot of the film is quite primitive with the same jokes. It also has a lot of vulgarity and because of that it can hardly be called a family movie, only 16+. The plot seemed a bit long to me, but quite interesting and as a movie to relax and unwind is a good option. It is also relevant, so it can also be called a Christmas comedy and the impression of Christmas and New Year is perfectly conveyed by the atmosphere and scenery.

In general, I also liked this film and for a romantic viewing with your boyfriend or girlfriend it will be great, but you shouldn’t take it seriously and expect something grand. My rating is 8/10.