 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Holiday in Handcuffs
- Review Date: December 6, 2007
- NR
- Genre: Comedy
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Older kids can take romantic comedy's iffy stuff.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the main character kidnaps a man at gunpoint and takes him hostage in her car, but the seriousness of the situation (and the absence of realistic repercussions) is offset by the obviously comic tone. A few other scenes involve guns being drawn and aimed, but also in a comedic context. Other iffy stuff includes intermittent strong language (multiple uses of "bitch," as well as "damn" and "ass"), scenes with social drinking (in one, a seemingly drunk elderly woman recklessly backs her car into a tree), a handful of references to sexual activity. But none of this is likely to be new (or particularly shocking) to older tweens and teens.
What's the story?
This romantic holiday comedy centers on twentysomething Trudie Chandler (Melissa Joan Hart), whose disapproving parents wish she'd grow up, settle down, and get a "real" job. Trudie hopes that bringing her perfect new boyfriend to her family's Christmas celebration will turns things around. When he dumps her, she hatches a desperate plan to save face in front of her family. She kidnaps handsome stranger David Martin (Mario Lopez) at gunpoint and forces him to play her stand-in boyfriend. At first David tries to escape his outrageous predicament, but as time goes on he takes a liking to the warm-hearted family and even begins to understand his misguided kidnapper. Ultimately, David decides to act the role of dutiful boyfriend until he can get away. But as it turns out, the Chandlers' Christmas dinner is full of surprises, not the least of which turns out to be David's true feelings.
Is it any good?
Holiday in Handcuffs is an enjoyable -- if predictable -- romantic comedy. Hart and Lopez are the quintessential odd couple, proving that, at least in the magical world of Hollywood, opposites do attract. They're both professionals, and they do good work here, supported by a strong cast that includes Markie Post and Timothy Bottoms.
And despite a plot that centers on an armed kidnapping and forced captivity, the movie's obvious humor more than overrides any iffy content. Older tweens and teens will easily put Trudie's desperate actions into context -- as well as her good fortune at not facing consequences for the crime. Likewise, the occasional strong language, sexual references, and drinking probably won't be anything they haven't seen before.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's implied messages. Is it ever OK to make light of serious issues like crime and drinking too much? Why do comedies rarely show the guilty party facing repercussions for misguided actions? Do their intentions matter? Why or why not? And do you think all viewers can grasp the humor in situations like these, or would anyone take them literally? Could that be harmful? How?
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AGE
We saw this movie in English class and the teacher had to turn it off they said, a***, h*ll, b*tch, b*st*rd, s*x, and p***. They also said a couple of d*mns. This should not be a PG-movie. There were also a hidden use of the word "b*tch" at the beginning. I was afraid they'd say f**k next!
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AGE
Parents beware: not exactly FAMILY movie
I watched HOLIDAY IN HANDCUFFS with my 15 year old and found it to be a cute, romantic comedy. HOWEVER, I was very disappointed in the PG rating for this FAMILY MOVIE... something just doesn't add up. There were several NON-family lines and scenes ('because we hadn't slept together yet"... "bitchitus"... police bust in on couple in sexual play w/ man wrapped in a bow , .... "fantasy for our once a year birthday sex"... ETC.). I feel very strongly that if you are going to plug a movie as a FAMILY MOVIE, that gratuitious cursing, inuendo and blatantly NON-famiy scenes just really don't need to be included.
I will not let my 12 year old watch this - what otherwise would be a great little movie - due to the lack of consdieration for what it means to be FAMILY / PG scenes & verbage. PLEASE keep this in mind for younger viewers.
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AGE
I was very disapointed that this was another attempt to aim a Christmas movie at younger viewers and have issues that they are not ready to handle. For the Family Channel it was surprising. I think they could have made this a very good film for the whole family without all the sexual overtones that is had. Parents should be warned that this is a movie with topics that need to be discussed openly.
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AGE
My favorite abc family movie
Hard to believe but this is my favorite chirstmas movie on abc family. I like how it has family, love which is very important durning the chirstmas season
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AGE
NOT FOR KIDS!!!!!
I was honestly surprised to see this on the FAMILY channel. Let's get this straight: THIS IS NOT FOR KIDS!!!
Words like: b*tch, d*mm, b*stard, s*x, I know I'm forgetting a few...
Quotes like: "...just to get through our annual birthday s*x!", "I'm gay.", "...does naughty things to you...", "We haven't even had s*x yet.", "How do you know what p*rn star hair looks like?"
Scenes where: Police open the door to a house and there's a man without a shirt wearing a bow and a girl with a... awkward Santa suit if you know what I mean. An old man in a gas station gives a girl 'Love Cuffs'. A girl almost shoots a guys... place. And the talk at the dinner table is not good either. The mom tells the girl about sleeping with her husband... Etc.
NOT FOR KIDS!!!!
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| Studio: | GAIAM |
| Director: | Ron Underwood |
| Cast: | Mario Lopez, Markie Post, Melissa Joan Hart |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 90 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 19, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | October 7, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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