7.6 stars.
I will start by saying it is unequivocally self evident this film's low rating is solely due to the blighted reputation of the lead actress. Before she united with the monarchy of England, she was a semi-beloved individual in some small circles of Hollywood culture. I watched several seasons of "Suits" and found her to be endearing and watchable. I agree she is a novice actress and not very accomplished, however her performances are generally satisfactory, and of course she's irresistibly cute.
Now I'm stepping down from my soapbox. "Dater's Handbook" is relaxing, funny and entertaining. Mr. Polaha is in his wheelhouse with the dating antics and confident charm. What's not to love about this film? The writing is clever, the dialogue is stimulating, the chemistry is realistic. By realistic, I mean the way they feed off each other's humor and spontaneity. Their conversations are obviously ad libbed beyond Hallmark's usual. I detect much off-script repartee and jabs, which is refreshing and pleasant. None of the banter detracts from the overall experience, but tastefully enhances it. Their body language is also genuine and lively. The "other" guy's presentation is dry and humorless by design, and he affords her no choice but to let him go at some point. There are other reviewers who feel her inconsiderate behavior was monumentally inappropriate...stringing the men along, meanwhile covertly making a list of pros and cons and dumping the loser without a care for his well being. This could not be further from the truth. Her character is sincerely following the advice of two ignorant dating "gurus". Leave your preconceptions at the door and give "Dater's Handbook" the opportunity it deserves.
I will start by saying it is unequivocally self evident this film's low rating is solely due to the blighted reputation of the lead actress. Before she united with the monarchy of England, she was a semi-beloved individual in some small circles of Hollywood culture. I watched several seasons of "Suits" and found her to be endearing and watchable. I agree she is a novice actress and not very accomplished, however her performances are generally satisfactory, and of course she's irresistibly cute.
Now I'm stepping down from my soapbox. "Dater's Handbook" is relaxing, funny and entertaining. Mr. Polaha is in his wheelhouse with the dating antics and confident charm. What's not to love about this film? The writing is clever, the dialogue is stimulating, the chemistry is realistic. By realistic, I mean the way they feed off each other's humor and spontaneity. Their conversations are obviously ad libbed beyond Hallmark's usual. I detect much off-script repartee and jabs, which is refreshing and pleasant. None of the banter detracts from the overall experience, but tastefully enhances it. Their body language is also genuine and lively. The "other" guy's presentation is dry and humorless by design, and he affords her no choice but to let him go at some point. There are other reviewers who feel her inconsiderate behavior was monumentally inappropriate...stringing the men along, meanwhile covertly making a list of pros and cons and dumping the loser without a care for his well being. This could not be further from the truth. Her character is sincerely following the advice of two ignorant dating "gurus". Leave your preconceptions at the door and give "Dater's Handbook" the opportunity it deserves.