I watched this movie mostly to see Megan Markle in it. I didn't watch Suits so I did't know what to expect of her acting. It was a mediocre movie. I thought she over acted throughout the movie. It was a cute movie and she did have chemistry with Christoper. It was a cute Hallmark movie.
28 Reviews
Dependable vs passionate
phd_travel27 November 2016
I confess I wanted to watch this because it's Prince Harry's girlfriend in the lead role - Meghan Markle. I don't watch Suits so this was a chance to see what she is like on screen and she is quite charming It's quite a cute story about a woman relying on a dating handbook and juggling 2 suitors. One is a dependable and sensible type, one is more spontaneous and passionate. Guess which one she ends up with. It's quite interesting to see the differences between the two. Her choice isn't totally convincing and the guys are a little stereotypical one dimensional.
Okay for one watch.
Okay for one watch.
Just a fluff movie
LtlHippo3 July 2018
It's a cute movie, Meghan is fun to watch. But the "boyfriend" always showing up at her workplace. Kinda creepy. I can't see her with either George or Robert. And who would think DEVNER is the right word to put on a product? No phone calls were made to check into that? Made me laugh. Loved the dogs!
We watched it for Meghan Markle, her last movie before fleeing to Great Britain.
TxMike30 January 2019
My wife and I watched this movie at home on DVD from our library, part of a set of three rom-com movies.
Meghan Markle is high powered Denver career woman Cass, by her own evaluation keeps picking the wrong type of guy. She doesn't want to remain single. She discovers a book, "The Dater's Handbook", in a coworker's desk, a young lady about to be married, and assumes the book helped her. So Cass sets out on her latest project, start dating the right kind of guy.
It is a lightweight rom-com, as these most often go she meets two guys about the same time, one a sort of goofy, fun-loving sort, the other a rather serious sort who likes to entertain at fancy restaurants and take his date to art galleries and classical string quartet concerts. But doesn't really know how to have fun.
So we, the audience, realize right away that Cass will be better off with the fun-loving guy, as does her mother, but will Cass ever realize it?
That is the movie, lightweight but entertaining, Markle is really good in her role, as well as the other cast members.
Meghan Markle is high powered Denver career woman Cass, by her own evaluation keeps picking the wrong type of guy. She doesn't want to remain single. She discovers a book, "The Dater's Handbook", in a coworker's desk, a young lady about to be married, and assumes the book helped her. So Cass sets out on her latest project, start dating the right kind of guy.
It is a lightweight rom-com, as these most often go she meets two guys about the same time, one a sort of goofy, fun-loving sort, the other a rather serious sort who likes to entertain at fancy restaurants and take his date to art galleries and classical string quartet concerts. But doesn't really know how to have fun.
So we, the audience, realize right away that Cass will be better off with the fun-loving guy, as does her mother, but will Cass ever realize it?
That is the movie, lightweight but entertaining, Markle is really good in her role, as well as the other cast members.
Dater's Handbook
studioAT4 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Having not watched 'Suits' this is the first time I have seen Meghan Markle as an actress, and I was pleasantly surprised.
She's actually very funny here, and had things not changed for her I think she could've become a regular Hallmark leading lady.
This was a funny, smartly written film, one of the better Hallmark films, with the only slight flaw being that the sensible and dependable guy was such a drip it didn't make the "who will she end up with?" element work completely.
Other than that, great stuff.
She's actually very funny here, and had things not changed for her I think she could've become a regular Hallmark leading lady.
This was a funny, smartly written film, one of the better Hallmark films, with the only slight flaw being that the sensible and dependable guy was such a drip it didn't make the "who will she end up with?" element work completely.
Other than that, great stuff.
I can't believe I watched this
trudithnjudith19 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Tired Premise: Perfect girl stuck in relationship with garbage man dumps him just in time to meet perfect man. Despite living in a city of several million they suddenly bump into each other everywhere they go. However girl rejects him for another loser only to realize her mistake after very little struggle or soul searching. With one kiss she magically fixes everything instantly--the end. What moron thought this was worth making?
Markle's Hallmark Redemption
doctorsmoothlove10 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"Dater's Handbook" is a Hallmark Channel romance featuring Meghan Markle, Kristoffer Polaha, Jonathan Scarfe. Markle is a single executive who tries to date different kinds of men from those she has dated in the past (noncommittal "bro" types). The title refers to a self-help book written by a hack who tries to use well-intended snippets like, "look for a guy who puts in effort" to help women have better relationships. The book really doesn't feature much in the story despite the title.
Markle impresses in this role which is better suited to her limits as an actor. I don't get the impression having seen her in "When Sparks Fly," that she has a great range. Here, she is energetic and indecisive about which of the two men she will date exclusively. The story is set in Denver and the setting plays to what we would expect of Markle based on her clothing choices in this film and her real life persona. She is not a person you expect to live in a small town.
Polaha and Scarfe are the two love interests. Each is different enough from the other that the choice between them has meaning. Will Markle pick the poorer man with whom she has more chemistry with or the polite wealthier man she is nervous to be around? Neither man has anything really negative about his personality. Only the first boyfriend Markle has is obviously flawed but even his flaw isn't terrible. He is just a party dude. The main guys get plenty of screen time for us to get to know them. I really liked how Scarfe's job is so hard to describe, he seems to struggle to tell Markle's film-mother what he does for a living.
Markle eventually picks Scarfe I suppose because her sister likes the idea of him better. Their mother likes Polaha more because she feels that Markle is able to be herself around him. Of course, the ending is so predictable this sentence has already spoiled it for you. Getting to the ending is the third act; and, surprisingly, a rare example of emotional depth in a film like this. Markle tries to please her sister and her mother and isn't emotionally honest with herself or her suitors. People behave this way in real life. Relationships are usually not as predictable as Hallmark makes them out to be. That nuance is appreciated. As was the music of REO Speedwagon. Recommended for date night.
Markle impresses in this role which is better suited to her limits as an actor. I don't get the impression having seen her in "When Sparks Fly," that she has a great range. Here, she is energetic and indecisive about which of the two men she will date exclusively. The story is set in Denver and the setting plays to what we would expect of Markle based on her clothing choices in this film and her real life persona. She is not a person you expect to live in a small town.
Polaha and Scarfe are the two love interests. Each is different enough from the other that the choice between them has meaning. Will Markle pick the poorer man with whom she has more chemistry with or the polite wealthier man she is nervous to be around? Neither man has anything really negative about his personality. Only the first boyfriend Markle has is obviously flawed but even his flaw isn't terrible. He is just a party dude. The main guys get plenty of screen time for us to get to know them. I really liked how Scarfe's job is so hard to describe, he seems to struggle to tell Markle's film-mother what he does for a living.
Markle eventually picks Scarfe I suppose because her sister likes the idea of him better. Their mother likes Polaha more because she feels that Markle is able to be herself around him. Of course, the ending is so predictable this sentence has already spoiled it for you. Getting to the ending is the third act; and, surprisingly, a rare example of emotional depth in a film like this. Markle tries to please her sister and her mother and isn't emotionally honest with herself or her suitors. People behave this way in real life. Relationships are usually not as predictable as Hallmark makes them out to be. That nuance is appreciated. As was the music of REO Speedwagon. Recommended for date night.
Not Good Enough for a Repeat Viewing
athompsonblue29 November 2021
They made it so obviously which is the right guy for her, that she looks like an idiot for not just picking him early on.
Also, the whole movie is a false dilemma fallacy. Can't a girl have a guy who's dependable AND chivalrous AND fun?
The sister got on my nerves. Apparently, she's unhappy in her marriage, and is trying to get a vicarious do-over through her sister's love life. And she follows some lady's self-help book so religiously, boiling love down to a checklist or formula.
And finally, neither guy ever learns that the protagonist's been two-timing them.
Also, the whole movie is a false dilemma fallacy. Can't a girl have a guy who's dependable AND chivalrous AND fun?
The sister got on my nerves. Apparently, she's unhappy in her marriage, and is trying to get a vicarious do-over through her sister's love life. And she follows some lady's self-help book so religiously, boiling love down to a checklist or formula.
And finally, neither guy ever learns that the protagonist's been two-timing them.
The idea of finding love in unexpected places
aaaaoj14 January 2019
REO Speedwagon should've appeared in the movie, darn it!!
MyMovieTVRomance18 December 2022
Unremarkable romcom, except that it stars a Hollywood starlet-turned-would-be-princess.
Watched for Markle, and I don't regret it, but it's not a stand-out otherwise. Subpar TV movie. But, it's still better than some theatrical releases, cause it's a romcom, and they are always harmless fun.
One thing I really liked about it was the actress who plays her mother in this movie; wow, is she beautiful!
Also, the REO Speedwagon music was a nice touch, and the band should've appeared in the movie, darn it!! It also made me think of my love, Joan Jett, because they're a rock band and she's a rocker- plus she is the band that did the most shows with them, I think in 1986- over 30 shows!
And the mention of "Jaws" also makes me think of my love, as that's her lighting director's fave movie!
This movie is about finding the one, and it makes me think of my one. Not bad!
Watched for Markle, and I don't regret it, but it's not a stand-out otherwise. Subpar TV movie. But, it's still better than some theatrical releases, cause it's a romcom, and they are always harmless fun.
One thing I really liked about it was the actress who plays her mother in this movie; wow, is she beautiful!
Also, the REO Speedwagon music was a nice touch, and the band should've appeared in the movie, darn it!! It also made me think of my love, Joan Jett, because they're a rock band and she's a rocker- plus she is the band that did the most shows with them, I think in 1986- over 30 shows!
And the mention of "Jaws" also makes me think of my love, as that's her lighting director's fave movie!
This movie is about finding the one, and it makes me think of my one. Not bad!
Meghan before she was royalty
JRayJoy3 January 2022
I love how streaming allows us to watch movies that people don't pay to see, but got kinda want to see Meghan Markle act now she's a princess. "Daters Handbook" is clucky with script and acting, making everyone's relationships with each other feel off, and yet that somehow made it a little more endearing to me. Will this win her an Oscar? No, did I enjoy watching a princess get dating advice while she was possibly actually dating a prince, yes, yes I did. Recommended if you enjoy the Royals enough to watch a wedding, or don't mind clunky acting with a feel good dating feel.
The Best Hallmark Movie Ever
briancseel3 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I've seen probably a couple of dozen Hallmark films in the last few years and this is by far and away the best. The appeal of Hallmark films, their predictable formulaic nature, is so often their downfall. Screenwriters seem to create a series of set-pieces, checking the boxes in the Rom-Com formula, and they don't always blend together smoothly to create a good film.
The amount of cheese that must be served in a Hallmark film also requires great finesses from the actors and actresses, something only a few (Candice Cameron Bure, Lacey Chabert) can consistently pull off well.
But this is different from your typical Hallmark movie. The writing creates plausible dialogue and scenes that show the evolution of a real relationship. As a result, the acting is natural, Meghan Markle and her male co-star are fantastic in creating characters you feel like you have met.
As always the plot of the film is simple. A young woman, Markle, looking for love has realized that her long-time boyfriend is far from the one and no longer even the one for right now.
Determined to reverse a string of relationship failures, she turns to a self-help book (should note that the film brilliantly skewers the self-help industry). As luck would have it, as she embarks on her new approach to dating she is presented with two men and two very different choices.
One is formal, serious, seemingly mature, and, even if a bit stuffy, is not the kind of guy she normally dates.
The other seems like yet another funny bro, good to have a few beers with, but not someone you can get serious about.
You can figure it out from here. The ride is always predictable with Hallmark films (that's why we love them) but rarely as enjoyable as it is here. Worth watching even if you don't care Meghan Markle is now a princess.
The amount of cheese that must be served in a Hallmark film also requires great finesses from the actors and actresses, something only a few (Candice Cameron Bure, Lacey Chabert) can consistently pull off well.
But this is different from your typical Hallmark movie. The writing creates plausible dialogue and scenes that show the evolution of a real relationship. As a result, the acting is natural, Meghan Markle and her male co-star are fantastic in creating characters you feel like you have met.
As always the plot of the film is simple. A young woman, Markle, looking for love has realized that her long-time boyfriend is far from the one and no longer even the one for right now.
Determined to reverse a string of relationship failures, she turns to a self-help book (should note that the film brilliantly skewers the self-help industry). As luck would have it, as she embarks on her new approach to dating she is presented with two men and two very different choices.
One is formal, serious, seemingly mature, and, even if a bit stuffy, is not the kind of guy she normally dates.
The other seems like yet another funny bro, good to have a few beers with, but not someone you can get serious about.
You can figure it out from here. The ride is always predictable with Hallmark films (that's why we love them) but rarely as enjoyable as it is here. Worth watching even if you don't care Meghan Markle is now a princess.
Several first dates
TheLittleSongbird1 November 2022
Hallmark have proven many times that they are capable of making something watchable at least and the best of them are actually very good. Some of those being films with very unappealing premises but somehow managing to make something charming out of it. Also watched it as someone who has liked Kristoffer Polaha in a lot of other things. What did dampen my expectations was that the idea of the film did not sound appetising and because of not being a fan of Meghan Markle (here before she became one of the world's most hated people) as an actress.
'Dater's Handbook' didn't do it for me. It does nothing to make an unappetising premise more appealing, in fact what made it so unappealing on paper was exaggerated in the execution. And it certainly does nothing to change my mind on Markle, either as an actress or as a person. Is it a terrible film? No, and it has its redeeming merits. It just does so many things really badly, some of the things done badly didn't surprise me but there were also things that should have worked that has worked elsewhere but doesn't here in 'Dater's Handbook'.
Starting with the good things, Polaha is great. He is as usual subtly charismatic and has an easy going charm that makes his character likeable. Jonathan Scarfe also appeals, though his character is not as interesting.
The production values are attractive, Hallmark nearly always deliver on at least nice scenery (even if they are often not the real locations) and this is no exception. Some of the soundtrack is pleasant and the supporting cast do their best.
Markle however is awful, she has little personality at times that is evident in some wooden line delivery, over-compensates at other points with some very affected facial expressions and comes over as very self absorbed. That her character is so impossible to endear to badly unbalances the film and actually wrecks it, a character with no real redeeming qualities seeemingly and with too many exaggerated negative traits to count (shallow-ness and arrogance being the most frequent). She also has no chemistry with either Polaha or Scarfe (that with Scarfe is a non event).
Also found the story execution very unrealistic, ruined by not only finding it hard to buy what either male lead saw in her that was remotely attractive but also finding it even more difficult to believe how they didn't see through or know what she was up to when it was so obvious. Scarfe's character comes over as naive. Other than Polaha's, almost all the characters are one dimensional and not fleshed out, basically bland typical Hallmark cliches. It is also very predictable, it's an old premise executed conventionally and with nothing new sprinkled with too much of a manipulative streak (with how Markle's character treats everybody else) that is distasteful and overdone.
Dialogue is awkward with the comedy being contrived and the drama being too sentimental. The ending is far too neat and convenient, it was very obvious from the start what the final decision was and it is one that makes one go "why".
Overall, mediocre with an unbearable female lead character. See it for Polaha and Hallmark completest sake. 4/10.
'Dater's Handbook' didn't do it for me. It does nothing to make an unappetising premise more appealing, in fact what made it so unappealing on paper was exaggerated in the execution. And it certainly does nothing to change my mind on Markle, either as an actress or as a person. Is it a terrible film? No, and it has its redeeming merits. It just does so many things really badly, some of the things done badly didn't surprise me but there were also things that should have worked that has worked elsewhere but doesn't here in 'Dater's Handbook'.
Starting with the good things, Polaha is great. He is as usual subtly charismatic and has an easy going charm that makes his character likeable. Jonathan Scarfe also appeals, though his character is not as interesting.
The production values are attractive, Hallmark nearly always deliver on at least nice scenery (even if they are often not the real locations) and this is no exception. Some of the soundtrack is pleasant and the supporting cast do their best.
Markle however is awful, she has little personality at times that is evident in some wooden line delivery, over-compensates at other points with some very affected facial expressions and comes over as very self absorbed. That her character is so impossible to endear to badly unbalances the film and actually wrecks it, a character with no real redeeming qualities seeemingly and with too many exaggerated negative traits to count (shallow-ness and arrogance being the most frequent). She also has no chemistry with either Polaha or Scarfe (that with Scarfe is a non event).
Also found the story execution very unrealistic, ruined by not only finding it hard to buy what either male lead saw in her that was remotely attractive but also finding it even more difficult to believe how they didn't see through or know what she was up to when it was so obvious. Scarfe's character comes over as naive. Other than Polaha's, almost all the characters are one dimensional and not fleshed out, basically bland typical Hallmark cliches. It is also very predictable, it's an old premise executed conventionally and with nothing new sprinkled with too much of a manipulative streak (with how Markle's character treats everybody else) that is distasteful and overdone.
Dialogue is awkward with the comedy being contrived and the drama being too sentimental. The ending is far too neat and convenient, it was very obvious from the start what the final decision was and it is one that makes one go "why".
Overall, mediocre with an unbearable female lead character. See it for Polaha and Hallmark completest sake. 4/10.
Just silly
linda-plant22 February 2019
Like another reviewer I wanted to watch this, as never having seen Suits, I wanted to see how Meghan Markle fared as an actress, as she has since married into our Royal family.
Hmmmmmm, honestly ? Clearly Meryl Streep won't be having sleepless nights. If Ms Markle had been any good, then Hollywood 'proper' would have snapped her up, instead of her languishing in the stable of able but lightweight Hallmark Channel actors.
The British press have made much of her former career as an actress - would they do so if they had seen this offering ? I rather think not.
Hmmmmmm, honestly ? Clearly Meryl Streep won't be having sleepless nights. If Ms Markle had been any good, then Hollywood 'proper' would have snapped her up, instead of her languishing in the stable of able but lightweight Hallmark Channel actors.
The British press have made much of her former career as an actress - would they do so if they had seen this offering ? I rather think not.
Mediocre At Best
Anij1829 January 2019
Very disappointed. The movie only deserves 4 stars but I gave it one extra just for Kristoffer Polaha. He's always so good, even in this bad movie. The story was silly, the acting was below average, and the actors had no chemistry. But the worst was the main female character. I flat out couldn't stand her! She was shallow, selfish, indecisive, and not likeable in any way. Plus Meghan Markle, while very pretty, isn't really much of an actress. The only reason I was able to finish it was because of Kristoffer Polaha being in it. But I will never waste my time on it again.
I loved it!
MedicOne24 August 2018
A bit of light hearted afternoon viewing starring Meghan Markle in her last film before she left acting to marry Prince Harry. You can see she was actually quite an accomplished actress who has given up what could have been a promising career to be with him. The plot is straightforward & typical of this genre of movie, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Horrible horrible
ldddhunter9 October 2022
Meghan Markle needs some acting lessons, I like the 2 guys BUT she needs some help w/her acting skills!! I usually like SOME Hallmark movies BUT this movie sucked BIG TIME!! The plot was ok BUT the acting from Megsy was stiff & you could tell she was acting, which is a NO NO! She can't even be lead in a Hallmark movie, thats just so pathetic! I didn't watch the show Suits but a LOT of people said her acting on there was horrific as well. Hmm.... I guess good thing she married a prince in real life! Oh but wait she thought it was "tiaras & fancy parties"- foolish 40 yr old woman & D list actress.🙄
poor Hallmark
Kirpianuscus4 March 2023
The huge problem of film is, unfortunatelly, Meghan Markle. Her wood acting, fake moments, arrogance and a sort of serious supperficiality.
The effort to introduce the Jane Austen touch works just wrong because the final is so predictable and formal crafted.
The good parts - the effort of supporting cast to save the film and the nice contribution of Kristoffer Poloha in this sense. Sure, the work of Jonathan Scarfe is , in same measure, precious, but his role is constructed exactly for suggest who will be the winner. Unfortunatelly, the film , centred around Markle , has poor chances to be more than a very modest Hallmark.
The effort to introduce the Jane Austen touch works just wrong because the final is so predictable and formal crafted.
The good parts - the effort of supporting cast to save the film and the nice contribution of Kristoffer Poloha in this sense. Sure, the work of Jonathan Scarfe is , in same measure, precious, but his role is constructed exactly for suggest who will be the winner. Unfortunatelly, the film , centred around Markle , has poor chances to be more than a very modest Hallmark.
Witty and fun
MickyG33313 March 2023
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.
A waste
villarreal_susy3 February 2022
It is so bad I fell asleep twice. I did finish it in the end, but it is not worth it. Doesnt have the rom com feeling. It is more like a 7th grade play. Markhle is not a good actress neither, sadly. I dont understad why she is praised in hollywood.
How to get a boring boyfriend...
kz917-118 February 2019
Cringeworthy Hallmark TV movie that will bore and disappoint you!
personal-181-93135328 January 2023
Dater's Handbook is a cringeworthy Hallmark TV movie that will leave you feeling disappointed. Starring Cass (played by Meghan Markle), the movie follows her journey in finding love, with guidance from Dr Susie's self-help book.
The storyline is both predictable and cringe-inducing. Cass is successful in her business life, yet unsuccessful in her personal life, so she follows the advice of Dr Susie's "Dater's Handbook" to help her find the right man to settle down with. She dates several guys and evaluates them according to the criteria provided in Dr Susie's book, before finally deciding between reliable George and fun-loving Robert.
The predictability of this TV movie makes it incredibly boring and unoriginal. From the beginning, you can pretty much guess how it will end. Cass finds true love with either George (played by Jonathan Scarfe) or Robert (played by Kristoffer Polaha) after going through various trials and tribulations; but you are still subjected to watching their painful interactions throughout the entire duration of this hour and a half long film just to get there.
This movie also lacks originality as it uses so many standard romantic comedy tropes that have been done far better by other films. The dialogue is corny and clichéd, featuring lines like "You have to go on a date with yourself first" and "Maybe what we need here is a little faith"; the characters are one dimensional; and the plot moves along at a snail's pace.
On top of all this, Dater's Handbook fails to deliver any emotional depth or character development that could potentially redeem it. With such an unremarkable cast of characters - including an irritatingly perfect best friend - you don't feel any real connection or investment in their relationships or story arcs whatsoever.
Overall, Dater's Handbook is an incredibly forgettable Hallmark TV movie that offers nothing new or original for viewers. It employs a range of tropes from other similar movies but fails to add anything unique or interesting into its already formulaic plotline and flat characters - making it difficult for viewers to invest any emotion into what is happening on screen. This disappointing rom-com drama should be avoided at all costs unless you're looking for something predictable, boring and utterly cringeworthy!
The storyline is both predictable and cringe-inducing. Cass is successful in her business life, yet unsuccessful in her personal life, so she follows the advice of Dr Susie's "Dater's Handbook" to help her find the right man to settle down with. She dates several guys and evaluates them according to the criteria provided in Dr Susie's book, before finally deciding between reliable George and fun-loving Robert.
The predictability of this TV movie makes it incredibly boring and unoriginal. From the beginning, you can pretty much guess how it will end. Cass finds true love with either George (played by Jonathan Scarfe) or Robert (played by Kristoffer Polaha) after going through various trials and tribulations; but you are still subjected to watching their painful interactions throughout the entire duration of this hour and a half long film just to get there.
This movie also lacks originality as it uses so many standard romantic comedy tropes that have been done far better by other films. The dialogue is corny and clichéd, featuring lines like "You have to go on a date with yourself first" and "Maybe what we need here is a little faith"; the characters are one dimensional; and the plot moves along at a snail's pace.
On top of all this, Dater's Handbook fails to deliver any emotional depth or character development that could potentially redeem it. With such an unremarkable cast of characters - including an irritatingly perfect best friend - you don't feel any real connection or investment in their relationships or story arcs whatsoever.
Overall, Dater's Handbook is an incredibly forgettable Hallmark TV movie that offers nothing new or original for viewers. It employs a range of tropes from other similar movies but fails to add anything unique or interesting into its already formulaic plotline and flat characters - making it difficult for viewers to invest any emotion into what is happening on screen. This disappointing rom-com drama should be avoided at all costs unless you're looking for something predictable, boring and utterly cringeworthy!
Pretty Bland and obvious .....fell asleep....
Design8814 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoy Hallmark movies but there are some very good and some very bad ones. "Dater's Handbook" falls somewhere in between.
I actually found Meghan Markle's acting to be better than when she started out in SUITS but still not strong enough to carry the lead role. She had a number of seasons of SUITS to improve even if she was just the lead's "love interest" (her own description of her role). But she was never going to get very far in the Hallmark stable of actors other than as a biracial actress, which I should imagine they desperately need these days. She's presumably white in this movie since her mother and sister are. She could have had a black father (like they finally did in SUITS which surprised many of us) but it's not mentioned and he's not around.
She goes through the whole movie as if she's just reading her lines. She's attractive but simply not believable. Luckily her sister and Mother help keep things interesting and moving forward.
It's a simple scenario. A successful businesswoman makes poor choices when it comes to boyfriends so her somewhat bored married sister recommends she buy a self-help book to find a keeper.
Suddenly, she is asked out by two different suitors so she follows the steps in the book to decide which one she'll exclusively date. Her mother points out that someone will get hurt if she continues to date both of them and it does seem quite cold and calculating on her part. As she checks off the boxes, page by page, her dates seem more like clinical experiments. She must make a decision soon.
One suitor (Johnathan Scarfe) is solid, stable, charming and rich albeit a gentleman and a little boring. Everything she doesn't usually choose in a boyfriend. He wines and dines her and takes her to concerts and art galleries. She seems naive and nervous at these events (as if she'd never been to anything like these before) and appears to be rather ignorant in his more mature world. It's difficult to tell why he's so taken by her as she only shows she's very charmed and impressed by him but doesn't have much in common with him or to be able to contribute. There is no chemistry.
The other is a hot favorite of mine (Kris Polaha) and he's always superb. I wouldn't have lasted 15mins had it not been for him. He's such a good actor but even he can't save this little movie. He plays a more roughshod yet passionately character more like her usual choices. He and Markle just don't seem to have much chemistry either (gasp) and all three are one-dimensional, but she has more fun with him and can be herself on their dates... bowling or having a beer in a diner.
I think if it were Jill Wagner in the role or any number of top notch Hallmark leading ladies, the script wouldn't have seemed so formulaic and flat. With Meghan's mediocre and stiff acting, all we see is a pretty indecisive and bland woman, manipulatively deciding between a monied suitor who she feels inferior around (in spite of owning her own business and being good at her job) and a sexy, laid back one.
I fell asleep at this point and will never know who she ended up with because she had just chosen Johnathan as my eyes closed but I suspect that she might have changed her mind after a kiss from Kris.
Ironically, MM was possibly making similar choices in her own life at this time. Great meals and introductions to the high society of Canada through her live-in boyfriend, Chef and Restauranteur Corey Vitiello, or a third date in Botswana with Prince Harry of the British Royal Family. She didn't need the Dater's Handbook for this one. A no brainer in real life.
I actually found Meghan Markle's acting to be better than when she started out in SUITS but still not strong enough to carry the lead role. She had a number of seasons of SUITS to improve even if she was just the lead's "love interest" (her own description of her role). But she was never going to get very far in the Hallmark stable of actors other than as a biracial actress, which I should imagine they desperately need these days. She's presumably white in this movie since her mother and sister are. She could have had a black father (like they finally did in SUITS which surprised many of us) but it's not mentioned and he's not around.
She goes through the whole movie as if she's just reading her lines. She's attractive but simply not believable. Luckily her sister and Mother help keep things interesting and moving forward.
It's a simple scenario. A successful businesswoman makes poor choices when it comes to boyfriends so her somewhat bored married sister recommends she buy a self-help book to find a keeper.
Suddenly, she is asked out by two different suitors so she follows the steps in the book to decide which one she'll exclusively date. Her mother points out that someone will get hurt if she continues to date both of them and it does seem quite cold and calculating on her part. As she checks off the boxes, page by page, her dates seem more like clinical experiments. She must make a decision soon.
One suitor (Johnathan Scarfe) is solid, stable, charming and rich albeit a gentleman and a little boring. Everything she doesn't usually choose in a boyfriend. He wines and dines her and takes her to concerts and art galleries. She seems naive and nervous at these events (as if she'd never been to anything like these before) and appears to be rather ignorant in his more mature world. It's difficult to tell why he's so taken by her as she only shows she's very charmed and impressed by him but doesn't have much in common with him or to be able to contribute. There is no chemistry.
The other is a hot favorite of mine (Kris Polaha) and he's always superb. I wouldn't have lasted 15mins had it not been for him. He's such a good actor but even he can't save this little movie. He plays a more roughshod yet passionately character more like her usual choices. He and Markle just don't seem to have much chemistry either (gasp) and all three are one-dimensional, but she has more fun with him and can be herself on their dates... bowling or having a beer in a diner.
I think if it were Jill Wagner in the role or any number of top notch Hallmark leading ladies, the script wouldn't have seemed so formulaic and flat. With Meghan's mediocre and stiff acting, all we see is a pretty indecisive and bland woman, manipulatively deciding between a monied suitor who she feels inferior around (in spite of owning her own business and being good at her job) and a sexy, laid back one.
I fell asleep at this point and will never know who she ended up with because she had just chosen Johnathan as my eyes closed but I suspect that she might have changed her mind after a kiss from Kris.
Ironically, MM was possibly making similar choices in her own life at this time. Great meals and introductions to the high society of Canada through her live-in boyfriend, Chef and Restauranteur Corey Vitiello, or a third date in Botswana with Prince Harry of the British Royal Family. She didn't need the Dater's Handbook for this one. A no brainer in real life.
Awful Movie
sray-5007914 February 2023
This is the type of movie you want to make disappear forever. What a waste of time and money. Whoever made this movie should be ashamed of themselves. Won't ever watch another Hallmark Movie if this is the type of quality films they make. It was a mediocre movie. What moron thought this was worth making? I thought she over acted throughout the movie. Markle's father wasted his money on her acting lessons. She was shallow, selfish, indecisive, and not likeable in any way. Maybe we'll get lucky and she'll fade into obscurity sooner rather than later. The movie is an incredibly forgettable Hallmark TV movie that offers nothing new or original for viewers.
I didn't feel anything from watching this with Megan Markle!
Irishchatter29 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The only reason why I came to watch this movie because as most of us know, Megan Markle is Prince Harry's real life girlfriend and like seriously, she is just so stunning! Unlike the other reviewer who first reviewed this hallmark movie, I actually have never watched Suits with her in it. Basically what I am saying here, this is my very first time seeing her act.
Anyways onto this movie, I was very disappointed that it wasn't that enlightening or exciting. If she did this movie based on royalty, it would work out that way. Not the fact she is saying Prince Harry, but she has the talent to act as a typical American girl fallen for an English Prince/Lord or whoever! Like she would be more better in a fantasy movie than a ordinary romance film like this. Maybe I'm wrong, although its just it wasn't good enough as it should've been anyways. That's why it has to be 4/10. It's just pretty dull and boring for the eyes.....
Anyways onto this movie, I was very disappointed that it wasn't that enlightening or exciting. If she did this movie based on royalty, it would work out that way. Not the fact she is saying Prince Harry, but she has the talent to act as a typical American girl fallen for an English Prince/Lord or whoever! Like she would be more better in a fantasy movie than a ordinary romance film like this. Maybe I'm wrong, although its just it wasn't good enough as it should've been anyways. That's why it has to be 4/10. It's just pretty dull and boring for the eyes.....
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