ladymustang-12160 Let me start off by saying that the whole idea of hiring someone to be a 'fake' fiance for the weekend is absurd, but I also know people who are so anxious for their parent's approval that nothing seems out of bounds, so I choose to go with the flow. Once you accept the premise, this is a fun movie to watch. It's got likable, charismatic leads who work well together. Shelley Long is good as the overbearing mother who just wants what's best for her daughter and doesn't get that what she thinks is best may not actually be best. There is the typical awkwardness of the situation with fake Jason sometimes forgetting who he is. There's a sweet scene where Hillary and the fake Jason sing a Christmas carol while he plays piano. And another cute scene where Hillary tries to explain to fake Jason that he's the "get back" guy while he thinks the other guy is that guy. This is one of my favorite holiday movies. If you're willing to just go with it, it's a very pleasant, highly enjoyable movie that has not diminished for me with repeated viewings. If you're looking for great art and grand cinema, well, honestly, you shouldn't be looking at this type of movie in the first place!Enjoy it for what it is, and it's a great little movie.

SimonJack Late in the year, Hollywood and the major TV networks begin cranking out movies for the holiday season. But well before the end of the last century, all the Christmas plots imaginable had been done. Some real Christmas movies - but not very many, have been made since the late 20th century. They have themes of charity, giving, family reunions, love, reconciliations, and yes, sometimes romance. But by and large, the output that is labeled Christmas or holiday films in the 21st century is no more than comedy-romance or even drama that happens around the holidays. Such is this 2011 Hallmark channel film, "Holiday Engagement." It takes place around Thanksgiving and that makes it a holiday film. Just about every imaginable plot has been made into one of these films, which makes them commonplace. So, the only thing that sets one off usually is the characters as played by the cast. This film has some fine, better than normal performances by three of the cast. But it also has just enough of a different twist in the plot to hold one's interest. The lead, Hillary Burns (played by Bonnie Somerville) gets dumped by her fiancé just before going home for Thanksgiving. She hires an actor to play his part, rather than disappoint her mother. There's much more at play here in the family, and this is far out. But the leading cast make it work as a gentle comedy romance and mild family drama. Hillary's role is OK - her crying and sad scenes with her mother and before that are not very realistic. The six stars for this film are due mostly to her parents, with some extra credit for her hired fiancé. Shelley Long is very good as Hillary's mother, Meredith Burns; and Sam McMurray is very good as her father, Roy Burns. Finally, Jordan Bridges is very good as David, the actor whom she hires to stand in as her fiancé. He is the son of Beau Bridges and grandson of Lloyd Bridges. Of course, everyone knows where this story will go right away. As with all such the films, the fun (or lack thereof) is in the details of how the story gets to the end. This one is watchable but not special to run out and buy.The funniest line in the movie happens after Roy's effort to deep fat fry the turkey fails. The outdoor cooker he has rigged ejects the turkey. So, the family heads for a Mexican restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner. Meredith hands her water glass to the waiter and says, "Oh, um, I asked for seltzer. This looks like tap water with cheese floating in it."

kristinala I'm gonna give this one 9 stars. This is a general feel good romance movie. Some people may find it cheesy. And, OK, so it may be predictable like several reviews have mentioned but if you want a romance movie that leaves your heart feeling lighter and happier at the end, then this is it. I loved this movie. Something about it reminds me of my own relationship with my spouse maybe because sometimes the person you think you are supposed to be with is not the person you would be happiest with. And the somewhat ordinary person causes you to be happier than you would have ever guessed. I was having kind of a lousy day and this movie cheered me up.

kristy_b If you look past the ridiculously stupid concept that only Hollywood could come up with, and past the outrageous-ness of the whole thing, it's not too bad of a movie. Shelley Long gave a really believable performance as the mother. When an actor is able to make you feel something (even if that feeling is intense irritability and frustration) they've done their job. The chemistry between Jordan Bridges and Bonnie Somerville is also quite believable. So much so I wish that they were a real couple! Overall, the plot, though sometimes slow, is very light and fun and even touching in some parts.