It seems like a futile task. Finding new and enjoyable movies that are Thanksgiving based. “Holiday Engagement” fits the criteria. The 2011 Hallmark Channel original stars the beautiful Bonnie Somerville and has the script of any illogical holiday flick. Due to the structure, both Thanksgiving and Christmas are represented making it a perfect November watch.
Hillary Burns (Bonnie Somerville) is obscenely pretty, ridiculously nice, and loves Christmas. Of course, she’s engaged to a total tool (Chris McKenna) who is more focused on making corporate millions than showing her any affection. Said tool dumps Hillary right before Thanksgiving weekend.
Hillary, who already promised her overbearing family that she’s brining her fiancé home, hires an out of work actor named David (Jordan Bridges) to take his place.
2011
The movie seems far older than 2011, enhanced by the massive changes in technology experienced since that time. Hillary uses online dating to find the faux fiancé and reacts as though it’s a ridiculous way to meet people. The audition videos submitted are laugh out loud funny.
She instructs the actor to study her Facebook to learn about the family. Answering machines are prominent. In a prescient way, the movie also depicts the decline of printed newspapers.
“Holiday Engagement” has an enjoyable cast. Bonnie Somerville is a perfect lead for a Hallmark-type movie. The character is a journalist, who writes for a small indie paper. She funny, charming, and sentimental as need be. One of the best scenes in the film is her character singing a Christmas song as David accompanies on piano.
Hillary’s family is fronted by her pushy mother, played by Shelley Long. I can’t think of a better casting choice for an overbearing but still loving mother. Sam McMurray plays the father, and he’s great in the supporting role. Haylie Duff and Carrie Wiita play Hillary’s sisters. The plot is silly, and farfetched. But that’s what her expect when watching something like this. It’s funny and fast paced.
“Holiday Engagement” is a fun one for Thanksgiving week. Its streaming on Netflix and is well worth 90 minutes of your time.
