Holidate

Directed by John Whitesell, Holidate follows Emma Roberts’ Sloane and Luke Bracey’s Jackson as they agree to attend a series of holidays and special occasions together as platonic plus-ones – with complications ensuing after the pair inevitably begin developing romantic feelings for one another. There’s little doubt that Holidate improves considerably as it progresses, as the movie, written by Tiffany Paulsen, boasts an almost unwatchable opening half hour that’s been suffused with a whole host of unappealing, tiresome elements – with, especially, the egregiously slick banter between the central characters doing little to alleviate the distressingly disposable vibe. It’s clear, then, that the picture benefits rather substantially from the thoroughly charming and appealing efforts of its central performers, as both Roberts and Bracey, though saddled with sitcom-like character development, deliver stirring work that’s heightened by their palpable chemistry together. And while the narrative contains its fair share of needless padding and silly subplots, Holidate builds towards a satisfying (and unexpectedly) romantic final stretch that ultimately does confirm its place as an erratic yet generally rewarding endeavor.

**1/2 out of ****