MOVIE REVIEW
12 Dates of Christmas
Network: ABC Family
Original Air Date: December 11, 2011
CAST:
Amy Smart ... Kate Stanton
Mark-Paul Gosselaar ... Miles
Jayne Eastwood ... Margine Frumkin
Benjamin Ayres ... Jack Evans
Richard Fitzpatrick ... Jim
Jennifer Kydd ... Nancy
Alexander De Jordy ... Peterson
Stephan James ... Michael
Joe MacLeod ... Toby
Laura Miyata ... Miyoko
Cherisse Woonsam ... Leigh
Joe Ring ... Santa Clause 1
Shant Srabian ... Security Guard
Andrea Lyons ... Caroller
Miles Faber ... Metro Santa
Sedina Fiati ... Caroller
Esther Jaciuk ... Caroller
PLOT:
from ABC Family:
This romantic comedy follows a young woman who re-lives the same first date on Christmas Eve over and over again. Will she be able to put her past behind and finally get the romantic Christmas she longs for or will she ruin her chances of love for good?
In "12 Dates of Christmas," Smart plays Kate, a young woman infatuated with Christmas and all the magic that surrounds it and is determined to find love. In an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve, Kate ends up ruining her blind date with Miles (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), a handsome guy her stepmother set her up with. In an odd twist of fate, Kate is given the chance to relive Christmas Eve over again – in fact twelve times - in order to not miss out on an opportunity she has always dreamed of - true love!
After understanding that a reconciliation with her ex is not in the cards, Kate decides to embrace what Christmas Eve has given her - a loving family, great friends and the prospect of a new love interest in Miles. However, right as Kate seems to think she has gotten it right, the clock strikes midnight and she unwillingly has to relive Christmas Eve once again. Although Kate appears to be distraught, she quickly understands she can do anything without consequences because by midnight all will be erased. With this new found excitement for life Kate goes on a shopping spree, gets a tattoo and alters her appearance drastically finally enjoying the gift she has been given. In addition to improving herself, Kate starts to help others and decides to make this Christmas Eve what she wants it to be. By letting go of her controlling ways and fear of being alone, Kate not only helps others find their happiness, but finds her own by finally trusting fate.
Movie Trailer:
Movie Review:
12 Dates is a fun, perky, creative, yet a little crazy (at times) Christmas Movie. And yet, I loved it!
The Movie was so exciting and captivating - I felt I was along for the ride... as if I was on a never-ending roller coaster ride... but the ride kept becoming more and more thrilling and interesting as it went!
Okay, back to the movie... there is so much detail to this movie - even when the scenes faded in and out - there were references in the settings from the song, "12 days of Christmas". Various prop items, etc... or even people sometimes, were used to represent a gift from the song. It was extremely creative - great job prop dept.! We noticed your work and thought it added so much to the movie. Let me give an example - as one scene came into view, the camera panned across 8 glass bottles of milk - that had old-fashioned looking labels, with maids on them... representing "8 Maids a' milking!" I found myself carefully watching the foreground and the background of the scenes for other things like this.
On the story of 12 Dates - Kate Stanton, portrayed by actress, Amy Smart, has 12 dates on one Christmas Eve that keep repeating over and over again - until she gets it right with Miles - her blind date. As each date becomes a failure, she keeps on repeating the day. It's a fun adventure and Amy Smart - is terrific, perky, and well, a delight to watch! No line she speaks is ever boring - she is full of such spunk and personality. Also, Kate's blind date, is Miles who is portrayed by the actor, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who many of you will remember as the cute, preppy blonde, Zack, on Saved by the Bell. He is more mature now, but still handsome and was the perfect mix with Amy Smart. Great Casting!
Also, I loved Jane's next door neighbor, Margine Frumkin, portrayed by actress Jayne Eastwood. She has been in so many Christmas Movies, and is a great character actress. Love her!
All in all, it is a great movie - however, there are just a few cautions. First of all, there is drinking, in a restaurant/bar. Also, there is some language to be aware of in this (P-1 D-2 B-1). Miles also attempts to read Kate's palm - but is clueless about doing so - so it is mostly a joke.
Otherwise, it is such a fun and delightful Christmas Eve movie... I couldn't help myself from loving it.
See or Skip:
See ~ fun movie!
Caution: Language not appropriate for young viewers.
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All photos (c) ABC Family 2011 for '12 Dates of Christmas'