As I watch this 13 years after it was made, I can't help but wonder if quality has changed so much. The production seemed clumsy. From the beginning, the characters did not seem natural. Everything seemed forced.
Worst of all, I am appalled that Ted and his actions were even tolerated by Holly's family and especially by Holly herself. He should have received a solid slap in the face when he kissed her without invitation. Today, that is considered assault. Beyond that, he was basically a stalker and constantly rude. Holly told him no more than once, yet he persisted. Was this normal behavior in 2004?
The plot set-up had potential. Certainly a boyfriend for Christmas, once you get passed the dangers of being a total stranger, could have led to some interesting possibilities. And meeting the family met some of these possibilities, but the two alone and settling on the couch, kissing, and then falling asleep all night next to one another is stretching it. Like I said, forced.
This movie was too focused on the conflict between Ted and Doug/Ryan. Ted was over the top and as I implied above, insulting. I would have much rather seen more time between Holly and Doug/Ryan. I think this movie missed out by not showing more of Kelli Williams off, and developing more and smoother chemistry with Patrick Muldoon.
Worst of all, I am appalled that Ted and his actions were even tolerated by Holly's family and especially by Holly herself. He should have received a solid slap in the face when he kissed her without invitation. Today, that is considered assault. Beyond that, he was basically a stalker and constantly rude. Holly told him no more than once, yet he persisted. Was this normal behavior in 2004?
The plot set-up had potential. Certainly a boyfriend for Christmas, once you get passed the dangers of being a total stranger, could have led to some interesting possibilities. And meeting the family met some of these possibilities, but the two alone and settling on the couch, kissing, and then falling asleep all night next to one another is stretching it. Like I said, forced.
This movie was too focused on the conflict between Ted and Doug/Ryan. Ted was over the top and as I implied above, insulting. I would have much rather seen more time between Holly and Doug/Ryan. I think this movie missed out by not showing more of Kelli Williams off, and developing more and smoother chemistry with Patrick Muldoon.