The Dating List

'The Dating List' (2019)

Opening thoughts: While still continuing my Hallmark/Lifetime film completest quest (which started with their Christmas output but has extended to other seasonal blocks overtime as well), part of me wanted to see films that were in similar vein but not from them. So the likes of UPTV. The most familiar name to me in 'The Dating List' is Christian Slater, have not seen his work in some time but remember liking it. While the premise is nothing novel, it did appeal to me at least (premises and talented casts have always been my main reasons for seeing anything).

'The Dating List' is among the better non-Hallmark/Lifetime films of this type seen recently. Is it devoid of flaws? No it isn't, very few films are. It is not a good representation of Slater, yet at the same time 'The Dating List' has made me interested in seeing more of the work of the two leads who are represented well. Which is always a good sign watching film and television. Regardless of how little originality there is, there is so much that the film does right that this doesn't matter anywhere near as much as it could have done.

Bad things: Beginning with the not so good things, Slater is not on good form, slumming it in a cardboard role which really stands out like a sore thumb.

Also felt that the ending can be seen from some way off and felt a little too tidy.

Good things: Natalie Dreyfuss and Andrew Dunbar are however immensely engaging and charismatic leads. Their characters were not difficult to warm to, they didn't come over as too perfect yet any negative traits were not exaggerated. Their chemistry is very sweet, heartfelt and genuine and develops realistically. The supporting cast are solid and their characters are mostly not cardboard.

Furthermore, the production values are quite lovely. Especially the suitably picturesque scenery. It is assuredly directed too, giving breathing space but also momentum, and fittingly scored. There is also a charming, heartwarming story that never felt dull while not rushing through things. The script flows and never came over as too cheesy or schmaltzy.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very nicely done.

8/10.

For a TV movie, it was rather enjoyable. Rom-com is a genre that I personally find the least success in. But even though it covers a lot of cliche's and you exactly how it's going to end, there is a charm to it. The characters are likable and the writing has a sharp wit to it when it needs to.

The Hallmark style rom/coms are all mostly the same dozen or so plots with another couple dozen plot devices jumbled in. As a result, for me, the ones that I'm most likely to enjoy will have one or two of my favorite actors. Sometimes the writing and dialogue will do the trick, but usually it's the chemistry between the leads.

I never heard of Natalie Dreyfuss or Andrew Dunbar, but the idea of finding a date for Abby's boss appealed to me as something to pass the time while I exercised. Was I pleasantly surprised!

The writing and dialogue is better than average. The dialogue is witty. Some of the situations are quirky. Overall, this isn't the most original story since it boils down to the anonymous recluse author being right in front of Abby's face. (The audience learns this fairly early.) And a lot of the things that develop are mostly predictable including the conflict and the general outcome.

The gem is Natalie Dreyfuss and to a certain extent her chemistry with Andrew Dunbar. Abby is fun. She is self deprecating, but underneath she is confident. She wants to be honest. Dan is also a good guy. The supporting cast is decent except for Christian Sloan who plays a cardboard head partner.

Now this is superior schmaltz - escapist and fluffy and with the mandatory HEA but some lovely values and convincing connection between the lead actors. A well written and well-rounded script. I could envisage this as the pilot of a tv series and I was left wanting more of these characters.

I couldn't take my eyes and ears of this movie which was a bad thing as I had it in the background for routine paperwork and I was not supposed to be distracted ha ha ha. I had had to switch it off until I met my deadline and put on something more mundane.

I really liked the wit and edge to the writing.

Loved the characters, they appeared very natural, chemistry was good. Felt good all the way through.