To Catch a Crimes (2006 TV Movie) User Reviews (56)

Dumb, but fun

[MartianOctocretr5 · 5/10 · 22 November 2009]

An utterly ridiculous premise. A girl breaks up with her boy friend, and kidnaps a guy with hand cuffs to get him to pose as her boy friend for Christmas with her family. Make sense? Of course not, but it doesn't matter.

Even using her Sabrina powers, I doubt the tiny MJ Hart could over power Mario Lopez. Nor is it likely the parents would be fooled by this absurd scheme, especially when the guy starts yelling to them for help! Well, it's a rom-com, so anything goes. On top of that, the Christmas theme demands the exact sentimental outcome you'll see coming more than 50 light years away. Even if you can't give it the poetic license it needs (a lot, lol), you can still laugh at how ludicrous the whole thing is.

Silly nonsense, but utterly harmless. For a brainless diversion, this one, believe it or not, works.

The great American con game.

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 10 December 2007]

Parents want their children to be successful. Children want to please their parents. Everybody puts on a happy face and are miserable inside. That is Trudie's (Melissa Joan Hart) problem. How to make her parents happy so they will love her. Things are not going her way, so she flips out and grabs Mario López to pass off as her boyfriend.

"Saved by the Bell" and soap star Lopex and Hart eventually manage a truce that leads to love, as the rest of the family lets their skeletons out of the closet.

Great family interaction, and holiday silliness. Destined to be one to watch every year.

Nice Surprise

[Christmas-Reviewer · 7/10 · 11 December 2016]

A friend of mine recommended this film to me. I am glad I took his advice. This film was very good and it's one of the better Christmas Television Films I have ever seen.

In this film a Trudie (Melissa Joan Hart) is an aspiring painter working as a restaurant waitress. With the pressure to please her parents (Timothy Bottoms and Markie Post) building, she misses a job interview and gets dumped by her boyfriend just before Christmas, and she has a nervous breakdown. Stressed about going home for the holidays without a boyfriend, she kidnaps David Martin (Mario Lopez), a random customer at the restaurant in which she works and introduces him to her parents as her boyfriend, Nick.

Lots of great moments and so well made. If you want a great comedy to watch you won't go wrong watching this!

Fun and not overly cliché!

[AnnaShade · 10 December 2007]

As far as ABC Family movies go, this one was at the top! Everyone could act and practically none of the lines made me even close to cringing, which is what normally happens when I watch a TV movie.

Miss Hart did a great job and wasn't in the least a cliché character. I was a little dubious at first about Mario Lopez being her love interest in the movie, but it worked out really well.

Another thing that I was happy about was that it didn't to the boring, repetitive "Christmas is about spending time with your family" failed plot. It actually had interesting characters and a funny plot line.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to have a good time watching a movie.

A bit silly but fun

[HotToastyRag · 6/10 · 19 December 2022]

If you like the "fake boyfriend" genre of romance, you've probably seen Holiday in Handcuffs, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez. It's definitely on the silly side and relies on slapstick and unrealistic situations; if you don't mind that kind of humor, you'll laugh yourself all the way to Christmas. Just don't take a leaf from Melissa's book. Kidnapping is a felony.

As the year comes to a close, Melissa feels like a total failure because she doesn't have a husband and kids. She doesn't even have a good job and has never achieved her artistic dream. In a moment of desperation (and insanity), she pulls a gun on a handsome man she met at work while waitressing and forces him to come home with her for Christmas. She wants him to play the devoted boyfriend, but he tries to escape and tell the truth to anyone who will listen. Fortunately, Melissa's family is very stupid and doesn't listen to him - otherwise they'd never have time to fall in love!

This one isn't my favorite because it is quite silly, but it is fun to watch every few years. It's always a nice bit of escapism to see a woman lasso herself a handsome, single man who falls madly in love with her just in time for Christmas.

Enjoyable In Spite of Itself

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 19 December 2013]

The plot to this Christmas television movie is pretty flimsy. It relies upon characters to act completely illogically. For those of you don't know it already, I'll give a rundown. Basically, Melissa Joan Hart is a screw-up whose parents nag her about her life. She somehow manages to snag a rich, good-looking boyfriend. He dumps her right before they are supposed to meet her parents at a cabin for Christmas. So she has what I would call a psychotic break and kidnaps Mario Lopez. How she does this is the beginning of many far-fetched happenings in the movie. Basically she plans on using Lopez as a stand-in for her boyfriend at Christmas with her family.

The movie is surprisingly funny and the characters likable. However, prepare yourself for lots of convenient lapses of logic in order for the plot to work. Lopez allowing himself to be taken prisoner. Lopez not trying very hard to escape. Hart's family believing her ridiculous excuse for why Lopez is claiming to be kidnapped. Lopez getting a phone and not calling 911. After alerting his girlfriend about what happened, he decides to go along with Hart's plan. His reasoning made no sense really but it's needed to allow his hostility towards her to cool for the inevitable happy ending. Still, it works more than it should, in large part due to the likability of the cast.

Give it a shot if you see it on TV. It's better than most TV movies these days. But if you have ever been in a relationship with someone as unstable as Hart is here, you might feel less generous about the film and its premise.

Formulaic

[rbd168 · 7/10 · 10 January 2011]

Formulaic as it is, this holiday movie has some charm. It is a bit refreshing to have a dysfunctional family inhabited by more dysfunctional people. What keeps me interested is the inexplicable charm. Melissa Joan Hart gives a portrait of a young woman who is trying so hard to please her parents that she becomes a total hapless and helpless mess. One can't help but be sympathetic to this immature, pixieish wreck with moments of regret mixed with a bit of grandeur of a "boyfriend" with whom the family falls in love. To me all these faults are actually make it enjoyable to watch. Happy and handcuff-less holidays!

THIS MOVIE IS INSANE

[tannerthanyou · 1/10 · 14 December 2019]

What have I just witnessed. It's absolutely bonkers

This one was different... FUN!

[iluvcallalilys · 8/10 · 9 December 2007]

I love Christmas movies!

I watch as many as I possibly can throughout December, but let's face it... the plots can be kind of redundant for Christmas movies.

Holiday in Handcuffs presented a NEW story line. While it was a little predictable as plots go, this particular story was new.

It was funny, warm, and light-hearted. The story is a "chick flick" but, even my husband laughed throughout.

Growing up with Saved by the Bell and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.. it was fun to see Mario Lopez and Melissa Joan Hart "all grown up." If you're looking for fun, light-hearted, holiday fare with an original storyline... I recommend this movie.

Totally implausible but, still, great fun for romcom fans!

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 4 August 2009]

Trudie Chandler (Melissa Joan Hart) is a poor NYC artist who works as a waitress to make ends meet. Unfortunately, her parents (Markie Post and Timothy Bottoms) are stuffy, rich, and demanding. With the holidays coming, Trudie feels glad that this year she will be bringing a boyfriend along, for her parents are forever hounding her about career AND marriage. And, because her mother likes hair that is "out of the face", Trudie gives herself a tight perm and dresses conservatively for the first big get-together with the folks. Bad luck, however, arrives. Her boyfriend turns out to be a rat, who dumps Trudie on her last afternoon of work. Knowing she has to face her parents in mere hours, Trudie goes a bit "nuts". Pulling out an old, antique gun, she grabs a very cute customer, David (Mario Lopez) and "kidnaps" him for the journey ahead to her parents' upstate New York home. Naturally, he is fit to be tied, no pun intended, as Trudie secures his hands and feet in the car. Things do not improve when they get to the Chandlers grand home but, because the house is isolated, the weather is snowy and cold and Mrs. Chandler has forbidden cell phones for the holidays, he has no choice but to play along. But, once Trudie has her hair redone by her sister, begins to dress more attractively, and reveals her true sweet self, David discovers that he may have eyes for the young artist. Can you really fall in love with your kidnapper? This film is truly made for the insatiable romcom fan, of which I am one. It is totally implausible but totally irresistible at the same time. The actors, too, are quite fine, with Hart, Post, Bottoms, June Lockhart, and the rest making the most of their "stilted" characters. As for Lopez, he is the true star, for he is incredibly handsome, funny, and sensitive. The scenery in upstate New York is lovely, the costumes are well chosen, the script is absurdly snappy, and the other film amenities more than adequate. So, romantic comedy lovers, if you don't get cable (this was originally an ABC Family film), try to find this one before the next holiday rolls around. No one will have to handcuff you to the sofa, for you will be completely enthralled with this tale of Xmas love.

Wild Justification of a Felony

[aidanjfreeman · 1/10 · 30 May 2019]

This movie attempts to justify kidnapping someone at gunpoint. That's all you need to know, that's it. Look I'm a feminist, 100%, but I'd like to point out if it was a man who kidnapped a woman at gunpoint the movie would not be received so we'll. Gross.

Fun time

[LukeCustomer2 · 9/10 · 11 November 2018]

So yes, somewhat insane plot. But I think they sold it the best they could. Trudy's parents are putting wayyyy too much pressure on her and she isn't doing too well. She has no sold job, a cheap loft, and is working as a waitress at 27. When her "vice president" boyfriend breaks up with her and tells her he won't go to her parents cabin for Christmas... Trudy .. loses it. She kidnaps a random stranger, Mario Lopez. Now a couple of things... first, the guy falls on some ice knocking himself out almost immediately. So Trudy is a good 20 miles from civilization by the time he wakes up. And, almost immediately, the guy mentions to her that Trudy won't be able to keep him for long because he will overpower her. So, they tried to be realistic. Eventually he gets off a call to his girlfriend telling her what has happened and turns to relax. After all, Trudy kidnapped him to a plush cabin with a lovely family who all welcome him as family. He immediately realizes it isn't so bad and starts to feel bad for Trudy as her parents don't seem to value who she is. I thought Hart and Lopez really shined as they have a good brother / sister type chemistry which you could see may lead to something more. But being with Trudy and her family makes him realize his current girlfriend really doesn't love him for him, but rather loves him for more superficial reasons. In the end the cops storm in and everyone gets a trip to the police department but... it all ends in everyone learning and changing and that is a good thing. Definitely puts a smile on my face.

Mario Lopez should never be naked

[freakfire-1 · 6/10 · 31 December 2008]

This movie sure did have a lot of sexual puns for an ABC Family holiday special. It wasn't just here and there, but it was damn near every 2-3 minutes. And Mario Lopez seems to still be a man of affection for lonely and/or rich girls. Because he got the attention of 3, including the grandma, in this movie.

Anyway, Mario Lopez is taken hostage. Yes it can be done and no you should not do it. Because if you do that, he might think its an acting gig. The reason for this kidnapping is because Melissa Joan Hart lost her boyfriend and needs a new one to take home to the family.

And this just opens up a whole bunch of sexual innuendos and secrets the family is keeping from each other. Yet somehow Mario and Melissa end up happy together. Huh. A corny Christmas love story.

While the ending is casual, the material is not. So because it was actually funny at times, it gets a decent grade. Aside for the scene at the beginning, it all ties in too. "C+

At least it's not a Hallmark movie

[dtdenver-987-925546 · 4/10 · 8 December 2018]

The good news is - Melissa Joan Hart is no Hallmark babe. They really start looking (and acting) interchangeable during the holiday movie season, don't they? The bad news - if it were a man knocking out a woman and kidnapping her, it would not be a cute family Christmas movie. While I'm not hating watching this, I just can't bring myself to accept the Stockholm Syndrome as a happy ending.

Clarissa Goes S&M

[BackToTheWoods · 12 December 2007]

A desperate young waitress named Trudie takes a handsome stranger hostage, with the intention of flaunting him as her boyfriend at her family's snow-covered cabin for the holidays.

Sprinkled with clever quips, and hilarious bits of tastefully placed adult humor, this movie succeeds in highlighting many of the deep archetypes of your typical family with grown-up "kids" - who are in their 20's and so are really adults, yet have to answer to the ever-appraising (and ever-loving) eyes of their parents.

The direction of the plot plays out like the tried-and-true holiday storyline, but it is variegated with modern flourishes and hilarious dialog. Altogether, this is a heart-warming and knee-slapping enjoyable watch.

Not bad for a TV movie

[just_kumala · 6/10 · 3 December 2011]

Not bad for a TV movie. A perfect movie for movie marathon on the holiday.

Mario Lopez as always is charming and sexy. Melissa Joan Hart played a good role too.

I really like the plot. Some scenes cracked me. But something is bothering me.

How could you possibly be in love with just a little amount of time and no chemistry between those two persons? Overall, let's just say thank God I was not wasting my money to watch this in the theater, but still good to watch.

Don't Call This A Chick Flick

[statuskuo · 7/10 · 31 December 2011]

This movie caught me by surprise. Everything about the story hangs heavy on Melissa Joan Hart...and she has just the right amount of charm and self-effacing humor to carry this outrageous (and obviously improbable) story.

It begins with Hart's character Trudy, preparing herself for a holiday with her parents, who are played wonderfully by Markie Post (who has brilliant comedic timing...since her "Night Court" days, you can sense she wants to break a more un-coventional sweet prude roles like her spin in "Theres Something About Mary") here she plays it for more frustrated means. A boiling pot, seethes before it explodes. She is runs on a time clock no one else can live up to. And Timothy Bottoms, whose ultra-conservative view points has him looking like George W. Seemed like he wants his daughters to take life more seriously, which is actually a great message, since most conservatives turn their mates into suffering housewives (refer back to Markie Post).

So Trudy works at a diner owned by a Hindu Indian. The odd characters prepare you for the attitude you MUST bring with you into this story (remember "Tremors"?...same director). Trudy has just been dumped by her boyfriend. You see the dude and we clearly see that he is everything her parents want. And not remotely sensible to her personality. Trudi's overbearing mother demands that she meet her mate. My guess, and is parroted, that they just hope she isn't a lesbian. She is publicly humiliated at the diner. And left in emotional pieces. Enter David Martin (played considerably low key by Mario Lopez). She kidnaps him an takes him on an adventure with his parents.

A similar story came to mind while I was watching this..."Buffalo 66". It was a harder edge version of this movie. And, it has an equally down-n-out character trying to live up to the expectation of overbearing parents during the holidays.

Trudy's buoyancy is so endearing you also wish for her to just do good with her life. You know she will find a way, even after this enormous twist of fate that has drawn these two people together.

Yes, it's sometimes cornball. Some moments get real serious. As when Trudy finally acknowledges David is not who he seems to be. Or when everyone reveals themselves. But the great touch of director Ron Underwood is that he never gets to the point where we can't have a laugh. Well-deserved laugh. The language and situations, if MPAA rated, probably would've given them a PG-13 rating. But...it's just so cutesy, you can't help yourself from liking all involved. These are sincere people. Yes, you know the ending, but it's a really good journey.

Kidnapped for the holidays by a desperate family mess up!

[cgvsluis · 7/10 · 24 December 2022]

This film has one of the most unbelievable premises I've ever seen! You can't even blame Stockholm syndrome for this unlikely holiday romance.

Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez are great in this kidnapping romance. Melissa Joan Hart plays Gertrude "Trudie" Chandler an artist who is working as a waitress, still waiting for her big break. Her dad wants her to give it up and get a real job, to which he sets up an interview with a family friend. Trudie spills on her dress, burns her hair with chemicals and is late for the interview...to top it off her boyfriend bails on her at the last minute for going to her parents for Christmas. Trudie looses it and takes a customer at the restaurant hostage to her parents' cabin holiday.

There is a lot of comedy in this atypical holiday romance. My favorite character is played by the small town gas station-store owner, his gift of furry hand-cuffs was priceless!

This is a recommendation for holiday movie fans....and any fans of Mario Lopez or Melissa Joan Hart.

What? Really??

[gcma3117-901-481449 · 2/10 · 6 July 2019]

Absolutely the most incredible silly premise for any movie ever. Not really worth watching unless you have absolutely nothing else to watch which in these the days of mass production and media overload that's an impossibility so go to the next one.

My New Favorite Horrible Holiday Movie

[SocialMediaFluff · 8/10 · 15 December 2014]

I marked "contains spoilers" because there's no way not to spoil this movie in a review. In fact, you will have it all figured out in the first 5 minutes anyway, so it's really just about watching it all play out.

Watch Slater from Saved by the Bell get kidnapped at gunpoint by an insane Sabrina the teenage witch and be held hostage in a secluded cabin with her clueless family that ignore his constant, desperate pleas for help. Watch as Sabrina's family fall in love with Slater within the first 3 minutes of meeting him - even though the explanation for his hysterical cries of kidnapping are due to a serious anxiety problem that, if true, would put any reasonable person on alert immediately - as they rationalize away the huge amount of evidence that their daughter's new romance isn't all that it seems.

Bask in the spirit of the holidays while watching insane Sabrina's family - frisky drunken Grandma obviously included - and Slater's terrible girlfriend act out every cliché b-story from the past decade in the background of this extremely predictable "love story".

If you are a fan of horrible acting, embarrassing dialogue, predictably bad writing and inappropriate sexy bondage jokes delivered by the creepiest gas station attendant this side of the Hills Have Eyes then you and your family are in for a holiday treat. I am a fan of the above and loved this movie. It was so bad that after watching, I immediately started calling my friends and family to spread the love so we could all laugh together. It was truly awful. Slater's acting is indescribably bad. I am making this movie a holiday tradition in my home.

Good performances by the lead actors

[dshannon1042 · 7/10 · 24 December 2023]

"Christmas in Handcuffs" is a delightful holiday film that truly captures the spirit of the season. What makes this movie particularly enjoyable is the exceptional performance of the lead actors, Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez.

Melissa Joan Hart brings her signature charm and comedic timing to the role of Gertrude "Trudie" Chandler. Her portrayal of a lovable and quirky aspiring artist who takes drastic measures to create the perfect Christmas for her family is both endearing and hilarious. Hart effortlessly carries the film with her infectious energy and brings a genuine warmth to the character.

Opposite her, Mario Lopez delivers a standout performance as David Martin, the unsuspecting man Trudie kidnaps to pose as her boyfriend. Lopez infuses the character with a perfect blend of charisma and humor, creating a character that is not only charming but also relatable. His chemistry with Hart is undeniable, making their on-screen dynamic a joy to watch.

Together, Hart and Lopez form a dynamic duo that elevates the film to new heights. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and their comedic timing is impeccable, adding layers of humor and heart to the story. As they navigate the chaos of the holiday season together, their performances create a perfect balance of laughter and heartwarming moments.

In "Christmas in Handcuffs," Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez's performances shine, making this festive film a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartwarming and entertaining holiday experience.

It Kind Of Grows On You

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 10 December 2009]

Television veterans Mario Lopez (Saved By The Bell) and Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina The Teenage Witch) star in Holiday In Handcuffs which despite its title is not a Christmas bondage story. The story is about the Bohemian non-conformist daughter of an overachieving family who is so tired of getting asked why she isn't settling down that on an incredible impulse she kidnaps Mario Lopez out of a convenience store and brings him home to her rural family farm house to show off to the family the boyfriend she promised to bring home for Christmas, but who in fact had dumped her before the action of the film started.

If you can wrap your mind around the concept of Melissa without Sabrina's magic kidnapping hunky Mario Lopez than you've got more imagination than I have. But a funny thing happens, from as incredibly stupid a premise as this one starts with Holiday In Handcuffs does kind of grow on you. Even Mario starts to sympathize with Melissa after meeting her family consisting of parents Markie Post and Timothy Bottoms, brother Kyle Chandler, sister Vanessa Lee Evigan and grande dame grandma June Lockhart.

Of course Mario is also slightly engaged to Gabrielle Miller, but in these kind of family films things like that do have a way of resolving themselves or just going away.

Holiday In Handcuffs has become a staple on the Hallmark Channel in the past two years. I suspect it will remain so for young folks in love and those in love with love who dream that a boyfriend like Mario Lopez is a pistol and restraints away.

Add this one to the list of Hallmark Xmas classics !

[jessicadavis-25909 · 10/10 · 9 December 2022]

Right from the get-go I felt something incredibly different about this movie, instantly I knew it was not your standard Hallmark fare . Maybe it tapped into my nostalgia by hearing Melissa Joan Hart voiceover, and growing up on Clarissa explains it all. I don't know what it was but everything about it just works, and I personally think Melissa is an amazing actress so no matter what she's working with she pulls it off. And I love how the main character of the movie Trudy, isn't living this ultra perfect life with a professional corporate career where she's trying to get a promotion from I mean boss, Trudy is a free spirit and her life is not necessarily "perfect " , I think more People can relate to that and they can the cookie cutter backgrounds of these other movies. I love Markie Post too , so I was delighted to see her playing the Type A mom , trapped in a loveless marriage , pondering her life choices . Yes , what other reviewer's are saying is true, the basic premise of the movie doesn't necessarily age very well and certainly isn't very realistic, but that's also a facet of these movies that people tend to look forward to as well -that little bit of outrageous fantasy. I'm about to put this on in the background and listen to while I clean, I loved it THAT MUCH. Recommending to all my friends who dig this genre .

A rather nice, albeit generic, romantic Christmas comedy...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 4 December 2022]

When I stumbled upon the 2006 romantic comedy "Holiday In Handcuffs", here late in 2022, I had never heard about the movie. But I still opted to give it a chance, given this being the season for a movie such as that and all that.

I have to admit though, that I wasn't really harboring much of any grand expectations for the movie, as it was starring Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez.

Writer Sara Endsley managed to put together an entertaining storyline and script here for director Ron Underwood to bring to the screen. Sure, the story was campy and sort of generic. I mean, you pretty much know the outcome of the movie just by reading the synopsis. Yeah, it was that generic. But at the same time, then director Ron Underwood took the script and made it work on the screen, turning it into an entertaining and enjoyable movie.

And it should be said that leading actress Melissa Joan Hart and leading actor Mario Lopez definitely surprised me in the movie with their performances. They carried the movie quite well, and had very great chemistry together on the screen. The movie also have some nice performances from the likes of June Lockheart, Markie Post, Timothy Bottoms and Kyle Howard.

If you enjoy sappy Christmas movies of the romantic comedy kind, then by all means give "Holiday In Handcuffs" a chance. I did, and I genuinely enjoyed the movie.

My rating of "Holiday In Handcuffs" lands on a six out of ten stars.

'Misery' if it were a romantic comedy / Christmas movie

[Wuchakk · 5/10 · 23 December 2018]

"Holiday in Handcuffs" (2007) stars Melissa Joan Hart as the underachiever of a liberal family in the Seattle area. When her beau breaks up with her right before her family's Christmas get-together, she kidnaps a man and forces him to go to the rented cabin as her boyfriend (Mario Lopez).

The plot takes "Misery" (1990) and "Buffalo '66" (1998) and morphs them into an amusing romcom / Christmas flick. Melissa was pregnant during shooting, but still cute & winsome. Markie Post appears as the mother and it's nice to see her again. Layla Alizada as the girlfriend is attractive in a semi-exotic way while June Lockhart is hilarious as the grandmother.

I realize this is comedic fluff, but the idea of Stockholm syndrome surfaces. This is a psychological response sometimes seen in hostages in which the captive shows signs of loyalty to the kidnapper, regardless of the peril in which the abductee has been placed.

I enjoyed the movie, but the first half is funnier than the second half, which understandably takes a more serious romantic turn. The movie is also seriously marred by the blatantly contrived way the script checks all the idiotic PC boxes. Get Real.

The film runs 1 hour, 26 minutes and was shot in Calgary, Alberta.

GRADE: C