‘UNDERCOVER HOLIDAY’: THE FUN FAKE DATING TROPE GOES TO HOMETOWN
Playing with a favorite, or loathsome depending on the viewer, trope, Undercover Holiday is fun… but not without a fumble or two.
Undercover Holiday (2022) Hallmark TV Film Review
Her star is rising and for Jaylen Rodriguez (Noemi Gonzalez), this is exciting. A fulfillment of her dreams to be a singer, one who is true to her style and background, Jaylen is happy. This despite the worry of her traditional family who wants her to move back home. When she begins to receive threats, her managers and record label decide she needs protection. This prompts them to send Matt (Stephen Huszar), a security guard who takes his job seriously.
Once home and unsure how to handle her overly curious family, Jaylen blurts out that Matt is actually her new beau, something that creates a whole new set of challenges.
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This is really cute, but also has a few flaws that takes down the rating a notch or two. The meet-cute is fun with the banter, but the rest of it is a take it or leave it situation. The rest of the plot is mostly fun minus one or two overly cheesy scenes (including the end). We get to meet a new Hallmark leading lady (you may know her from Selena or The Valet) and of course, Stephen Huszar was in a Christmas movie a couple years ago that I did really enjoy.
Like anything you see this time of year, there’s strong ties to family and the importance of their presence. This film also plays with the idea that Jaylen wants more trust to start this life of her own. I think the script goes a little too far in how she does this, but in the end, because this is Hallmark, everything works out.
Another theme that lines up with family is the renewing of a friendship and recognizing its importance. Festiveness, a nosy family, music and unexpected romance are all themes in Undercover Holiday. Perhaps not my favorite using this trope, but still, it’s a cute little film.
Photos: Hallmark Media
Content: standard TV-G fare. Nothing to note outside of the usual kiss.
They were so many fallacies to this story and it’s not the fake boyfriend trope. I was amazed at how bad of a singer the heroine was and she didn’t redeem herself when she switched to rapping. I also don’t think you should call someone a pop star until you actually have an album. Unless I missed it, the heroine only won a singing/talent contest. Chemistry was also off for me despite them being very attractive.
It’s definitely not a favorite of mine and I agree. Some of the singing was really off which surprises me too. The chemistry for me just never really developed plus I did find the end a little TOO silly. ;)