Hitched for the Holidays

The film opens on Thanksgiving with Robbie Marino breaking up with his high-maintenance girlfriend and Julie Greene being pressured by her mother to reunite with her dull ex-boyfriend, Jeffrey the podiatrist. Facing intense family pressure—specifically Robbie's grandmother Theresa, whose dying wish is to see him settled, and Julie's mother Maxine, who won't stop matchmaking—the two strangers turn to 'Rickyslist.' They agree to a 'strictly hands-off' arrangement to act as holiday escorts through New Year's. The deception begins awkwardly when Robbie introduces Julie to his grandmother as 'Rosemary' (a name he panicked and invented), and Julie introduces Robbie to her Jewish family as a fellow member of the faith. A major turning point occurs when Grandma Theresa, previously suffering from congestive heart failure, makes a 'miracle' recovery after meeting Julie, which Robbie's mother Evie attributes to Julie's 'powers.' To keep the ruse alive, Robbie claims he is converting to Judaism to explain why his Catholic family must hide their Christmas decorations during a joint family dinner. This leads to a bizarre 'Chanukah' celebration at the Marino household featuring 'Kwanzaa lamps' used as makeshift menorahs and a 'Chanukah tree.' The tension peaks when Grandma Theresa faints, and in the ensuing hospital chaos, the truth is revealed: they aren't engaged, Robbie isn't Jewish, and Julie was the one who dumped her previous fiancé, contrary to her 'nice girl' image. The two part ways, hurt by the layers of dishonesty. However, after a heart-to-heart with his mother about her own history of 'disappearing' due to stress, Robbie realizes he loves Julie. On New Year's Eve, Robbie accepts a permanent job offer and, unable to find a taxi in gridlocked Times Square, commandeers a police horse. He chases Julie down, confesses his love, and explains that he was only afraid of commitment because of his childhood fears. Julie forgives him, and they share a kiss as the ball drops, finally starting a real relationship.