6.5/10

Dater's Handbook
2016
83 minutes
Director
James Head
Cast
Meghan Markle
Kristoffer Polaha
Jonathan Scarfe
Description
Cassandra Barber, a successful businesswoman, turns to relationship expert Dr. Susie and her latest self-help book, "The Dater's Handbook," to help with her ailing love life. She follows the advice in Dr. Susie's book to evaluate potential suitors and must ultimately choose between reliable George and fun-loving Robert.
Professions
Businesswoman
Entrepreneur
Businessman
Settings & Cities
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Review
Dater’s Handbook: Because Nothing Says Romance Like a Personality Quiz
If you’ve ever watched Hallmark Channel movies and thought, “You know what would really spice things up? A self-help book dictating someone’s love life,” then Dater’s Handbook is here to deliver the romantic comedy you didn’t know you needed. It’s like The Bachelor met a BuzzFeed quiz, wrapped itself in a cozy blanket, and aired on the Hallmark Channel.
Our leading lady, Cassandra Brand, is a successful businesswoman who has everything except a decent dating record. After one too many frogs (and probably a lot of bad Tinder dates), she turns to The Dater’s Handbook, a guide that promises to help her find “the one” by following scientifically backed advice. Because nothing says “true love” like treating romance like a group project with bullet points.
Enter Robert, the “perfect on paper” guy who checks all the boxes from the handbook, and then there’s Robert’s polar opposite—George, the fun, spontaneous dude who makes Cassandra question if love is something you can really plan. In true Hallmark movie fashion, Cassandra’s caught between her head and her heart, with a side of quirky family members dishing out unsolicited advice like it’s Thanksgiving dinner.
The plot is as predictable as a Hallmark Channel snowfall: mix one part romantic tension, two parts well-timed misunderstandings, and top it off with a grand realization that maybe love doesn’t come with a checklist after all. But let’s be honest, we’re not here for plot twists—we’re here for heartwarming vibes, charming characters, and an ending so sweet it could give you a sugar rush.
By the time the credits roll, you’ll be left wondering why you’ve been wasting time on dating apps when all you needed was a Hallmark-approved handbook and a conveniently timed life epiphany. In conclusion, Dater’s Handbook is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves their Hallmark movies with a side of self-help wisdom and just enough romantic confusion to keep things interesting.