Dater's Handbook

Dater's Handbook is a delightful romantic comedy film that was released in 2016. The film's spark is added by the interesting lineup of stars which includes Meghan Markle famous for her role in 'Suits', Kristoffer Polaha known for his roles in 'Life Unexpected', and 'North Shore', and Jonathan Scarfe, recognised for his work in flicks like 'Tropix' and 'The Equalizer 2'.

The film places the audience in the intriguing world of Casandra Heather, cemented with the fantastic performance by Meghan Markle. Casandra, often known as Cass, is a successful businesswoman running her family’s marketing firm. But unlike her professional life which is running smoothly, her personal life, particularly her love life, seems to be in turmoil. After experiencing repeated failures in her relationships, she embarks on a journey to improve her dating life.

Intriguingly, Cass's inspiration for this self-improvement comes from her younger sister's suggestion to read a self-help book called 'The Dater's Handbook', hence the name of the film. The book advises its readers on how to navigate through potential romantic relationships. It espouses that one should have multiple potential suitors and delegate them into 'dreamers' and 'realists', treating them differently based on their designated categories.

Based on the advice of the book, Cass embarks under an elaborate process of having two men in her life – the spontaneous and charming Robert (played by Kristoffer Polaha) categorized as a dreamer, and the reliable and level-headed George (Jonathan Scarfe), a realist. Determined to follow the handbook's guidelines, Cass starts dating both Robert and George in parallel, creating a colorful mix of romance and confusion, and often landing her in hilarious and awkward situations.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions, comedy, and romance, as Cass struggles to balance both her suitors. Meghan Markle, with her natural charm and convincing performance, absolutely stuns as the lead character, bringing out the humor and the uncertainty of her character with brilliance.

Robert and George, who represent the two different kinds of men that one might encounter in the dating world, serve as interesting characters to Cass's love life. Kristoffer Polaha as Robert brings alive the character of the unpredictable and exciting dreamer, where unpredictability is his charm. In contrast, Jonathan Scarfe, as George, is the ideal realist, he's reliable, dependable and level-headed - a man who has his life in order.

Dater’s Handbook is then essentially a journey of self-discovery for Cass. The film takes her halfway around the block in her love life. Guided by a book, Cass finds herself making decisions she wouldn't ordinarily make, and finally learning more about her heart's true desire. As she becomes more entangled in her own created romantic maze, it becomes increasingly evident that following a book might not be the best approach to understanding one's heart.

Directed by James Head, known for his work on 'The Commish' and 'When Calls the Heart', this Hallmark movie tells a story of love, self-discovery and the key to finding true happiness, wrapped in a light, comedic environment. The film brims with witty dialogue, well-timed humor, and heart-warming romance that keeps viewers engaged till the very end. Meanwhile, the well-placed situational comedy helps them to transition through the highs and lows of Cass's dating experiences.

All in all, Dater’s Handbook offers a heartwarming storyline that delves into the comedy and complexities of dating and relationships. With its breezy and engaging narration, the film ensures an interesting watch for all those who enjoy romantic comedies while providing thoughtful insights on love and relationships. Its charm lies not in the predictability of a romantic comedy movie, but in the delightful journey that leads there, which is well worth the watch. Enjoy this enjoyable ride through romance, self-discovery, and the realization of what love really means.