Week 9 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2020 Edition

 Quarterback

MVP: Kyler Murray (Cardinals)

While he may have come out on the wrong side of a riveting shootout with the Dolphins, Murray was able to narrowly outduel Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers for the title of Week 9's top fantasy QB. He did ample damage with his arm (283 YDS/3 TD/0 INT) and legs (106 YDS/1 TD) in what was one of the most impressive performances of his young career to-date. Murray has made the leap many people expected from him in his sophomore season and should now be considered a top 5 QB option on a nearly weekly basis.  

Honorable Mentions: Josh Allen (Bills), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Aaron Rodgers (Packers)

LVP: Tom Brady (Buccaneers)

The biggest difference between 43-year old Tom Brady and his prime era is that he actually puts up really notable clunkers in his advanced age. Brady succumbed to the ineptitude of his mortal running mates in Tampa-displaying questionable decisionmaking and horrific touch on the football that resulted in a repulsive statline (206 YDS/0 TD's/ 3 INT's) all-time against a Saints team that needed overtime to beat the quickly sinking Bears last week. A stat sheet-stuffing explosion from Mr. Pliability against the Panthers next week wouldn't be at all surprising.   

Dishonorable Mentions: Matthew Stafford (Lions), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Ryan Tannehill (Titans)

Running Back

MVP: Dalvin Cook (Vikings)

Did the Lions even bother watching film from Cook's monster performance against the Packers?  Even if they did, the lessons from that tape study didn't translate to the field on Sunday because the Vikings back somehow managed to IMPROVE upon his earth-shattering Week 8 performance-picking up 252 scrimmage YDS (206 rushing, 46 receiving) and 2 TD's in another easy W for the Vikes. A Bears defense who just stuffed Derrick Henry for 4 quarters have the best possible chance (Translation: Decent, but far from a lock) of putting an end to Cook's absurd run of dominance. 
Honorable Mentions: Christian McCaffery (Panthers), James Robinson (Jaguars), Josh Jacobs (Raiders)

LVP: James Conner (Steelers)

The undefeated Steelers trip to Dallas to take on a struggling Cowboys team that had ex-AFL signalcaller Garrett Gilbert under center was far less pleasant than expected and arguably no player had less fun in their narrow comeback victory than Conner. The 4th year pro was completely bottled up by the lowly Cowboys defense-registering just 20 yards on 11 touches. Despite this unexpected faceplant, Conner's status as a low-end RB1 remains in tact heading into a plus Week 10 matchup with the Bengals.    
Dishonorable Mentions: Ronald Jones (Buccaneers), JaMycal Hasty (49ers), David Montgomery (Bears)

Wide Receiver 

MVP: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs)

It was another overwhelmingly pass-happy game for the Chiefs against the Panthers on Sunday, so naturally their top wideout had another strong performance. Hill put up season-highs in both catches (9) and YDS (113) while hauling in 2 TD's for a 2nd consecutive game. Hill has been one of the most consistent top-end fantasy receivers of 2020 thus far and considering the Chiefs enhanced focus on the pass in recent weeks, that status will likely hold up when the Chiefs return to action in Week 11 against the Raiders.    

Honorable Mentions: Davante Adams (Packers), D.K. Metcalf (Seahawks), D.J. Chark Jr. (Jaguars)

LVP: DeAndre Hopkins (Cardinals)

It was a stunningly quiet game for Hopkins in a plus matchup with the Dolphins as he was only targeted 3 times- all of which of were caught for a grand total of 30 YDS- while Kyler Murray turned to Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald to lead the charge in the passing game. Hopkins will look to get back on track against the Tre'Davious White-led Bills secondary on Sunday. 

Dishonorable Mentions: D.J. Moore (Panthers), Corey Davis (Titans), Adam Thielen (Vikings)

Tight End

MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)

Only the Chiefs could make having a pair of 100+ YD receivers in the same game feel like business as usual. While Kelce failed to find the endzone, he did lead the team in receptions (10) and YDS (159) for the 2nd consecutive game. Kelce is just ridiculous and with George Kittle sidelined indefinitely, no one at this position can even touch him right now.  

Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Graham (Bears), Evan Engram (Giants), T.J. Hockenson (Lions)

LVP: Rob Gronkowski (Buccaneers)

Gronkowski wasn't afforded the same luxury that Mike Evans and Chris Godwin received in the form of getting just enough garbage time yards to avoid the absolute bottom of the fantasy barrel-finishing with just 1 catch for 2 YDS in the Bucs heinous loss to the Saints. This is Gronk's first dud since Week 4 against the Chargers, so he'll continue to be weekly starting option for now at this always fun to manage position.    

Dishonorable Mentions: Robert Tonyan (Packers), Jared Cook (Saints), Mark Andrews (Ravens)

Defense/Special Teams

MVP: Saints

Congrats to every single dice-rolling S.O.B. that started the Saints D this week. This well below average group came out of nowhere to completely terrorize the Bucs upstart offense-picking up 3 sacks and 3 INT's in a 31-3 victory. Feel free to fire them up for their Week 10 tilt with the Nick Mullens-led 49ers that might also be without top playmakers Deebo Samuel, Raheem Mostert and Brandon Aiyuk once again.

Honorable Mentions: Ravens, Titans, Giants

LVP: Chiefs 

The up-and-down Panthers offense gave the Chiefs D more than they bargained for as they surrendered 31 points while only registering 2 sacks and 0 takeaways in a narrow victory on Sunday afternoon. This group will always be trick or treat, but despite the degree of volatility that's attached to them, they'll be worth rostering for a stretch run that includes solid matchups with the Broncos, Falcons and Dolphins.

Dishonorable Mentions: Patriots, Cardinals, 49ers 

2020 NFL Power Rankings: Week 10

 =previous ranking

1.(1) Kansas City Chiefs (8-1) Week 10 opponent: Bye

2.(2) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-0) Week 10 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals  

3.(5) Baltimore Ravens (6-2) Week 10 opponent: New England Patriots 

4.(6) Green Bay Packers (6-2) Week 10 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars

5.(10) New Orleans Saints (6-2) Week 10 opponent: San Francisco 49ers

6.(3) Seattle Seahawks (6-2) Week 10 opponent: Los Angeles Rams

7.(7) Tennessee Titans (6-2) Week 10 opponent: Indianapolis Colts  

8.(11) Buffalo Bills (7-2) Week 10 opponent: Arizona Cardinals

9.(12) Miami Dolphins (5-3) Week 10 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers

10.(8) Indianapolis Colts (5-3) Week 10 opponent: Tennessee Titans

11.(9) Arizona Cardinals (5-3) Week 10 opponent: Buffalo Bills

12.(4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) Week 10 opponent: Carolina Panthers

13.(13) Los Angeles Rams (5-3) Week 10 opponent: Seattle Seahawks

14.(15) Las Vegas Raiders (5-3) Week 10 opponent: Denver Broncos

15.(16) Cleveland Browns (5-3) Week 10 opponent: Houston Texans

16.(14) Chicago Bears (5-4) Week 10 opponent: Minnesota Vikings

17.(22) Minnesota Vikings (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Chicago Bears

18.(18) Philadelphia Eagles (3-4-1) Week 10 opponent: New York Giants 

19.(17) San Francisco 49ers (4-5) Week 10 opponent: New Orleans Saints

20.(20) Cincinnati Bengals (2-5-1) Week 10 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers

21.(19) Denver Broncos (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Las Vegas Raiders

22.(21) Carolina Panthers (3-6) Week 10 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

23.(27) Atlanta Falcons (3-6) Week 10 opponent: Bye

24.(26) New England Patriots (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Baltimore Ravens

25.(23) Detroit Lions (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Washington Football Team

26.(25) Los Angeles Chargers (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Miami Dolphins

27.(28) Houston Texans (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Cleveland Browns

28.(29) New York Giants (2-7) Week 10 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles

29.(24) Washington Football Team (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Detroit Lions

30.(30) Dallas Cowboys (2-7) Week 10 opponent: Bye

31.(31) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-7) Week 10 opponent: Green Bay Packers   

32.(32) New York Jets (0-9) Week 10 opponent: Bye

2020 NFL Mid-Season Awards+Updated Playoff Predictions

MVP: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)

I firmly believed Russell Wilson was a lock for this honor all season long, but it's hard to argue that he's still the frontrunner a day after logging his 2nd 3+ turnover game in the last 3 weeks. Mahomes, on the other hand, has played steady (2+ TD's in 8 of 9 games), nearly mistake-free football (1 INT and 1 FUM Lost in 9 games) that has the Chiefs' prospects of repeating as Super Bowl Champions looking very strong at the moment. 

Honorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Aaron Donald (Rams)

Top Offensive Player: Alvin Kamara (Saints)

The Saints offense has been a revolving door thus far with everyone from Michael Thomas to Emmanuel Sanders to Jared Cook missing varying degrees of time. Kamara has not only taken advantage of that lack of stability and depth in the supporting cast, he's thriving even more than usual because of it-registering 1,046 scrimmage YDS and 8 TD's on 156 touches, and bringing much-needed explosive playmaking to an otherwise merely methodical group. 

Honorable Mentions: Dalvin Cook (Vikings), Derrick Henry (Titans) , Davante Adams (Packers)

Top Defensive Player: Aaron Donald (Rams)

Huge surprise right? Donald continues to solidify his standing as one of, if not the single most dominant defensive lineman in NFL history by shrugging off the extra attention he receives from opposing offenses and blowing up games in spectacular fashion (9 sacks, 7 TFL's, 15 QB hits, 22 QB pressures, 3 forced fumbles) week in and week out.  

Honorable Mentions: T.J. Watt (Steelers), Jaire Alexander (Packers), Khalil Mack (Bears)

Top Offensive Rookie: Joe Burrow (Bengals)

Their win/loss record may not reflect it just yet, but Burrow has already made a huge impact on the Bengals. The reigning #1 overall pick has overcome horrible offensive line play and an inconsistent running game to get off to a historically strong start for a rookie signalcaller (2,272 YDS including 5 300+ YD games, 67.0% CMP, 14 total TD's) that has allowed this largely talent-deprived team to be competitive in nearly every game.   

Honorable Mentions: Justin Herbert (Chargers), Justin Jefferson (Vikings), James Robinson (Jaguars)

Top Defensive Rookie: Chase Young (Washington Football Team)

Don't let the relatively low sack total (3.5) fool you, Young has been every bit of the force off the edge he was expected to be in the earlygoing. In just 6 healthy games, he's been a frequent flyer around the line of scrimmage picking up 7 pressures, 5 TFL's, 4 QB hits and 20 tackles and is already beginning to pick up the type of attention from opponents that's typically reserved for feared veterans.

Honorable Mentions: Antoine Winfield Jr. (Buccaneers), Jaylon Johnson (Bears), Jeremy Chinn (Panthers) 

Top Comeback Player: Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)

Nobody knew how 38-year old Roethlisberger was going to look coming off a devastating elbow injury , but I doubt even serial optimists expected a start this strong. His newfound limitations as a deep passer have actually reformed him into a more accurate/less mistake prone QB (68.1 CMP%, 4 INT's) without completely stifling his tendency to put up huge numbers (1,934 YDS, 18 TD's in 8 games), which is a big reason why the Steelers have been on the right side of so many shootouts this season.

Honorable Mentions: Jason Verrett (49ers), Aldon Smith (Cowboys), Akiem Hicks (Bears)

Top Coach: Brian Flores (Dolphins)

Last year's 5-4 finish following a horrendous 0-7 start wasn't a fluke. Flores has instilled a level of toughness and resilience in his team that allows them to win in a variety of ways and that rare heart/discipline combination has them right in the thick of the playoff picture with the toughest part of their schedule already out of the way.   

Honorable Mentions: Mike Tomlin (Steelers), Kliff Kingsbury (Cardinals), Sean McVay (Rams)

Updated Playoff Predictions 

AFC:

1.Chiefs

2.Steelers

3.Titans

4.Bills

5.Ravens

6.Colts

7.Dolphins

Wild Card:

Steelers over Dolphins

Titans over Colts

Ravens over Bills

Divisional Round:

Chiefs over Ravens

Steelers over Titans

Conference Championship:

Chiefs over Steelers

NFC:

1.Seahawks

2.Saints

3.Packers

4.Eagles

5.Cardinals

6.Buccaneers 

7.Rams

Wild Card:

Rams over Saints

Packers over Buccaneers 

Cardinals over Eagles

Divisional Round:

Seahawks over Rams

Packers over Cardinals

Conference Championship:

Seahawks over Packers

Super Bowl:

Chiefs over Seahawks

James Wan Ranked

Welcome to the latest edition of "Ranked"-where I rank a franchise or filmography from worst to best and hand out related accolades. This week, I'm profiling the work of veteran director James Wan. 

James Wan's Filmography Ranked:

7.Death Sentence (D+)

6.Insidious (C-)

5.The Conjuring 2 (B-)

4.Saw (B)

3.The Conjuring (B+)

2.Aquaman (B+)

1.Furious 7 (A)

Top Dog: Furious 7 (2015)

Wan's first venture into the world of blockbuster filmmaking couldn't have possibly gone any better. He handled everything from the franchise's signature over-the-top action to the tragic mid-production death of star Paul Walker that caused the entire plot of the film to be re-framed with the utmost grace, which made Furious 7 a unique, moving standout in this long-running series.

Low Light: Death Sentence (2007)

With its legit tension and well-constructed mystery/horror hybrid narrative, Saw was a pretty impressive directorial debut for the then 26-year old Wan. The second of his pair of follow-up projects released in 2007 (the other being the long-forgotten marionette supernatural horror movie Dead Silence) was a steep regression that demonstrated just how green he still was. This vigilante action thriller's uneven pacing, cheesy dialogue and overly dramatic acting killed any chances it had of being a fun piece of trash entertainment. 

Most Underrated: Aquaman (2018)

The start of the current potential DCU renaissance can be linked back to Aquaman. Wan set out to make an unapologetically cheesy fantasy adventure epic to introduce the masses to this much-maligned character that had been teased in a pair of earlier DCU entries (Batman v. Superman, Justice League) and everyone from the actors to the visual effects team fully committed to that vision and it shows in every frame of this remarkably well-made movie.  

Most Overrated: Insidious (2011)

Whenever someone asks me to name an example of a movie that starts out strong and ends poorly, Insidious is always the first title out of my mouth. The first half of the movie does a great job of building a slowly intensifying atmosphere of dread before taking an abrupt turn to Trash City USA with a final stretch powered by cheap jump scares and outlandish, unintentionally hilarious plot developments. 

Biggest Contribution to the Horror Movie Landscape: The Conjuring (2013)

This is a tough call because Wan has arguably done the most to shape the horror genre of any director since Wes Craven, but The Conjuring slightly edges out the rest of his work in terms of legacy. Not only did this terrific haunted house drama launch an entire universe of films and see Wan finally put together a fully cohesive project that built off the promise he showed in the past, its successful eerie atmosphere/jump scares/storytelling balance directly influenced an entire wave of similar movies (A Quiet Place, Lights Out, Oujia) and will likely continue to do so for generations to come.    

Week 8 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2020 Edition

 Quarterback

MVP: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)

After taking a backseat the past 2 weeks, Mahomes stepped back into the spotlight with his best game of 2020 thus far. He took full advantage of a pass-happy gameplan and shredded the hopeless Jets for 416 YDS and 5 TD's. A stinger than expected Panthers defense awaits Mahomes in Week 9.

Honorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Matthew Stafford (Lions)

LVP: Josh Allen (Bills)

The Bills may have shook off the Patriots boogeyman for the 1st time in what seem like an eternity, but Allen did very little to contribute to this prideful W-finishing the day with only 177 scrimmage YDS, an INT and a rushing TD.  Allen has reverted back to his vintage frantic self over the past month after a fantastic start to the year and will more than likely remain a volatile starting option even in the best possible matchups like the one he has on deck against the abysmal Seahawks secondary. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Carson Wentz (Eagles), Jared Goff (Rams), Teddy Bridgewater (Panthers)

Running Back

MVP: Dalvin Cook (Vikings)

Mike Zimmer probably needed to change his pants after Sunday's victory over the Packers. The Vikings essentially just handed Cook the ball for 4 quarters and let him work his magic against one of the league's most anemic run defenses-which resulted in him finishing the afternoon with 30 CAR/163 YDS/3 TD's. Another 50-YD score on a screen pass served as the cherry on top of this emphatic statement game. Cook has been incredible over the last 4 games he's been healthy and he should continue to eat as the Vikings look to claw their way back into the NFC playoff picture after a brutal 1-5 start to the year. 

Honorable Mentions: Giovani Bernard (Bengals), Zack Moss (Bills), Derrick Henry (Titans)

LVP: Ronald Jones (Buccaneers)

Just when it appears like Jones has solidified himself as a productive workhorse back in a powerhouse offense, the volatility that has plagued the early stages of his career creeps back into the picture. He was borderline terrible against a poor Giants defense-managing just 46 scrimmage yards (23 rushing, 23 receiving) and a lost fumble on 11 touches in a narrow win for the Buccaneers. Despite this dud, Jones has soundly outplayed Leonard Fournette all season long and will be an RB2 for their week 9 matchup with the Saints.   

Dishonorable Mentions: Jonathan Taylor (Colts), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Chiefs), D'Andre Swift (Lions)

Wide Receiver 

MVP: DK Metcalf (Seahawks)

Metcalf seemed to take his quiet Week 7 performance against the Cardinals personally and responded by scorching the 49ers for 4 quarters (12 REC/161 YDS/2 TD). The 2nd year wideout has emerged as an early fantasy MVP in 2020 and will look to keep up his absurd level of play against an ailing Bills secondary this Sunday.

Honorable Mentions: Davante Adams (Packers), Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), Robert Woods (Rams)

LVP: Amari Cooper (Cowboys) 

Playing with a faceless jabroni otherwise known as Ben DiNucci at quarterback muddied up the prospects for all of the Cowboys receivers this week, but Cooper in particular felt the effects of having an overmatched stiff lineup under center as he secured just a single reception for 5 YDS on the night. Even with Andy Dalton presumably returning to the fold in Week 9, Cooper won't be a recommended play against a fierce Steelers defense.

Dishonorable Mentions: Dionate Johnson (Steelers), Adam Thielen (Vikings), Justin Jefferson (Vikings)

Tight End

MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)

An explosive performance from Mahomes meant that all of his top targets got their opportunity to feast on those poor poor Jets. While Tyreek Hill was the lead dog in the TD department, Kelce led the pack in both receptions (8) and YDS (109) while also securing his own trip to the endzone. With George Kittle potentially missing the rest of the year with a foot injury, the overall TE1 belt now looks like it's going to be Kelce's to lose.

Honorable Mentions: Jared Cook (Saints), Eric Ebron (Steelers), Rob Gronkowski (Buccaneers) 

LVP: Jimmy Graham (Bears)

So much for a big revenge game for Graham. He was sluggish and unfocused against his former employers in New Orleans-managing just 2 catches for 13 YDS despite several efforts from Nick Foles to get him involved in the offense. Despite performing better than expected given his age and supporting role in a horrid offense, Graham can be comfortably left on benches most weeks. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Mike Gesicki (Dolphins), Jonnu Smith (Titans), Mark Andrews (Ravens)

Defense/Special Teams

MVP: Eagles

As expected, Jim Schwartz had this group teeing off on sacrificial lamb Ben DiNucci-securing 4 sacks, 2 FUM REC's, a safety and an absolutely bogus defensive score off one of those fumbles in a hilarious 23-9 victory over the floundering Cowboys. This mediocre group could be in line for another big performance when they return to action in Week 10 against a pass protection-challenged, turnover-prone Giants offense.

Honorable Mentions: Steelers, Colts, Chiefs

LVP: Titans

The Titans defense quite frankly sucks and their no show against the Bengals is just the latest display of the full scope of the stench they give off on this side of the ball. Not only did they not get any takeaways, but they failed to register a sack against one of the worst offensive lines in football in this 31-20 upset loss. Even with the poor Bears offense rolling into Nashville next week, they won't be a strong play.

Dishonorable Mentions: 49ers, Bears, Packers 

2020 NFL Power Rankings: Week 9

 ()=previous ranking

1.(1) Kansas City Chiefs (7-1) Week 9 opponent: Carolina Panthers

2.(2) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-0) Week 9 opponent: Dallas Cowboys

3.(3) Seattle Seahawks (6-1) Week 9 opponent: Buffalo Bills

4.(7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) Week 9 opponent: New Orleans Saints

5.(5) Baltimore Ravens (5-2) Week 9 opponent: Indianapolis Colts

6.(4) Green Bay Packers (5-2) Week 9 opponent: San Francisco 49ers

7.(6) Tennessee Titans (5-2) Week 9 opponent: Chicago Bears

8.(11) Indianapolis Colts (5-2) Week 9 opponent: Baltimore Ravens

9.(9) Arizona Cardinals (5-2) Week 9 opponent: Miami Dolphins

10.(10) New Orleans Saints (5-2) Week 9 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

11.(12) Buffalo Bills (6-2) Week 9 opponent: Seattle Seahawks 

12.(16) Miami Dolphins (4-3) Week 9 opponent: Arizona Cardinals

13.(8) Los Angeles Rams (5-3) Week 9 opponent: Bye

14.(14) Chicago Bears (5-3) Week 9 opponent: Tennessee Titans

15.(17) Las Vegas Raiders (4-3) Week 9 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers

16.(13) Cleveland Browns (5-3) Week 9 opponent: Bye

17.(15) San Francisco 49ers (4-4) Week 9 opponent: Green Bay Packers

18.(21) Philadelphia Eagles (3-4-1) Week 9 opponent: Bye

19.(22) Denver Broncos (3-4) Week 9 opponent: Atlanta Falcons

20.(26) Cincinnati Bengals (2-5-1) Week 9 opponent: Bye

21.(18) Carolina Panthers (3-5) Week 9 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs

22.(25) Minnesota Vikings (2-5) Week 9 opponent: Detroit Lions 

23.(19) Detroit Lions (3-4) Week 9 opponent: Minnesota Vikings

24.(24) Washington Football Team (2-5) Week 9 opponent: New York Giants

25.(20) Los Angeles Chargers (2-5) Week 9 opponent: Las Vegas Raiders

26.(23) New England Patriots (2-5) Week 9 opponent: New York Jets

27.(28) Atlanta Falcons (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Denver Broncos

28.(27) Houston Texans (1-6) Week 9 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars

29.(30) New York Giants (1-7) Week 9 opponent: Washington Football Team

30.(29) Dallas Cowboys (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers

31.(31) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6) Week 9 opponent: Houston Texans

32.(32) New York Jets (0-8) Week 9 opponent: New England Patriots  

Movie Review: Holidate

 

Take a look at the above poster for a second. Seems pretty obvious what type of movie Holidate will be right? The corny title/tagline and cutesy "dating is a drag!" looks from the actors seem to be teasing a  Hallmark-esque disgustingly sentimental Christmas romcom that would've likely starred Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon if it was made back in the genre's shameless cash cow era back in the early 2000's. Well, there's a reason why it's wrong to jump to premature conclusions about people or things kids because Holidate is a fun, proudly R-rated ride that subtly subverts the time-tested romantic comedy formula while honoring the best parts of it.

Holidate feels like the result of an experiment where a recent-ish cynical indie romcom like Sleeping with Other People or Destination Wedding was filtered through a palatable mainstream lens. In other words, it has enough of an edge that it doesn't feel like a fairy tale, but still sunny enough to retain the cheery bounce that people watch these movies for. This balance is evident in its plot which essentially boils down to fate bringing a pair of relatively snarky, selfish pricks together (Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey) to be each other's platonic date for holiday gatherings over the course of a year. Their shared contempt for the serial optimism/nagging of the people around them draws them closer together, the past relationship misfortunate that fuels their negative worldview that make them refuse to commit to a relationship and then when all seems lost, the happily ever ending comes in to wrap things up on a high after teetering between both sides of the "will they or won't they" coin for the previous 90 minutes. The structure remains very conventional at its core and the abundant chemistry between Roberts and Bracey remains the primary appeal of the project, but its little details such as an abrupt dismantling of a "someone new comes in and sweeps (insert party) off their feet" subplot and amusing, often obscene fakeouts when a groanworthy cliché moment appears to be on the horizon adds some unexpectedly flavorful notes that helps bolster the effectiveness of this traditional recipe.

Surprises that aren't rooted in some form of tragedy seem practically unattainable these days, so when something positively unexpected like an energetic, funny and pretty clever romantic comedy from the director of Big Momma's House 2 and co-writer of Nancy Drew comes along, it's a tiny blessing that has to be cherished for a moment or two. The best case scenario for this project seemed like it was going to be an underrated talent in Roberts slumming it in a mediocre, dated affair and it ended up being a very solidly crafted effort that's better than a good chunk of the romantic comedies that have been released in the past 5 years. Kudos to the Netflix romantic comedy machine for making this unexpected joy happen and may at least one of the next 25 algorithm-friendly eggs that hatches from it be at least as enjoyable as Holidate.       

Grade: B