Have never had anything against Hallmark, who have had quite a lot of misfires but also a lot of films that were decent and more, and love Christmas. Am however though not a fan mostly of their royal-themed films, of which there has been at least one in all their years between 2014 to now, for similar reasons to each other. That's including the ones set at Christmas. There are some nice ones out there, but too many of them are formulaic and cheesy with unappealing characters.
'A Royal Queen's Christmas' thankfully is not one of the worst royal themed Hallmark films or of their hit and miss (but actually better than expected considering the circumstances) 2021 output. It is also not one of the best on both counts, 2021 actually did some good Hallmark films but 'A Royal Queen's Christmas' isn't one of them. Actually consider it one of the middling, average efforts from that year. There are obvious good things here but also some of the usual flaws seen in the royal themed Hallmark films.
The best thing about it is Julian Morris, who is dashing and immensely likeable. His appeal completely understandable and irresistible. The supporting cast are also solid, not too broad and also never phoned in. Tony Nappo is a sheer delight and makes the most of all his screen time, as does charming Romana Milano. Jane Wheeler is also dignified and sympathetic.
Can understand the criticisms with the production values, they are lacking in authenticity but this reviewer has seen much cheaper Hallmark films. Did think it was pleasingly shot and the scenery is beautiful, even though the editing can be sloppy. 'A Royal Queen's Christmas' also starts off very well, with a lot of charm and heart as well as a amusing light hearted-ness.
Megan Park for me was inconsistent. She was bubbly and charming to begin with, but didn't seem as relaxed in the latter portions. She is at her worst though when the truth comes out (and it did in a rather contrived way) and everything afterwards, where she comes over as emotionally cold and hammy. It is at this point too where her character becomes intolerable, where she comes over as petulently spoiled, selfish and unreasonably demanding without giving him a chance. She and Morris' chemistry on the whole is bland, nice to begin with where there is some spark but the spark goes and the relationship becomes too distant and low key.
Didn't mind massively that the story was predictable throughout, as that was expected, though it did take away from any surprises or suspense. Did mind however how much it drags, how mechanical and thin the second half is, the too convenient contrivances and how easily and too quickly it all resolves. Also found the resolution unrealistic and unwarranted. The characters are underdeveloped Hallmark cliches and Park's character is very problematic later. The dialogue is indicative of the writers phoning in and it is just really awkward and cheesy. The direction is mechanical and the music overbears.
On the whole, not awful but very middling and average. 5/10.
'A Royal Queen's Christmas' thankfully is not one of the worst royal themed Hallmark films or of their hit and miss (but actually better than expected considering the circumstances) 2021 output. It is also not one of the best on both counts, 2021 actually did some good Hallmark films but 'A Royal Queen's Christmas' isn't one of them. Actually consider it one of the middling, average efforts from that year. There are obvious good things here but also some of the usual flaws seen in the royal themed Hallmark films.
The best thing about it is Julian Morris, who is dashing and immensely likeable. His appeal completely understandable and irresistible. The supporting cast are also solid, not too broad and also never phoned in. Tony Nappo is a sheer delight and makes the most of all his screen time, as does charming Romana Milano. Jane Wheeler is also dignified and sympathetic.
Can understand the criticisms with the production values, they are lacking in authenticity but this reviewer has seen much cheaper Hallmark films. Did think it was pleasingly shot and the scenery is beautiful, even though the editing can be sloppy. 'A Royal Queen's Christmas' also starts off very well, with a lot of charm and heart as well as a amusing light hearted-ness.
Megan Park for me was inconsistent. She was bubbly and charming to begin with, but didn't seem as relaxed in the latter portions. She is at her worst though when the truth comes out (and it did in a rather contrived way) and everything afterwards, where she comes over as emotionally cold and hammy. It is at this point too where her character becomes intolerable, where she comes over as petulently spoiled, selfish and unreasonably demanding without giving him a chance. She and Morris' chemistry on the whole is bland, nice to begin with where there is some spark but the spark goes and the relationship becomes too distant and low key.
Didn't mind massively that the story was predictable throughout, as that was expected, though it did take away from any surprises or suspense. Did mind however how much it drags, how mechanical and thin the second half is, the too convenient contrivances and how easily and too quickly it all resolves. Also found the resolution unrealistic and unwarranted. The characters are underdeveloped Hallmark cliches and Park's character is very problematic later. The dialogue is indicative of the writers phoning in and it is just really awkward and cheesy. The direction is mechanical and the music overbears.
On the whole, not awful but very middling and average. 5/10.