Ein Weihnachtsprinz in Queens

Like many Hallmark romances, this one is about a man and woman who come from different circumstances. They could hardly be further apart than a New York bakery worker and a British prince being groomed for succession.

Julian Morris' portrayal of Prince Colin is the best part of the film. He feels genuinely regal yet very likable. One could understand that any woman might fall for his rugged good looks, his affable personality, and his musical talents. His attraction to DeeDee (Megan Park) is a little harder to explain. We are to believe that the prince has little access to women of quality, perhaps due to his parents' well-meaning control of his life. Fortunately, he is attended by Whitbey (acted by Tony Nappo, who makes the most of his part), who is charged with overseeing the prince's activities, but cuts him some slack.

The acting is good, but the story---after some energy in the first part---bogs down in the mechanics of their obstacles.

Positives: I've always enjoyed Julian Morris and he is very nice to look at, too! Megan Park did well as the leading lady, and I thought she and the actors playing her family had nice chemistry together.

The story dragged a bit, but the scenes with the kids were all very sweet. Morris and Park were a nice team with her as the director and him as the pianist!

NOW for my pet peeve - for the love of God, can someone PLEASE teach actors how to conduct properly?! I can teach someone to conduct a simple 3 or 4 pattern in a matter of minutes. It is incredibly frustrating to see such laughable conducting for a supposed trained musician, and this movie is not Hallmark's first offense!

As all these films have basically the same script the chemistry between the leads makes or breaks the enjoyment and here it was good Megan definitely gives of a girl next door vibe and every European prince should be a genuine British actor. Loved when the grandma said she'd googled who he was as this is always the hole in the plot of these films.

Cute, fluffy. Some fun moments. Music is pretty good. I kept wanting Prince Colin's assistant Wimpy to say "I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."

Deedee and Colin run in to one another in a fancy hotel in New York. Deedee has just gotten out of the K-9 unit in the military and is struggling with what her next career move will be. She doesn't know that Colin is the crown prince of the fictional Exiter, where his whole life is planned. Deedee and her very Italian family show Colin what a real neighborhood Christmas is in Queens. Colin has a wonderful time and falls hard for Deedee.

I don't know what it is about an accent but it works every time.

Sweet holiday fun with a ridiculously romantic storyline, holiday decorations, piano playing and a lovable Italian family...lovable Nona included.