Coup de foudre royal

This film had so much potential - just needed better writing and better character coherence. The 'ugly sisters' should not suddenly turn into charmers even with a 'fairy godmother' aka grandmother in sight.

I also did not find most of the dressed particularly special which was disappointing.

But forgetting the gripes, this was fun entertainment and better than most. It is the untapped potential that is grating, not the movie itself.

Most of hallmark's new actresses look alike to me so i was pleased to realize this wasn't the same one who drives me crazy in other movies. While no credit is given to the fairy tale authors of cinderella (whichever ones they might choose to credit) it is apparent early on that this is a cinderella remake when the main character's name is given as cindy cordella. Which becomes a bit distracting when the other characters are introduced and you try to figure out which part from the traditional story they'll fill. This cinderella does have a nice bit of gumption but she keeps burying it. I would've scored it higher but it ended on a bit of a wtf moment when her ball gown was so unflattering and then there was the bizarre dance break.

The whole royal meets commoner and falling in love scenario was already very old and done to death by the time 'Fit for a Prince' was made. It is a scenario that Hallmark over the past seven years or so have recycled quite a lot and very few films that have this concept do anything fresh. Did like the idea though of 'Fit for a Prince' incorporating elements of 'Cinderella', a personal favourite story of mine since childhood. So it was not entirely a doomed from the get go case.

'Fit for a Prince' doesn't do enough with the 'Cinderella' story, everything with the fashion is poorly utilised and nothing new is done with the scenario. Really do have to agree with what has already been said, 'Fit for a Prince' is a very bad film and among the worst of the 2021 Hallmark films. And joint worst of the 2021 Love Ever After films along with 'Beverly Hills Wedding'. Hallmark did do some good films in 2021, with 'A New Year's Resolution' and 'As Luck would Have It' being standouts, but 'Fit for a Prince' is one of the major misfires.

Did think that the scenery was quite nice.

When it comes to the redeeming qualities, that is pretty much it.

Natalie Hall is too saccharine as Cindy and Jonathan Keltz is rather bland and wooden. The two don't generate any chemistry together, and the relationship itself is poorly developed. With it being rushed and like there were parts intended to be there but left on the editing room floor. Which would account for why the editing was as choppy as it was and why the story felt jumpy and incomplete. Nobody in the supporting cast stands out and the characters are neither interesting or easy to like, too one-dimensional and bland.

Other than some of the scenery, 'Fit for a Prince' is pretty cheap looking. Especially the choppy editing and pretty hideous fashions that look more shoestring budget than lavish. A big problem for a film that has fashion playing a big part. The music is too constant and over-scored, not uncommon for Hallmark but this is one of the worst Hallmark films in this regard for this year. The direction is characterless and leaden.

The script is full of cheese, over sweet schmaltz and awkward. The story is thin, incomplete feeling and does absolutely nothing new with a continually recycled formula. Which makes the film feel very fatigued and it is not good fun watching a film knowing throughout how it's all going to map out five minutes before the event happens.

In summary, very bad. 2/10.

I'm usually not real critical of HM movies. And, because I don't read reviews prior to watching movies, I was not prepared for this debacle. Everything about it was bad, and I'm not going to go over them because all the other reviews hit the low points on the nail head.

I will add one more complaint, and it's getting to be a common occurrence in HM movies. THE MUSIC WAS ENTIRELY TOO LOUD. OMG. First I thought it was our sound-bar, but it wasn't.

I think I've only reviewed one other movie this low.

Natalie Hall who plays Cindy is delightful! But what I truly enjoyed about this film is how the prince sees through the facade and figures out very quickly who the real designer is behind Rebecca Roslyn's designs. Not only does he obtain this information quickly, but he is not easily fooled in to thinking otherwise...and he is incredible supportive of someone who he views as an incredibly talented, hard working, under appreciated designer.

When his group of friends intentionally trick Cindy in to underdressing for an event, the prince goes out of his way to try to make her feel comfortable by also dressing down. This isn't the only way he tries to build her up and make her feel comfortable...at one point in spite not being able to sew, he helps Cindy remake dresses for the ball under an extreme time crunch. He is really beyond too impossible to be true! But that is why we watch Hallmark, isn't it? Therefore Prince Ronan is perfect, as ordered!

I appreciated how the romantic rival, after initially doing something mean spirited, turns a new leaf and champions her rival before the last five minutes of the film where they usually cede there defeat. I also really appreciated the actress who was the grandmother (I think) who was real and honest...and telling like it was from the onset.

"Spontaneous, in the moment, out of character."

As mentioned, Natalie Hall is delightful and you should watch this film.