The Reluctant Royal

I pretty much steer clear of Hallmark these days. Most of it is highly obnoxious. But for reasons unknown I gave this one a shot. And it wasn't bad. It wasn't great but it managed to be cute enough reminiscent of some of the cute but not so great old Hallmark fare.

Andrew Walker did well of a bit awkward at first playing a 38 year old man who kinda acted like a 22 year old kid. But he got better enough as it went along. The actress who played Prudence had to grow on me but when she did in liked her well enough.

The story was simplistic and predictable but that's not always a problem. The villains were cartoonish and unnecessary. A conflict not needed since the others could've been filled out.

I won't call it a must see but I wouldn't warn anyone off either. Take it or leave it. Hallmark has much worse to offer these days.

I've mostly stopped watching Hallmark movies because they've become so bad. However I still watch the ratings because every once in awhile a good one surfaces. This movie is one of the good ones.

I won't detail out the movie plot but this is a story about a man and his father. Both actors portray their characters very well and they shine in scenes together. I know Hallmark makes "romance" movies but the relationship and scenes with the two men steal the show.

Yes, there is a love story in this movie but it takes a back seat to the plot which is very refreshing.

No, this isn't your typical "prince/royal" movie so if you're tired of those types of plots don't worry as this breaks the mold. It's not a novel plot (I'm pretty sure John Goodman was in a movie with a similar plot decades ago) but it's a well told story that keeps you interested and the number of cliche Hallmark moments to a minimum.

Definitely worth a watch!

I did not like the tone of this story. The commoner coming in and saving the day might have been a nice story. And he does keep triumphing in almost everything he does including showing up an experienced horseman even though his only riding experience seems to only be riding a mechanical bull. That was a little too much.

The son of a Duke is automatically a Lord and I think has the title Marquess. Yet the cousin constantly insults him. Would he get away with that in front of a group?

The story goes about how you'd expect. The cousin who is the alternate heir becomes the villain. Two relationships develop. The potential romance is rushed because of everything else going on. The story makes a point of a potential problem there and also rushes dealing with it.

The acting is OK, but not great. The dialogue is mostly bland with maybe one or two good lines.

Like the movie, The Royal We, from the previous week on Hallmark, there is an epilogue where the three royal movies of March 2025 are tied together. It was clever in that one, but seemed forced and abrupt in this one.

With all the terrible news in the real world, it's time to just give yourself a bit of time to enjoy a happy, make believe story. This movie does that. First off, Andrew Walker is Andrew Walker. He almost always gives an extraordinary performance in these movies and he does it again here. The supporting cast...especially the elder Duke ...all give wonderful performances. The only minus with this movie is there is so much to cover, you wish the movie was longer. You wish you could spend more time with each of the characters and learn more about them. There just was too much to cover. But that aside...you root for them...you learn about them...you enjoy their company. So, sit back...let your imagination go...enjoy Andrew Walker...enjoy the story...enjoy the townspeople...enjoy the staff...enjoy the journey. You will find it time well spent.

This is by far the best movie of the year for HallMark (HM) ANDREW walker again does it again. He did an incredible job and his partner have excellent screen chemistry. The supporting cast were wonderful and I wish there was more time to develope them. I wouldn't mind see this as a series. HM is getting back to thier roots with this movie.

I like the location and the scenes of the country side was a nice touch. The villains as usual were to predictable for my only cretinism. Andrew Walker have developed into a very actor and gives HM almost a guarantee of a good movie. All in all a def 10 and look forward to more movies with this one of scripts and acting.