Le prince de minuit

A superb romance drama television movie that hits the sweet spot of drama and lightness. Great resolution replay on the big television monitor also helps. This predictable romance includes a carefully crafted plot with just the right hint of reveals that do not reveal too much without feeling manipulated. This great feel good movie elevates itself with good pacing and a strong corporate and rich female lead along with the humble but smart and hardworking lawyer. The script incorporates all the stereotypical elements of the standard romance drama but handles them with a respectful class never overdoing their place in the story. Overall, wonderfully and emotionally pleasing.

In this reversal of the traditional Cinderella story, Rob Carelli (Christopher Russell) is a Pittsburgh attorney who gets all the work and none of the credit in his firm, run by a father and his two arrogant, bully sons. Rob falls for the head of a client firm, Elyse Samford (Autumn Reeser), but is too reserved to do anything about it.

Russell has that Christopher Reeves-as-Clark-Kent vibe going: ruggedly handsome, but socially awkward, and hiding his true feelings. When he wears a mask, you have to accept that no one could possibly identify him.

This Hallmark romance is one of the better ones. The chemistry between the two leads is strong, and both are very likable. Over and over again, Rob proves himself to be a caring, principled man. The meaty role of his niece Ruby is played by Helen Colliander. And Neil Crone plays the part of Sam, the over-qualified and somewhat cynical office security man Rob befriends.

'Midnight Masquerade' (2014)

Opening thoughts: The best-known name here, and my main reason for seeing 'Midnight Masquerade', is Autumn Reeser. Much of her output is well worth watching and her performances are consistent in a good way, she is a Hallmark regular for good reason. The other main reason for seeing the film was that it was a take on the 'Cinderella' story, that is one of my all time favourite stories and there are some good to great adaptations and revamps of it. Christopher Russell however is rather take and leave and the 2014 Hallmark output was wildly variable.

'Midnight Masquerade' is one of the better films of theirs from that year. It is a great representation of Reeser, who went on to even better things, and for a relatively early Hallmark film and performance for Russell this was a good deal better than most. While not one of the best or most inspired modern takes on such a timeless story that will never get old regardless of how many times it's narrated or adapted, 'Midnight Masquerade' is a more than worthwhile and very charming take.

Bad things: It isn't perfect. Personally actually did think that the final act is too rushed with the conflict forced and the prematurely easily foreseeable ending too neat. It is true that the film is very predictable, with many typical elements not done much new with.

Perhaps Russell's character could have been stronger in standing up to the conflict and sooner.

Good things: However, there is a lot that is done really well. Reeser is incredibly charming and brings a lot of heart and steel. Russell doesn't come over as stiff or too introverted and is equally easy going and charming. Their chemistry is very natural, sweet and genuine. The supporting characters are ones that are very easy to overplay, and luckily they didn't come over as too caricaturish or hammy. The interaction always felt at ease and not forced. The father and daughter relationship is particularly interesting.

Furthermore, 'Midnight Masquerade' looks good, especially the scenery. The scenery really does entrance and the photography doesn't cheapen it at all. The music at least fits tonally and in placement and has presence without being over-loud. The dialogue is sharp enough and flows naturally, while also having the right amount of sentiment (not too much in quality and quantity). The story is predictable, but also light hearted and charming with a good deal of heart. The Halloween party sees some beautiful design and atmosphere.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, nice film if not a classic.

7/10.

The two main actors did a great job of being geeky. If you love Cinderella as much as I do, this movie is for sure worth watching. I give writers credit for their similarities to the fairytale. Some are a little week but I still appreciated them.

Of course, it's just as predictable as you'd expect, but it was a fun journey to get there. The characters were great all around and well cast.