Un hiver de princesse

Watched 'A Royal Winter' with not the highest of expectations, fairly mixed actually. While loving Christmas for as long as can be remembered and seeing Samantha Bond (capable of good performances herself) in the cast, Hallmark have been very variable (veering towards average or less more than once) when it comes to films of theirs mixing Christmas and royalty. The title sounded sweet but the concept sounded so been there, done that and flimsy.

Luckily, 'A Royal Winter' turned out to be much better than expected, being well above average and even really quite good. Which is not what the plot synopsis indicated it would be if it was executed wrongly. It may not be flawless or a masterpiece, but it is for me one of the best Hallmark Christmas films out of a very mixed bunch and one of the best of theirs mixing Christmas and royalty. Actually being one of the good ones and one that rises above its concept.

Sure it is thin in story, being very predictable and taking a bit of time to get going. A lot of situations being quite over-familiar and lacking freshness.

Did feel that 'A Royal Winter' ends too patly and the midway 180 character change comes too out of nowhere.

All the cast are good however, with appealing lead performances from Merritt Patterson and Jack Donnelly and Bond being regal and with no signs of overacting or being bored. 'A Royal Winter' is one of not many Hallmark Christmas films to have no characters that didn't annoy me, questioned the point of or come over as lacking in personality. The chemistry between Patterson and Donnelly comes over as very sweet and natural, no signs of being forced or disconnected. Often have reservations with the use of music in their films, it was used well to me and had a festive feel, not sounding overdone in placement or balance.

It looks good, especially the interiors of the royal home which are wonderfully opulent. Lovingly shot too. The script doesn't get too corny or schmaltzy, the odd cringeworthy line here and there but there is heart here and a nice amount of playfulness. The story lacks surprises, but is very charming, very sweet, entertainingly light-hearted and movingly heart-warming.

On the whole, nicely done. 7/10.

An American girl goes on vacation to a small fictional European country where conveniently English is spoken as the first language. She accidentally meets a prince, and they fall head over heels for each other in just a matter of a few days. How many times have we already seen something like this? Also, the name of the main character is Maggie Marks, which is kinda self-explanatory. Having said that, this is one of the better ones that follow the same formula despite not adding anything new to the mix. The leading couple is cute, characters are likable and even think with their brains. There are no cringeworthy scenes or over the top ending, so it's a solid royal movie.

While the female lead is supposed to be a corporate lawyer, the story states up front that is not where her heart is. So she is not portrayed as the typical corporate lawyer. The character of the prince, on the other hand, is played as the typical playboy prince he is supposed to be. As mentioned by other reviewers, he does do a 180 degree change in the middle of the movie, but he has good reason, he has fallen in love. And the young woman has found a kindred spirit; one who is interested in the betterment of common people. The best thing I like about this movie is the actor playing the female lead is actually the age of the character she plays. She is not in her late 30s or early 40s playing a character in her mid to late 20s. And she is not already engaged to a self-centered boyfriend with greased back hair. Why are so many other Hallmark female leads who are supposed to be so smart, actually so stupid to date these guys?

The story is pleasant enough for a romance movie. Maggie gets swept off her feet by a wonderful man who turns out to be a prince who is about to be crowned. Like many Hallmark movies, at least one of the lead characters has none of the personal traits required to hold the position they hold, or aspire to, in life. In this case Maggie is too laid back to be a corporate lawyer. She is timid and indecisive. Meanwhile the Prince is the cliché "playboy prince" that he is reputed to be. He has avoids important duties and responsibilities and he wanders the town apparently flirting with girls. This is mitigated in part by his special foundation. Another trait of Hallmark movies is how minds and even personalities do a complete 180 all of a sudden. And the climax is pretty much predictable. This movie lacks anything that stands out as special, so although it is pleasant, it is also just average.

I am a big sucker when it comes to hallmark movies. Specially during the winter months. I would have to say that this is one of my new favorites. I really hope they do a number 2. I'm curious to see what happens. There is so much of a story to tell.. What happens between the 2. Did she take the offer. Does the price get engaged.