La légende du prince de Noël

'Inventing the Christmas Prince' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken from late 2019 and still ongoing, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all.

The previous 2022 Hallmark Christmas films were pretty patchy. There were some good ones, 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' in fact was great. There were some bad ones too, such as 'Christmas Bedtime Stories' and 'A Maple Valley Christmas'. 'Inventing the Christmas Prince' is among the best ones, having a lot of charm but also an equal amount of emotion and heart. It is always nice when a Hallmark film has actors in the lead roles different to the popular ones, and there have been some good performances from non-regular Hallmark actors. Including here.

Bad things: It is not flawless, though there is little wrong with it. For my tastes, it could have been longer by about 10-15 minutes in order to flesh out some of the supporting characters more.

Maybe it starts on the slow side and Ronnie Rowe's character came over as overly cold and selfish at the start

Good things: However, there are so many great things. It is extremely well acted, with great performances from Rowe and Tamera Mowra-Housley, the former managing to make his character complex and sympathetic and the latter being zesty and warm. Isabel Birch is charming and cute as a button, without going too far on the latter. The chemistry is natural and genuine with a lot of heart. Even if the supporting characters lack depth, the development of the three lead characters is very realistic and nuanced. Absolutely bought the progression of Rowe's character, which wasn't rushed or too tidy, going from being Scrooge-like to being more relaxed and sympathetic.

Furthermore, 'Inventing the Christmas Prince' is very sincere emotionally and true to life. It never feels melodramatic or over serious, a very easy trap in this type of film and fallen into a lot, or overly sappy. The ending did make me cry. The story didn't come over as predictable, too simple or forced and is heart warming and charming. The script flows well and is well meaning and honest with little fluff, filler or mawkishness. It is beautifully filmed, with lovely scenery, and appropriately scored.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very well done.

8/10.

This was not your typical Hallmark Christmas movie and that is precisely one of the reasons why I loved it! The diversity was refreshing. The acting was believable. And, the story line was relatable. Tamera Mowry Housley, bravo!!! She did an amazing job! Navigating grief looks different for everyone and her emotions were palpable ... believable. Having a story of hope and promise (the Christmas prince) to share with her daughter was, in my opinion, beautiful. Bonus that he actually turned out to be a 'Prince' for both of them. I loved that she was casted as a brilliant, beautiful and confident woman. We need more of that!!! Isabel (who played Shelby's daughter) is a shining star. Amazing job and I'm looking forward to seeing her more. Great job by everyone. I've already watched the movie twice and saw things I missed the first time. If you're looking for a feel good Christmas film with a 'not your typical Hallmark storyline', this movie is definitely for you!

I loved this movie. Tamera Mowry (Shelby) gave a great performance. As did Ronnie Rowe Jr who played her Boss (Evan). He reminded me of the Gretch, but unlike the Gretch, he wasn't heartless, just clueless about other people's feelings. However, as the movie went on we watch him come out of his Rocket Scientist Nerdy Shell and evolve into this sweet caring person. However, Evan being a rocket scientist was not the point of this movie, which is why they didn't focus on his occupation, but rather on his transformation. This is evident when Evan's boss explains that his work performance was not the problem, but it was his people skills that needed to improve.

Anyway, If you didn't see the plot of Gretch that stole Christmas in this movie, we weren't watching the same movie. At one point, during the Christmas party, I thought (Shelby) was going to say "his heart is growing" The ending was so sweet and so prince charming.

Lastly, I agree that Isabel Birch (Grace) wasn't the right fit for this part. She seemed to be a little kid trying to (act) like a little kid. It didn't seem natural.

This movie had it all. The main three characters were excellently scripted, and played by Tamera Mowry-Howsley, Ronnie Rowe and the precious Ms. Birch. The plot was believable, with real life situations of single motherhood and the challenges and sacrifices of a professional life. The sets were impressive and as usual, the gorgeous Christmas decor by Balsam Hill did not disappoint! This was an inspiring story about being courageous enough to find love when it's been lost or never realized. I would recommend this movie to anyone. It was sweet, wholesome, without being corny or sappy. Don't stop beliving!

I have never ever cry at a Hallmarks films. I mean they are beautiful and emotional it ones never gotten me actually to cry but this one got me. The story line, the wishlist, but the ending had me so emotional. The scenery at the end was already beautiful but they added that song and the ride with the beautiful Christmas lights. I'm not Afraid to admit i cried like a baby. This is definitely a film I gotta watch this one again. I know I say this all the time but seriously, Tamera Mowry Housley and Christmas films just go together. This is definitely her season to shine. Can't wait for her next Hallmark film. And again S/O for Tamera for representing Black Love and women in Stem!