I did want to like this movie with Parker Stevenson and Pamela Sue Martin. But either the actors can't act or they can't act and say the wretched dialog at the same time the Queen was in no way believable. Stevenson's dialog was terrible. Pamela Sue Martin did the best. She made you feel like she was the mother. All the other characters/actors and their dialog were just not believable. The movie screamed 'actors-in-training, newbie writer', and director? Just bad. Sorry.
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corthel31 October 2019
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phd_travel7 February 2018The absurdity of the premise that a royal would go under the radar in NYC for a year and then be spotted in a small town by a royal watcher is mentioned in the movie so just accept it. After that well it's just a typical girl meets prince romance and there have been quite a few. The lead actors look quite good in their parts. Callum Alexander isn't too polished an actor a bit amateurish- he delivers all his lines very similarly. But somehow this recalls the way WIlls & Harry speak in interviews. Alexis Knapp of Pitch Perfect looks quite classy and sweet here. Charles Shaughnessy of the Nanny is good as the King but the actress who plays his wife isn't very regal - more like a lady in waiting to the queen.
Despite the faults it's an okay watch after all the competition in the Hallmark/Lifetime selection aren't exactly Emmy calibre anyway. -
Jackbv12329 December 2017My title sums it up. This is another prince story which is a highly overdone theme. There are a couple of elements done differently. For one, the couple spends most of the movie in small town America, and the rival Baroness comes to the small town.
The characters are bad and the acting likewise. I wanted to tell Callum Alexander that it was time for him to go to Home Room and that he needed to stop playing prince. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't take him seriously. Alexis Knapp looked more like a slumming supermodel than a small town girl. And there was no chemistry between them. Queen Mom was just silly. King Dad was too much of a wimp. You get the idea.
I won't say anything about the ending except that it was silly and poorly done. -
LuLuBelleJ4 December 2017An American "commoner" dates a guy while living in NYC, all the while not knowing he is a prince. She goes home for Christmas, and he surprises her with a visit. Thinking he is "unknown" there, the local town gossip gives him away, and his girlfriend now knows his true identity. (Spare me the stupid crocodile tears at finding out your boyfriend is a prince..) insert eye roll.
While the movie is entirely predictable, it's about the worst royal flicks I've ever seen, (and I LOVE the movies that have a royal fairy tale).
Here are my reasons: 1. The acting is just dismal, with the exception the Hardy Boy dad. No screen "chemistry" between the two leads, overly annoying mother of the prince, phony baloney bodyguard actor, irritating extras playing the townies.....there's no end. It's just bad. 2. The overabundance of unkempt fake Christmas trees. Everywhere. ALL Decorated the exact awful way, ribbons and and some sparse cheap glass ornaments, and what looks like a single strand of lights per ugly tree. (Seriously, who puts up 7-8 trees in there house?) at LEAST straighten the branches of those trees so they don't look so ratty. 3.The writing... bottom of the barrel. 5. Did I mention the two leads, the prince and his girlfriend are so dismally matched, and have little acting skills. 6. Save your two hours and watch A Crown for Christmas, A Royal Christmas, or one of the others on Hallmark. They at least invested in beautiful landscapes, and better acting, and script writing.
While I'm at it... Oh, and Hallmark, if you're reading this... PLEASE STOP IT WITH THE ONE-KISS WONDER IN E V E R Y SINGLE MOVIE. *Even in Family movies, showing affection with kisses is a normal, sweet way to express how people feel. The utterly STUPID interrupted kiss before the one final kiss is enough to make me want to change the station when I see it coming. Stop Dumbing things down. Please. Really.... Please. You insult intelligence. It's not like we don't "get" the whole family friendly format, but seriously? Cast members dialog is dumbed-down in sooooo many movies (not this one) you'd think you were watching Men-Child and Women-Child behavior. Enough with the only drinks allowed in the movies: Egg Nog, Hot Cocoa, and Hot Cider. People drink wine and sodas. A hot toddy can be extremely festive! -
rebekahrox7 December 2017I admit at the outset that I watched about 1/3 of this and skipped through to the end. If something happened to rescue this tedious lazy effort that I didn't catch, I apologize in advance. Of course, the plot was utterly predictable, an almost carbon copy of every other Royal/Commoner template, with none of the fish out of water humor or any charm or good acting, or chemistry on the part of the principals to lift it into even 5 star+ territory. The young lady was pretty, but did nothing to draw the audience in or earn some investment in her. The script called for her to be a beloved part of her small town, but why? Her father said she never wanted anything but to make the world a better place, but we see no evidence of it. She was offered a 3 year job to plan and execute some kind of project that would benefit disadvantaged youth in New York, but seemingly is going forego that to get married to her prince-ling. If I missed something there, I'm sorry. But even so, it would be impossible that she could stay in New York 3 years and do her job effectively while engaged to a European royal who has his duties to his country. Callum Alexander I am willing to give another chance to as this is literally his first acting credit. But in this one, his accent was so posh, it puts the Windsors to shame and was very distracting. The only bright spot was seeing Frank Hardy and Nancy Drew married, and the always reliable Charles Shaughnessy and Marina Sirkis.
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f-osentow26 December 2017OK, I am a sap for this genre of little American girl meets big royal and captures their heart. The culture clash is always interesting. So I paid $3.99 to watch it. The casting was OK with two good looking kids as the leads but the girls mom...on the list of "Face Lifts" gone bad. It hurt to look at her face every time...and she at one time was a really good looking woman. (Is there a really a woman in Wyoming who has had this much surgery done)?
2. Acting and script: looked a lot like first run through in rehearsal. The young lovers seemed like to people just meeting in a grad school study group. Just nice friends. 3. Location: Wyoming. Have the directors ever been there? Or seen pictures? People in most parts of the state are ranchers who wear cowboy hats, boots, worn jeans that outdoor people wear. Faces that show character and some wear and tear! The small towns are like most of the USA.. The town in the film looks a lot like a Disney Works set. Too perfect. 4. Time of year: Christmas? Check this weeks temps in the state. Probably near 15 high and lows of -3. The actors sit outside in short sleeves drinking their coffee and tea. Good God. 5. The Home Kingdom of the Prince. Shows a painting of the Swiss Alps...still pic. Cuts to a small room...the same for every shot. Obviously a Hollywood set. Could someone carry a video camera in and out of a castle like building somewhere in the world? The same with the quaint and unrealistic Wyoming home...a photo of a house. Then an interior shot of a room. Can someone walk in and out? Please to show it isn't just a photo of a house.
6. I am a composer musician. The score is just terrible. Sorry to the composer. It sounds like a "temp" track someone did on a $200 Casio from Walmart...one that would be replaced in a music studio with real instruments. But...they ran out of budget and kept the Cassio version. How about some local Country Bands in Wyoming? They would have probably done it for scale...and it would have been real.
7. Editing: The constant 'Fade to black" effects from the 1930's. I kept thinking the film had broken...oops digits had broken? I can edit better using Windows Movie Maker. Best to pull this film and do a total reedit...and a new music score.
But the almost: The two leads and the young lady and...the prince have some creds and acting chops. Hope they both get a real full budget movie soon. -
maggie12245 December 2017I have to say, I disagree with the poor review given by others... Is this the absolute best Holiday or Royal Christmas movie out there? NO, it is not, but to say that there is no chemistry and the acting is bad, well, I would have to say I have seen far worse. The movie does not have a huge number of known actors, or Hallmark regulars in it. That being said it is not horrible. The theme is predictable, but they all are. Let's be honest, there is never too much if a twist in these movies is there? Consequently, there isn't much of a surprise as to the plot. Holiday movies begin each year in October so it is always likely that we are going to come across a few that are not rated highly, but as a fill in for something of a Christmas theme it is a good family watch. Give it a try, it really is not bad and there is as always a nice message and really, isn't that why those of us who watch these types of movies do so. So, my recommendation, grab your cuddle blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies, sit back and just enjoy!
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sykespr6 December 2018I liked the story line but the acting my Alexis Knapp was horrible.
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VetteRanger25 October 2022The prince and the American girl is a well explored light romance trope. Hallmark has done it at least three times and here is Lifetime's version.
"Samantha" is a bit light on her acting chops, with most of her lines coming out in a whine or a fit of petulance. Callum Alexander is a bit stiff, but performs surprisingly well for his only real film role.
To be honest, I only picked this out because the reunion of Parker Stevenson and Pamela Sue Martin more than 40 years after their Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew crossovers. Parker gets a LOT more lines and screen time than Pamela, and not much time playing off each other, which is a shame.
Marina Sirtis appears in a surprise role as the "royal fixer", and sadly adds very little to the film. She's a shadow of her screen presence as Troi on TNG.
Still, it's an enjoyable film, but not one we'll consider for repeat viewings. -
Racingphan226 October 2020Alexis Knapp is very beautiful, but completely incapable of showing any emotion beyond a smile. The interactions between her and her supposed love interest are awkward and even painful to watch. The only stars this movie gets are for all the 80s tv stars in supporting roles. Parker Stevenson and Pamela Sue Martin together again! The guy from the Nanny is there too! And Marina Sirtis from Star Trek! Any actor under age 40 in this movie should quit acting immediately. IHOP is hiring.
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solojere1 December 2020I don't understand all the negative reviews. What were they expecting? It's called "My Christmas Prince." So what you see is what you get, and I don't think you can spoil this movie because it goes exactly how you think it will. Samantha is a successful working woman. Her boyfriend is secretly a prince, and the film is about them figuring out their life together. But with that being said, I found it quite charming despite its flaws.
First, let me start with the cons. The writing isn't great. The acting also feels a bit forced and at times. This is likely due to a rushed production, a low budget, and inexperienced actors. For instance, this is the only movie the guy who played the prince ever made. But hey, that's one more movie than I will ever make. Lastly, like most Christmas movies, the ending is a little too neat.
The pros. The story is sweet. Alexis Knapp (Stacie from Pitch Perfect) did pretty well with what she was given. It was nice to see her in a lead role (although I worry about her career if this is where she is at). Also, Alexis looks absolutely stunning in every shot. The storyline about her parents was also super cute.
In conclusion, this isn't the greatest movie ever, but as far as tv Christmas movies go, this is one of the better ones I have watched. And it's a good movie for the whole family. I'd recommend giving it a chance. -
Whitneywest1016 July 2019I didn't think that would ever end. Let me just say I adore made for TV Christmas movies. And I'm usually all about the royal storyline. But this was just all around bad. I don't THINK these actors are just that bad. But the plot and writing/dialogue were just awful. Let's string abunch of cheesy cliches together then cut to 45 seconds of cheerful Christmas style music while we show unnecessary shots of the happy couple and call it a day. Write better guys. I will say that I think I prefer when the couple isn't together yet because it was just so cheesy with terminology since they were already a couple. Everything about this movie felt forced. Would not recommend.
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sharonbarlow-7738917 December 2017I love Hallmark movies, yes they are very predictable but in a world of gloom and doom all around I like happy endings. This movie though was a waste of my time. The 2 main characters had NO connection in fact it was kind of annoying to watch them. I give this movie a - score . Also Alexander parents were a horrible pairing, his mother looked more like his fathers mother. Whom ever did the casting for this show must have been asleep.
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pkd-6783124 November 2019Nothing cute about it at all. Samantha Alex & even her parents are so very snobbish right from the start. The only character I did like was the hostess at the diner. I didn't make it past 16 minutes of this movie before I had to turn it off.
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dontakeitpersonal23 December 2020Funny enough I saw a much worse "royal christmas " story line earlier today. Seems like I'm on a streek. The lead actress was horrible .i couldn't empathise with her. The choice to cast british actors for the royal moldovian family is... interesting. It missed an oomph, connection, and interesting story subject
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sadgirl398-167-71987423 December 2021Why oh why did I watch this, I literally couldn't even get through it, I had to fast forward to the end of the movie. No chemistry between the lead actors, she always seemed so awkward.
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darkharlezucreek18 November 2022Nothing new here. Prince from random European country meets hot chick in NYC...they go upstate to meet the ' rents. (Creepy security dude follows at all times never removing his sunglasses). What's her face must decide weather to go to Mal...blah...dova and be a princess or go with her hometown BF of Xmas' past, who is a cop. Mapleville, hurst, falls or whatever it is called is astounded that royalty has come to town!
Gingerbread homes (and castles!) Are decorated. There are 75 Xmas trees in the parent's home (and a partridge in a pear tree I'm sure).
If you need to entertain you tween while you get things done around the house, slap this on for and hour of peace.
Overall, it was OK. -
signsteele24 December 2017Interesting casting. The lead, Callum Alexander, is a Tom Daley clone and kind of sweet. Parker Stevenson and Pamela Sue Martin back together is fun. Parker can act, Pamela Sue never was a great actress. Sadly the weak link is the the lead, Alexis Knapp. She is still green and not a good actress. The actress playing the queen, strongly resembles Celeste Holm. We've seen this plot a hundred times. But if you're looking for mindless cuteness this is it.
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petrelet16 December 2018It won't surprise you that this movie (not to be confused with "A Christmas Prince" or "A Prince for Christmas") is not good. When I turned it on, I actually was looking for a completely undemanding and formulaic movie - just the thing to watch while still not de-jetlagged after a full day of travel! And it didn't disappoint!
But in fact, it *did* surprise me in the lengths to which the screenplay went to completely dissipate any conflict and give prizes to everybody.* We expect Samantha to get her prince and the prince to get his Samantha, but then it is as if Oprah comes out of the wings and says that "EVERYBODY gets a prince!* You get a prince! You get a princess!" It is the kind of movie where if there are two people and one cookie, it will turn out that one of the people doesn't like cookies, and also the cookie is happy to be eaten by the other one.
The cast are better than the screenplay - they would just about have to be :-)
That's really about all there is to say.
*except the Black Roommate -
crispthebiscuitgoddess27 November 2023This was the worst movie I've ever had to watch. The acting was so horrible that Liam's ex girlfriend was better at acting. This made me want to st*b the person next to me, also Liam. That one guy blocked some of my view, thank you 🙏 but from what I could see, 🤢🤢🤢🤢 It made me feel sad as someone in the movie business. Bee tee dubs, go check out The Heroic Heroes of Grundyville by MBCU Productions. Excellent director in that, unlike this movie.
I had to write a paper about this movie, where I said all of this but in around two pages. I cannot express enough of my dislike for this film. Womp Womp indeed. -
bacardistuff25 December 2023The prince has no 'security detail' in New York. However, his bodyguard flew in to a small town in Wisconsin and then, I assume, flew back home. This prince is not recognized in New York despite the what was it? Crown Watchers of America website? It has the typical Christmas fare, i.e., wreaths, lights, egg nog (I love egg nog). Oh wait, somebody mentioned his security detail but whoops! They showed up for the chick who flew in from the home country! The prince drives himself and makes no comment about NY traffic vs. Wisconsin traffic. They kiss in public; wear matching PJs on Christmas morning. I love Prince movies but this is the worst. I'll watch until the end in case I might change my mind but things are looking bad, kids.