There has never been any bias for or against Hallmark Christmas films. Actually think there are a mix of good, bad (and worse in some cases) and somewhere between mediocre and decent, so it's a variable output really. One just needs to know what to expect and not to expect too much. Have always appreciated romantic dramas with touches of comedy, so yeah 'One Royal Holiday' was hardly one of those doomed from the start sort of films.
Was fairly mixed on Hallmark's 2020 Christmas films, though it was nowhere near as wildly inconsistent as some of the previous years for Hallmark. None were terrible and most ranged between average and pretty good, with a few even being quite impressive all things considered. Despite having one of the oldest premises when it comes to Hallmark, Christmas mixed with royalty has been oft-revisited territory for it for ages, 'One Royal Holiday' is one of the better 2020 Hallmark Christmas films if not being great. It doesn't get off to a good start but does get better if given a chance.
'One Royal Holiday' is not perfect. Some of the dialogue is very awkward and cheesy, especially early on and with Aaron Tveit's character in the early stages of the film. Tveit is a great performer and has been great in other things, but doesn't get off to a particularly promising start. Didn't like his character to begin with, too arrogant and aloof, and Tveit looks uncharacteristically uncomfortable early on.
Like with most Hallmark films, the story is pretty thin and has nothing special or new, the little conflict there is and the final quarter are especially predictable due to following the royalty and Christmas mix formula to the letter. The ending is pure cheese and too easy. Krystal Joy Brown tries a little too hard and could have toned down more.
However, Laura Osnes sparkles in the lead role in a performance full of charm and charisma. Plus that voice. Once his character became easier to warm to, Tveit became more relaxed and more amiable. His chemistry with Osnes is natural and always rings true, particularly when the film gets better. Best of all is Victoria Clark, stealing her screen time with hilarious comic timing and dignity. The chemistry between all the actors always rings true. Most of the characters, apart from Tveit's early on, are interesting and easy to like.
Production values are very pleasing, personally liked the scenery and it's very nicely filmed. The soundtrack is nostalgically festive and the direction shows confidence. The script is not good to begin with, but gets more natural and the banter has some nice wit. Enough of the story is light hearted and charming.
Not bad at all overall and quite enjoyable, just not much to be wowed by. 6/10.
Was fairly mixed on Hallmark's 2020 Christmas films, though it was nowhere near as wildly inconsistent as some of the previous years for Hallmark. None were terrible and most ranged between average and pretty good, with a few even being quite impressive all things considered. Despite having one of the oldest premises when it comes to Hallmark, Christmas mixed with royalty has been oft-revisited territory for it for ages, 'One Royal Holiday' is one of the better 2020 Hallmark Christmas films if not being great. It doesn't get off to a good start but does get better if given a chance.
'One Royal Holiday' is not perfect. Some of the dialogue is very awkward and cheesy, especially early on and with Aaron Tveit's character in the early stages of the film. Tveit is a great performer and has been great in other things, but doesn't get off to a particularly promising start. Didn't like his character to begin with, too arrogant and aloof, and Tveit looks uncharacteristically uncomfortable early on.
Like with most Hallmark films, the story is pretty thin and has nothing special or new, the little conflict there is and the final quarter are especially predictable due to following the royalty and Christmas mix formula to the letter. The ending is pure cheese and too easy. Krystal Joy Brown tries a little too hard and could have toned down more.
However, Laura Osnes sparkles in the lead role in a performance full of charm and charisma. Plus that voice. Once his character became easier to warm to, Tveit became more relaxed and more amiable. His chemistry with Osnes is natural and always rings true, particularly when the film gets better. Best of all is Victoria Clark, stealing her screen time with hilarious comic timing and dignity. The chemistry between all the actors always rings true. Most of the characters, apart from Tveit's early on, are interesting and easy to like.
Production values are very pleasing, personally liked the scenery and it's very nicely filmed. The soundtrack is nostalgically festive and the direction shows confidence. The script is not good to begin with, but gets more natural and the banter has some nice wit. Enough of the story is light hearted and charming.
Not bad at all overall and quite enjoyable, just not much to be wowed by. 6/10.