Maybe it's just because I'm a fan of Rose McIver, but I legitimately enjoyed A Christmas Prince. Despite all of its cliched moments and completely predictable storyline, I found myself engaged in the story. In fact, even though I fell asleep while watching it, I finished it the next morning because I wanted to. What is happening to me? Do I like Hallmark-esque holiday movies now?
130 Reviews
On the fence
TheLittleSongbird30 November 2017
Saw 'A Christmas Prince' with my flatmate on Netflix already in the Christmas spirit. After watching, my overall thoughts were that while 'A Christmas Prince' was watchable it left me torn as to what to make of it.
On one view we have a few performances that make the grade. The best performance as the most well-rounded character by far (the only one to get development beyond cliché) comes from Honor Kneafsey, Emily starts off as a brat initially but grows as the character that one roots for the most. Rose McIver and Ben Lamb also give charming performances and have an easy going romantic chemistry. Alice Krige brings understated dignity to the queen.
'A Christmas Prince' looks pretty good. The scenery is beautifully picturesque and has a really festive feel and the castle interiors and exteriors are enough to make one want to stay there. The photography is suitably slick. The music puts one into the festive mood and gives off a cosy nostalgia. Spotting the famous Christmas songs and carols is a delight and there is the serious temptation to sing along.
There is some charm and genuine sweetness here while Amber and Emily's chemistry is very heartfelt. Didn't find myself bored either.
However, the rest of the cast don't make much of an impression, most are bland. Then there is Theo Devaney and Emma Louise Saunders who play their stock villain characters with such broad hamminess that they make over-the-top villain characters in Christmas pantomimes more subtle in comparison.
It is hard to deny too that 'A Christmas Prince', even for trying to take it for what it is, is riddled with clichés, non-stop predictability and contrivance. One has to suspend disbelief at how long it takes for the lie to be exposed, Amber constantly narrowly escaping being caught and how things are resolved far too quickly and easily.
The script throughout is peppered with cheese (especially Simon and Sophia) and mawkish schmaltz, and of the characters although the leads are reasonably likable the only one to have any development is Emily. Simon and Sophia are plot-device material there for the sake of it and the way they're written and their antics jar tonally.
Concluding, very torn on what to think. Part of me can't be too hard on it, but the faults are pretty glaring also. 5/10 Bethany Cox
On one view we have a few performances that make the grade. The best performance as the most well-rounded character by far (the only one to get development beyond cliché) comes from Honor Kneafsey, Emily starts off as a brat initially but grows as the character that one roots for the most. Rose McIver and Ben Lamb also give charming performances and have an easy going romantic chemistry. Alice Krige brings understated dignity to the queen.
'A Christmas Prince' looks pretty good. The scenery is beautifully picturesque and has a really festive feel and the castle interiors and exteriors are enough to make one want to stay there. The photography is suitably slick. The music puts one into the festive mood and gives off a cosy nostalgia. Spotting the famous Christmas songs and carols is a delight and there is the serious temptation to sing along.
There is some charm and genuine sweetness here while Amber and Emily's chemistry is very heartfelt. Didn't find myself bored either.
However, the rest of the cast don't make much of an impression, most are bland. Then there is Theo Devaney and Emma Louise Saunders who play their stock villain characters with such broad hamminess that they make over-the-top villain characters in Christmas pantomimes more subtle in comparison.
It is hard to deny too that 'A Christmas Prince', even for trying to take it for what it is, is riddled with clichés, non-stop predictability and contrivance. One has to suspend disbelief at how long it takes for the lie to be exposed, Amber constantly narrowly escaping being caught and how things are resolved far too quickly and easily.
The script throughout is peppered with cheese (especially Simon and Sophia) and mawkish schmaltz, and of the characters although the leads are reasonably likable the only one to have any development is Emily. Simon and Sophia are plot-device material there for the sake of it and the way they're written and their antics jar tonally.
Concluding, very torn on what to think. Part of me can't be too hard on it, but the faults are pretty glaring also. 5/10 Bethany Cox
Schmalzy but nice
bertvleeuwen-646-65083218 November 2017
A very 'schmalzy' story, at the level of the Princess' diaries, but nicely done. Rose McIver is just enough 'innocent looking' to make this work. Nicest performance by Honor Kneafsey as the handicapped princess, gaining confidence from her non-teacher. Of course the bad guy and girl are caricatures. Ben Lamb is a prince as the story demands; Alice Krige appears the run-of-the-mill conservative, old queen, but with a few devious traits she saves the role. In short, sentimental, but just right for Christmas.
Take it in good spirits
alexandreajcook18 November 2017
This is cheesy and a straight-shooting plot line. It's an easy watch, enjoyable movie, but don't expect much substance. The acting and script are a little cringy, but it fits the tone of the movie to a tee. You won't remember it, and you won't recommend it but if you enjoy films like the princess diaries or Hallmark movies then this one's for you.
A predictable movie that is still perfect for Christmas
ComedyFan201027 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The movie is extremely predictable. You just watch first 5 minutes and then you can tell what happens in the rest of the movie with 95% accuracy. The only thing you may miss out on is the royal sister with the disability. Everything else is written by a formula.
That said the movie was still enjoyable. It is right for this time of the year. Simple, naive goodness, magical outcomes. This is what many of us like to watch for Christmas.
It is hard to comment on acting because the actors are playing caricatures and unrealistic events. The only one worth mentioning in this case is Honor Kneafsey who is playing Princess Emily. She shows the real struggle of a little girl being upset by her disability and learning to deal with it by her nice fake tutor. This was very well done.
Another big bonus is the beautiful magical Christmas scenery. The kind of movie you want to watch on a December night under a warm blanket with some Holiday treats. I would have rated it lower if it wasn't a Christmas movie. Otherwise it does it's job.
That said the movie was still enjoyable. It is right for this time of the year. Simple, naive goodness, magical outcomes. This is what many of us like to watch for Christmas.
It is hard to comment on acting because the actors are playing caricatures and unrealistic events. The only one worth mentioning in this case is Honor Kneafsey who is playing Princess Emily. She shows the real struggle of a little girl being upset by her disability and learning to deal with it by her nice fake tutor. This was very well done.
Another big bonus is the beautiful magical Christmas scenery. The kind of movie you want to watch on a December night under a warm blanket with some Holiday treats. I would have rated it lower if it wasn't a Christmas movie. Otherwise it does it's job.
This movie is exactly what you think it is
otokogoroshi-435-79815110 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
If you want a movie with no surprises, twists, unique plots, characters or any kind of deviation from a very strict formula... then you'll probably like this movie. I don't mean that in an insulting fashion. This movie is the food equivalent of cotton candy. Sweet but without any substance.
It's a standard boy meets girl but girl is hiding something plot (Never Been Kissed, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days), with the the male love interest being a Prince.
Before going in I could have written all the plot beats on a paper and gotten them largely on the nose. The difference is she isn't just keeping a secret from him she's stalking him. She's a reporter trying to get a scoop on the Prince who has an unearned 'Playboy' title (with no real reason given).
The reporter goes undercover as the tutor for the Prince's younger sister and within minutes of her arrival and introduction she's destroyed a million dollar Ming vase. For reasons I can't fathom she's allowed to stay around (days later she ruins a painting that looks to be several hundred years old).
As the movie progresses, with time being difficult to track, the Prince is shown to be Absolutely Perfect. The lead actress is proven to be an unethical piece of trash but played by a very charming actress! She ends up coming across documents that prove the Prince is adopted, and thus not eligible for the crown. She agonizes over reporting this and actually does tell 2 friends back at her magazine. I'm sorry but she's lost all moral ground at this point and is now A Bad Person. Spying on and stalking the Prince are already Bad Things, but to steal documents that she found by chance and then even for a second considering releasing them?
Honestly when everything played out (the reveal, the evil cousin because there is always one of those, trying to take the crown) and she saves the day because for some reason the previous king can make up new laws without anyone ever finding out about them. She goes home all sad like.
Then of course the 100% expected thing happens. The Prince, now King, shows up in New York and proposes to her. Because of course he does.
The movie genuinely feels as if minimal effort went into making it. It was very paint by numbers. Nothing unique or interesting happens that deviates from what one would expect.
So if you're looking for some Christmas movie pap, go see it!
Amber should have been thrown in jail though.
It's a standard boy meets girl but girl is hiding something plot (Never Been Kissed, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days), with the the male love interest being a Prince.
Before going in I could have written all the plot beats on a paper and gotten them largely on the nose. The difference is she isn't just keeping a secret from him she's stalking him. She's a reporter trying to get a scoop on the Prince who has an unearned 'Playboy' title (with no real reason given).
The reporter goes undercover as the tutor for the Prince's younger sister and within minutes of her arrival and introduction she's destroyed a million dollar Ming vase. For reasons I can't fathom she's allowed to stay around (days later she ruins a painting that looks to be several hundred years old).
As the movie progresses, with time being difficult to track, the Prince is shown to be Absolutely Perfect. The lead actress is proven to be an unethical piece of trash but played by a very charming actress! She ends up coming across documents that prove the Prince is adopted, and thus not eligible for the crown. She agonizes over reporting this and actually does tell 2 friends back at her magazine. I'm sorry but she's lost all moral ground at this point and is now A Bad Person. Spying on and stalking the Prince are already Bad Things, but to steal documents that she found by chance and then even for a second considering releasing them?
Honestly when everything played out (the reveal, the evil cousin because there is always one of those, trying to take the crown) and she saves the day because for some reason the previous king can make up new laws without anyone ever finding out about them. She goes home all sad like.
Then of course the 100% expected thing happens. The Prince, now King, shows up in New York and proposes to her. Because of course he does.
The movie genuinely feels as if minimal effort went into making it. It was very paint by numbers. Nothing unique or interesting happens that deviates from what one would expect.
So if you're looking for some Christmas movie pap, go see it!
Amber should have been thrown in jail though.
Perfect for people who like RomComs
Benslie17 December 2018
First of all, the acting in this film isn't that bad. You can easily tell that everybody is trying their hardest to portray these characters. Some of them came across as real-life people while others just felt like charctercharacterss in a movie. This could mainly be pointed to the writing in this film. Some of the lines in this film were just hilariously bad and cringy and I would give examples but I already forgot them. But I do have to say the scenery was stunning and the production on this was well done. Each set and costume looked perfect for each scene. The costumes fit each character and showed a bit more into their personality. For example, Richard's outifts made him look like royalty but at the same time, a normal guy because that's what he wants to be. This film had lots of pacing issues. From beginning to end it didn't feel like that was the speed it should be going at. The beginning felt slow while the ending felt to fast. The creators of the film might have thought they had a longer film and then realized they only had a one hour and thirty-two-minute film so they had to quickly resolve the film. The last thing I want to talk about is the relationship in this film. It's not believable or relatable. I know it shouldn't be relatable seeing how it is about a journalist falling in love with a prince but the writers still should make it so some people can relate to at least one of them. And it isn't believable because it seems too rushed. Throughout the entire film, they are hardly around each other and then all of a sudden he just loves her. There is no explanation why just little subtle hints. In the end, A Christmas Prince is perfect for people who like RomComs but for others not so much.
Cheesy
jooori-sakurai13 March 2018
This movie is incredibly cheesy that it actually hurts to watch.
They didn't even bother to add anything to make it even slightly more interesting.
The acting is just terrible along with a horrific script.
I will only recommend this if you want a cring, other than that avoid at all costs.
2\10 only for the beautiful landscape.
"Another Royal Romance"
Kamurai2510 December 2020
Decent watch, probably won't watch again, but can recommend.
While it isn't anything truly special, it's a decent version of a "journalist in disguise falls in love" trope. Though the object of affection being a prince allows for resources that almost anyone wouldn't turn down.
There certainly is a lot of production put into the movie to maintain the grand perception of royals, but the best part of the movie is the heart felt Christmas vibe of it.
Unfortunately, this is mostly achieved through the secondary characters and them influencing the royal family.
While it isn't anything truly special, it's a decent version of a "journalist in disguise falls in love" trope. Though the object of affection being a prince allows for resources that almost anyone wouldn't turn down.
There certainly is a lot of production put into the movie to maintain the grand perception of royals, but the best part of the movie is the heart felt Christmas vibe of it.
Unfortunately, this is mostly achieved through the secondary characters and them influencing the royal family.
Jeez...
trueillusion-166-10855619 December 2017
Schmaltzy but good!
ivorygirl4ever8 October 2018
Of COURSE it's schmaltzy! But it's what we want in a Christmas feel-good romantic movie! Makes you smile, makes you laugh, gives you hope that there are happy endings! Will watch again next year...which is the true sign of a good Christmas movie!
Is this satire? If yes, this is genius!
pamela-1791118 November 2017
This has to be satire! It has to be. I can't be convinced otherwise! And in that case, it's amazing! Lol Just every hallmark cliché you could possibly think of making fun of those movies by being every single one of those movies, hahaha. But kind of done perfectly! Like, better than the hallmark movies whilst also making fun of them, haha. I was delighted But if this theory is wrong, alas! That would have made a way better movie...
Not good. Not unless you are a moron
andrea_b_f5 December 2017
The two stars represent the fact that this film makes for a fantastic drinking game this festive season.
Take a drink every time:
I guarantee you will be off your trolley in the first half-hour.
Also, don't be fooled by these reviews. The volume of people giving it 10 stars seemed mighty suspicious. And indeed, the vast majority of them come from people who joined this month, specifically to review this one film...
Take a drink every time:
- You see something incredibly clichéd
- You can see plot points and "twists" coming from 10,000 miles away
- You find yourself wondering, "if this is meant to be in mainland Europe, why do they speak like British aristocracy?"
- The horrible dialogue makes you cringe and die a little inside
I guarantee you will be off your trolley in the first half-hour.
Also, don't be fooled by these reviews. The volume of people giving it 10 stars seemed mighty suspicious. And indeed, the vast majority of them come from people who joined this month, specifically to review this one film...
Good movie for people of all ages
srikant25 November 2017
Interesting story in a picturesque and modern setting. Rose McIver and Ben Lamb were very good and all the others did their roles very well too. Photography was excellent and added to the beauty of the scenes. Light-hearted film, overall, but it did have it's serious moments too. A very good option indeed for family viewing.
Schmaltz!
verbify6 December 2017
This movie is like a pretty Christmas package that you unwrap only to find another layer of packaging and so forth to the center with no actual present ever, but in a good way, because if you actually get to the content of a Christmas present you would find out if anybody actually knows and cares enough to give you a meaningful gift and you never wanted that, you just wanted the cozy feeling of seeing a tree with gifts under it and then the lovely idea that we're all about to be nice to each other for once. This movie is that feeling. You should watch it. I did.
Yuck
mistoppi1 December 2017
I hate these kind of movies. The structure of the story is always similar, and you can see how the story is going to go from a mile away. It's an easy movie to watch, I guess there's nothing more to it. And yes, I admit, at one point I was almost excited to see how this was going to go, but that feeling lasted for two minutes, and that was that.
The only thing I liked in this movie is the actress Rose McIver, yet her performance wasn't as great as I had hoped. The only one giving this movie a little charm was Honor Kneafsey as princess Emily. Everyone else was just plain bland and awful.
So yeah, if you want an easy movie to watch over the holidays, this is perfect for that, but honestly... Nothing special about this movie. absolutely nothing. It's boring, bland, and I feel like I've seen it million times before. And I have no idea why Christmas even is a theme here, it could've been done without that.
The only thing I liked in this movie is the actress Rose McIver, yet her performance wasn't as great as I had hoped. The only one giving this movie a little charm was Honor Kneafsey as princess Emily. Everyone else was just plain bland and awful.
So yeah, if you want an easy movie to watch over the holidays, this is perfect for that, but honestly... Nothing special about this movie. absolutely nothing. It's boring, bland, and I feel like I've seen it million times before. And I have no idea why Christmas even is a theme here, it could've been done without that.
A Christmas goody!
tocanepauli11 November 2019
Why so many cheesy films?
caracrissy5 January 2019
Ok, so I've seen enough cheesy movies in my life. I am sick of them. They have no real chemistry, they are not funny and previzible, and this is the best example. Finally, I decided to give it a 5/10 because it was cute and for the amazing landscapes.
Do you want a prince for christmas?
chapttr30 March 2020
Charming but forgettable
wonnderlannd26 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A Christmas Prince, Netflix's latest original movie, is perfect to pass the time and engage in the holiday spirit but offers not much else, making it a forgettable hour and a half.
The plot lines are typical and very Pride and Prejudice-esque: a career- minded woman jumps on the opportunity to cover a buzzworthy story on the prince of Aldovia whose playboy reputation clashes with the expectations of a king, especially as he is projected to take the throne before the new year. Of course, the prince's reputation is revealed to be a misunderstanding. After some plot progressions, twists, and opposing political forces, the two ultimately find a way to be together.
The main character's rival for the prince's affections, a more affluent and "better-suited" candidate for the prince, makes hard remarks about her social standing. The prince's cousin and opponent for the throne goes as far as to refer to her as a peasant. Of course, the prince is able to see past this and love her for herself, regardless of class difference. Though the movie's main takeaway stresses that it is love above all that transcends class boundaries, its clear that it feeds into the fantasy or ideology of class mobilization for the middle class through romantic love.
The movie is cute and heartwarming at times, but its predictable plot makes it a snooze. It's a charming and typical Hallmark movie for the holidays.
The plot lines are typical and very Pride and Prejudice-esque: a career- minded woman jumps on the opportunity to cover a buzzworthy story on the prince of Aldovia whose playboy reputation clashes with the expectations of a king, especially as he is projected to take the throne before the new year. Of course, the prince's reputation is revealed to be a misunderstanding. After some plot progressions, twists, and opposing political forces, the two ultimately find a way to be together.
The main character's rival for the prince's affections, a more affluent and "better-suited" candidate for the prince, makes hard remarks about her social standing. The prince's cousin and opponent for the throne goes as far as to refer to her as a peasant. Of course, the prince is able to see past this and love her for herself, regardless of class difference. Though the movie's main takeaway stresses that it is love above all that transcends class boundaries, its clear that it feeds into the fantasy or ideology of class mobilization for the middle class through romantic love.
The movie is cute and heartwarming at times, but its predictable plot makes it a snooze. It's a charming and typical Hallmark movie for the holidays.
Charming film for the holidays
DarkVulcan294 December 2017
Amber(Rose Mclver, iZombie) eagerly wants to be big time reporter, finally gets her chance when asked to go to a press conference Aldovia in hopes to interview Prince Richard(Ben lamb) after that does not go to well, she sneaks in the palace, in hopes to come back with something, but soon is caught and gets mistaken for a tutor for Prince Richards younger sister named Emily. How will this all play out.
Rose McIver gives a charmingly likable performance, not over the top funny. Ben Lamb is also great has King Richard, playing has someone who is very conflicted. The beautiful scenery becomes a character of it's own. And all the supporting cast do well also. The film is not a total comedy, and I also like the way the two main leads are not played annoyingly one noted. If you want a new fun holiday film, well give A Christmas Prince a look.
Rose McIver gives a charmingly likable performance, not over the top funny. Ben Lamb is also great has King Richard, playing has someone who is very conflicted. The beautiful scenery becomes a character of it's own. And all the supporting cast do well also. The film is not a total comedy, and I also like the way the two main leads are not played annoyingly one noted. If you want a new fun holiday film, well give A Christmas Prince a look.
I am a sucker for romance this film fits the bill !!
robfollower24 December 2018
In this delightful holiday romance, a New York journalist heads to Eastern Europe for Christmas to report on a prince who's about to be crowned king of his country. Campy but charming and thanks to Rose McIver the film is worth watching .
Prince Uncharming
Multipleh27 December 2017
Let's forget about the corny plot. Of course, a movie titled "A Christmas Prince" can't be that intriguing as in terms of the storyline. Therefore, one could conclude that the charm of the leads could help propel the film or at least make it consumable to the Netflix audience-of course it's not the case here! The main problem seems to be the prince. Ben Lamb has absolutely no charm on screen. Makes you wonder how he got this lofty role as the prince and Rose McIver is no Reese Witherspoon. The pairing of McIver and Lamb had no chemistry. The prince is too much of a wimp and the journalist is rather dull. Overall, a very disappointing movie.
Surprisingly enjoyable
lisafordeay27 November 2018
A Christmas Prince came out last year on Netflix and tells the story of a young woman named Amber Moore who is a journalist in New York City. She has to write an article and get dirt on a royal prince named Richard who is known to be a playboy. But when she arrives in the UK she gets mistaken for the prince's sister's tutor and plays along with it. But how long will she keep it up without falling in love with the prince?
Overall I really liked this movie The premise is very predictable as I knew from the get go what was going to happen and I notice recently that the TV romance films are like Harry and Meghan Markle's life with the whole English prince falling for an American etc.
If you love The Prince and Me then you will love this film.
The sequel is coming out this week so I will definitely check it out.
Overall I really liked this movie The premise is very predictable as I knew from the get go what was going to happen and I notice recently that the TV romance films are like Harry and Meghan Markle's life with the whole English prince falling for an American etc.
If you love The Prince and Me then you will love this film.
The sequel is coming out this week so I will definitely check it out.
A fun netflix film but with major flaws
kathryn-371412 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Knowing what I was getting into watching a netflix original called 'A Christmas Prince', I enjoyed the film. I could not, however, get over the fact that the main character is a horrible person! She lied to get her way into the castle (also the Aldovian Royals have poor security checks!), she spied on the family, snuck around and photographed and filmed people without concent (with intent to publish). Worse than paparazzi and defiantly deserves to be sued!
The film was still enjoyable for what it was, but with strange morals...
The film was still enjoyable for what it was, but with strange morals...
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