This is my 6th Hallmark Christmas movie of the 2020 season. Overall, it was a pretty good movie. Laura Osnes's performance was great. Her counterpart (Aaron Tveit) was not bad; I liked his performance more and more as the movie played on. The chemistry between the two was pretty good as well. The supporting cast did a great job; I particularly like the Queen Mother (Victoria Clark's performance). The plot was very predictable as you would expect from a Hallmark film, especially Hallmark's (crowned) prince meets girl (a commoner) movies. That said, it did keep me engaged thru-out. I know the script for these types of films can be a bit 'corny' or 'sappy'. But there were a few scenes where it was maybe a bit too much, e.g., when the Queen Mother went to Anna's room to say goodbye and said '[...] you will always be part of our family'. Really? After knowing her for a few days? The ending scene too with the 'royal slippers' was a laughable. Finally, was the royal castle a children's playhouse? It looked like one on the screen. Overall, a pretty good Hallmark Christmas movie. I would recommend it, especially if you are a fan of Hallmark films.
65 Reviews
An Enjoyable Holiday Romance
atlasmb14 November 2020
If you like stories of holiday romance, you may well enjoy this one. It starts off with the winter weather conspiring against travel, forcing Anna (Laura Osnes) and James (Aaron Tveit) to spend a few days together in a beautiful, small town inn.
They have very different personalities and disparate trajectories in life. She is a Boston nurse and he is a crowned prince. The story is, of course, about the improbable stirrings of romance, which somehow blossom into deep feelings. But there are major obstacles to overcome.
I found this film improved as it progressed. Indeed, its most enjoyable portion is the final act, thanks to the wonderful acting of the two principals. Also, despite the predictability of the final outcome, the writing is fresh, with plot twists and surprises that add layers of emotional depth.
They have very different personalities and disparate trajectories in life. She is a Boston nurse and he is a crowned prince. The story is, of course, about the improbable stirrings of romance, which somehow blossom into deep feelings. But there are major obstacles to overcome.
I found this film improved as it progressed. Indeed, its most enjoyable portion is the final act, thanks to the wonderful acting of the two principals. Also, despite the predictability of the final outcome, the writing is fresh, with plot twists and surprises that add layers of emotional depth.
Finding More Than Hospitality at the Inn
lwmtem18 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Nurse Anna departs for her family home for Christmas and comes across a mother, adult son and his aide, stranded by an approaching New England winter storm. Without access to their arranged transportation, Anna offers them accommodations at her family Inn. There, she discovers that she brought a Royal Family to her home town and holiday festivities that once had all the loving touch of her late mother.
While the Queen is busy enjoying the people she meets over their time snowbound, the Crown Prince has his royal responsibilities on his mind and writing a speech that he must deliver to his Parliament on a deadline. Finding him troubled by his circumstances, Anna introduces him to different aspects of her family holiday traditions as his tensions lessen and participates in events that royal staff had done for them. Over just those few days, each finds themselves denying their attraction and comfort they find in each other's company.
When the weather breaks and the Royal Family returned home, the Prince reviews the letters the late King had written for inspiration for his speech and brings the last letter to his mother, discovering that they had been in Anna's care even before they met! What he knew in his heart at the Inn, he now knows for sure as he returned to Anna to dance with her at the Christmas Ball! Some movies deserve a 10 for the way their ending might start a new beginning!
While the Queen is busy enjoying the people she meets over their time snowbound, the Crown Prince has his royal responsibilities on his mind and writing a speech that he must deliver to his Parliament on a deadline. Finding him troubled by his circumstances, Anna introduces him to different aspects of her family holiday traditions as his tensions lessen and participates in events that royal staff had done for them. Over just those few days, each finds themselves denying their attraction and comfort they find in each other's company.
When the weather breaks and the Royal Family returned home, the Prince reviews the letters the late King had written for inspiration for his speech and brings the last letter to his mother, discovering that they had been in Anna's care even before they met! What he knew in his heart at the Inn, he now knows for sure as he returned to Anna to dance with her at the Christmas Ball! Some movies deserve a 10 for the way their ending might start a new beginning!
Do you trust me? ...Provisionally.
cgvsluis2 January 2021
Finally a prince who acts like a prince! This was a sweet coincidental love story. Thank you Hallmark!
Highlights were the Queen mother!...she was absolutely refreshing and fantastic!, the castle...I wish we got to see more but I particularly liked the moat bridge entrance and all the turrets!, and the attention drawn to the sacrificial and compassionate nature of most nurses.
Like all Hallmark Christmas movies, this was no exception, it was filled with Christmas activities, decorations, and the true spirit of Christmas...aka people helping people.
I laughed and I cried...and I would do it all over again!
Like all Hallmark Christmas movies, this was no exception, it was filled with Christmas activities, decorations, and the true spirit of Christmas...aka people helping people.
I laughed and I cried...and I would do it all over again!
Hallmark with real actors
johne-559523 November 2020
The plot is the pretty much non-existent but that is standard in Hallmark movies. Living in NE the scenery and weather scenario are much more realistic than the filmed-in NW Canada / "Castle" in Bulgaria movies. The big difference is this movie employs real actors/singers from Broadway. Kind of refreshing in a way. The King actually behaves like you would expect a King to behave.
Kudos for giving these talented folks work during the current crises!
Kudos for giving these talented folks work during the current crises!
Finally a really good one
samwise_2 November 2020
I have to admit, this has to be one of Hallmark's best productions in a long time.
Excellent cast and great chemistry between all of them.
I don't know, it felt new and I loved the improved concept of the royal element in this.
Also, the two leads were very great together, they seemed real.
Great job Hallmark, but keep this film in mind in the future.
Not bad
dianamarinelli20 November 2020
Very enjoyable Christmas movie!
jagfannn1 November 2020
The female lead is very funny in this version of this Royal meets ordinary girl story. Rather than trembling in his presence, she actually busts on him a little bit in a sweet and funny way. The male lead (The Prince) is a little too entitled, arrogant but they still manage to achieve some chemistry when it matters. So with the help of a good cast, and interesting subplots, the end result is a good holiday movie, and her singing voice WOW! I enjoyed this one
Theatre actors at work
Pieter05025 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Cast a few renowned theater and film actors in a Hallmark film and the level goes up several notches.
Of course it's still a xmas-rom-com but pleasant to watch.
It bugs me that Hallmark (or many American film makers) is unable to get the titles of royalty correctly. A reigning King or Queen is always addressed as Your Majesty. Never as Your Royal Highness as this is a lower status.
Because his father died, James is automatically King. The second his Dad died, James is King. There's no waiting period and nobody can stop or delay this. The crowning of a monarch can be much later, but they are King or Queen when their predecessor dies. But here, James is still Crown Prince -most peculiar.
Of course it's still a xmas-rom-com but pleasant to watch.
It bugs me that Hallmark (or many American film makers) is unable to get the titles of royalty correctly. A reigning King or Queen is always addressed as Your Majesty. Never as Your Royal Highness as this is a lower status.
Because his father died, James is automatically King. The second his Dad died, James is King. There's no waiting period and nobody can stop or delay this. The crowning of a monarch can be much later, but they are King or Queen when their predecessor dies. But here, James is still Crown Prince -most peculiar.
Predictable but comfortable
jaywalkeruk-120 December 2020
This film follows the standard formula but it's none the worse for that - it certainly isn't the worst out of the stable.
My main gripe is that if the King died last year, James would be King, not Crown Prince as the film makes it clear that his mother was a Commoner before her marriage therefore is not the reigning monarch. Other than that, it's a cosy inoffensive movie.
I'm not a Hallmark Christmas movie person but...
janmanuel229 November 2021
I watch a few every year. This one was very good. As another reviewer said, they have accomplished actors who are wonderful. The setting in the inn is lovely. I love that it's a gradual romance and that the prince is so work oriented. It just made me feel good which is difficult to do for me lately. The subtle humor in it is refreshing. I would say the writers are excellent. The supporting cast are all terrific experienced actors too. I don't watch the number of Hallmark movies other people do. I usually watch about 20 minutes of the ones I choose and then I'm either hooked or turn it off. I don't need a Hollywood blockbuster to give a movie a high score. Every movie can't be a Titanic, Alien or Jaws. I judge them by how I react to them. My other favorite Hallmark Christmas movie is Let It Snow with Candace Cameron Bure. I would love to be a guest at either inn/ resort. That would be my dream.
One Royal Holiday
JoBloTheMovieCritic29 November 2020
It was just OK
toncincin1 November 2020
I don't really care for Laura Osnes. So much hype about her. She is pretty, can sing great - but acting in a movie isn't her strong point. A little too sweet all the time.
That being said ...
The queen is hilarious. She made the movie. The prince was stuffy and arrogant. He's another talented guy - but not used well in the movie.
At least it wasn't the fairy tale Hallmark thinks we women want. Marry a prince ir king from some dake European country where everyone has a British accent. OH PLEASE! A little over it ... fairy tales are for children. Not grown women.
I won't watch it again ...
That being said ...
The queen is hilarious. She made the movie. The prince was stuffy and arrogant. He's another talented guy - but not used well in the movie.
At least it wasn't the fairy tale Hallmark thinks we women want. Marry a prince ir king from some dake European country where everyone has a British accent. OH PLEASE! A little over it ... fairy tales are for children. Not grown women.
I won't watch it again ...
Festive royalty
TheLittleSongbird15 February 2022
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.
An easy watch
thomasbgleeson15 November 2020
This film could have been disastrous if it wasn't for the ever charismatic Aaron Tveit. I just wish he was given better material. It's an easy watch and will get you feeling festive. Would have been better as a musical or if Aaron had a haircut.
Great movie
ISmellSnow2 November 2020
Above average Hallmark showing that royalty are people too
MickyG33326 November 2022
7.1 stars.
I agree with several reviews that this is a good movie, both lead actors are great. The Prince (Tveit) is not very likable at first, then he really grows on you. His nuanced expressions are perfectly done, as he becomes more human with every scene, but never completely like a commoner. He still remains the Prince through to the end.
The lead female (Osnes) is savvy, yet very kind and caring as a nurse. We don't quite get a nurse vibe from her, she seems more like a concierge actually, which is interesting considering her father is the owner of the Inn. She is practically helping him run the place anyway, and I think that's the idea, even if it wasn't the intent.
The Queen mother was quite poised and animated in her own royal way. The British guard detail fellow was also quite animated, and a good supporting presence, as was the female mayor of the small New England town. The lead's father, the Innkeeper, was also very adept as an actor and added a much needed element.
The singing voices were some of the best I've heard, although there is not much singing, but there's enough to give you a taste of the talent.
This movie does improve as it goes. The ending was engineered for full effect, and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend this film.
I agree with several reviews that this is a good movie, both lead actors are great. The Prince (Tveit) is not very likable at first, then he really grows on you. His nuanced expressions are perfectly done, as he becomes more human with every scene, but never completely like a commoner. He still remains the Prince through to the end.
The lead female (Osnes) is savvy, yet very kind and caring as a nurse. We don't quite get a nurse vibe from her, she seems more like a concierge actually, which is interesting considering her father is the owner of the Inn. She is practically helping him run the place anyway, and I think that's the idea, even if it wasn't the intent.
The Queen mother was quite poised and animated in her own royal way. The British guard detail fellow was also quite animated, and a good supporting presence, as was the female mayor of the small New England town. The lead's father, the Innkeeper, was also very adept as an actor and added a much needed element.
The singing voices were some of the best I've heard, although there is not much singing, but there's enough to give you a taste of the talent.
This movie does improve as it goes. The ending was engineered for full effect, and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend this film.
Great movie
pmtilton-8805118 September 2021
This is a very nice movie, will watch it again. And some nice music for a change! BTW, Winter Wonderland at the very beginning of the movie is performed by the two leads, Laura Osnes and Aaron Tveit, at least according to Shazam...
Boy, did they take a wrong turn
pwpj1123 November 2021
The actors in this movie were very charming. However, I still can't figure out how the royal family left an event in Boston and tried to get to Boston's airport, Logan, in the northern part of the city by way of a road leading to Connecticut, heading west and south. They should have been a relatively quick tunnel or bridge trip from the airport and would had to make serious wrong turn. It's typical of Hallmark's complete lack of research. Still, I enjoyed the performances.
Royal storyline a bit tired
pnelopecleary3 November 2020
Surprised this film got such high ratings on IMDb. The whole royal storyline is getting a bit tired. I thought the lead actress was charismatic. The lead actor was a jerk and unattractive, sorry. The leads had no chemistry whatsoever. The behavior of the queen was unrealistic and why was she so subservient to her son whom is a prince? It also feels like hallmark is trying too hard by creating diverse couples, very contrived.
It was worth investing your time into..
nyz_snuggle_bunny3 November 2020
This movie caught me off guard. I don't remember ever seeing any of the cast on anything else so I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it. I was pleasantly surprised because I loved it. It was so simple and predictable but it worked. It caught my attention from the moment Anna asked James if he wanted her free donut.
I think I just fell in love with Anna's bright and positive spirit, she was so caring and compassionate against James hard shell, tough by the book personality. He was just so straight and narrow. It was great to see their story play out. The timing of it and I loved the Mom because she knew what James needed before he knew. I enjoyed each and every one of the supporting cast. Even as predictable as the movie was, I was still invested into seeing how it worked out. This movie wasn't anything special but it was cute and sweet. I will be watching it again before the holiday season is over.
I think I just fell in love with Anna's bright and positive spirit, she was so caring and compassionate against James hard shell, tough by the book personality. He was just so straight and narrow. It was great to see their story play out. The timing of it and I loved the Mom because she knew what James needed before he knew. I enjoyed each and every one of the supporting cast. Even as predictable as the movie was, I was still invested into seeing how it worked out. This movie wasn't anything special but it was cute and sweet. I will be watching it again before the holiday season is over.
royal love
Kirpianuscus24 October 2021
The first question about this film is about the subject. Obvious, it is absent. Or, more precise, it is reduced at a pretext around the fascination of American public about royalty. The virtue of film , maybe the first, is represented by older actors giving lovely roles of mother/ father/ old term friend . Not doubts, a charming Christmas film in the style of Hallmark. For so many reasons, it is enough.
Royal Holiday
sini-2003 January 2024
I've been really into Hallmark Christmas romcoms lately, and "One Royal Holiday" did not disappoint. Sure it's cliche, and predictable, but also sweet to watch. It's cheesy like all the others don't get me wronf, and doesn't bring anything new to the table.
Yet the characters are funny and sweet, especially the Queen! I loved her. Aaron Tveit and Laura Osnes are great match for the couple, and cute together.
It's one of those cheesy romantic comedy movies where you know what happens, but you end up watching it anyway because it's making you smile and laugh. Sure some things don't make sense if you think about them being royals, but at the end it doesn't bother you that much.
Yet the characters are funny and sweet, especially the Queen! I loved her. Aaron Tveit and Laura Osnes are great match for the couple, and cute together.
It's one of those cheesy romantic comedy movies where you know what happens, but you end up watching it anyway because it's making you smile and laugh. Sure some things don't make sense if you think about them being royals, but at the end it doesn't bother you that much.
It's a Hallmark movie. That's all you need to know.
Polonius858 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I only watched this movie because it was filmed in my hometown. It was cool to see my old high school and various buildings and places on screen that I see everyday. The actors appear to have the talent to do well on screen, and I understand they're well regarded on Broadway. But, they didn't have much to work with, because this is a Hallmark movie.
Pretty much every plot is the same: Pull the lever on the slot machine of Hallmark movie tropes and this was the result for this go around: 1) Girl working in the big city returns home to her small town 2) Meets a prince 3) Gets him to lighten up by being warm and kind 4) They fall in love in the end. Lucky for the happy couple, they don't have to split time between his country and her small Connecticut town, because the royal castle is actually located in the northern part of her town (Seriously, Google "Chrismark Castle" which is in Woodstock, CT, where the movie was filmed).
All the usual tropes are present throughout, including the obligatory use of the line "Open up your heart!". All the townsfolk are WAY friendlier than real life New Englanders. We're not mean, but we're reserved and we keep to ourselves. We don't go randomly shaking hands with strangers in donut shops and then inviting them to stay the weekend as depicted in the movie.
If you're looking for a new Christmas classic, this isn't one. I was too busy groaning, laughing, and rolling my eyes to have my heart warmed.
Pretty much every plot is the same: Pull the lever on the slot machine of Hallmark movie tropes and this was the result for this go around: 1) Girl working in the big city returns home to her small town 2) Meets a prince 3) Gets him to lighten up by being warm and kind 4) They fall in love in the end. Lucky for the happy couple, they don't have to split time between his country and her small Connecticut town, because the royal castle is actually located in the northern part of her town (Seriously, Google "Chrismark Castle" which is in Woodstock, CT, where the movie was filmed).
All the usual tropes are present throughout, including the obligatory use of the line "Open up your heart!". All the townsfolk are WAY friendlier than real life New Englanders. We're not mean, but we're reserved and we keep to ourselves. We don't go randomly shaking hands with strangers in donut shops and then inviting them to stay the weekend as depicted in the movie.
If you're looking for a new Christmas classic, this isn't one. I was too busy groaning, laughing, and rolling my eyes to have my heart warmed.
Such an satisfying ending!
MIssM195 November 2020
Anna is going back home for the Holidays. On her way she stops to get a coffee and runs into the Queen and Prince of a nonexistent country from Northern Europe. Due to a storm coming in close, she offers them to stay at her dad's Inn in Connecticut.
We have actors from Broadyway people! Fancy! Laura and Aaron had great chemistry (I read somewhere that they've known each other for years) together, and with the rest of the cast as well. There was a particular scene with them which had me on the edge of my seat (not because I didn't what was going to happen, but because of the chemistry and angst between the characters)
I don't hate Royal Movies, but sometimes they are kind of pathetic: the security team going back home first while the two most important members of the Monarchy are still there? Please. Another unrealistic thing that I do appreciate (and it's non existent in my world) is a poc young woman as a mayor! You go girl!
Christopher and Sarah are adorable. I loved them! I also would have liked to see James soften a little more, yes I know, he has a facade to mantain, but still.
Now the ending, without spoilers: It was AMAZING. . It couldn't have been better. We have the mandatory kiss and scene with the leads, and we also have a group finale, which was so cute. There was a surprise element which I should have seen coming but didn't. I do wish we had a little more singing from our leads...
Anyways, this was amazing. It will probably be one of my favorites from this Christmas season.
We have actors from Broadyway people! Fancy! Laura and Aaron had great chemistry (I read somewhere that they've known each other for years) together, and with the rest of the cast as well. There was a particular scene with them which had me on the edge of my seat (not because I didn't what was going to happen, but because of the chemistry and angst between the characters)
I don't hate Royal Movies, but sometimes they are kind of pathetic: the security team going back home first while the two most important members of the Monarchy are still there? Please. Another unrealistic thing that I do appreciate (and it's non existent in my world) is a poc young woman as a mayor! You go girl!
Christopher and Sarah are adorable. I loved them! I also would have liked to see James soften a little more, yes I know, he has a facade to mantain, but still.
Now the ending, without spoilers: It was AMAZING. . It couldn't have been better. We have the mandatory kiss and scene with the leads, and we also have a group finale, which was so cute. There was a surprise element which I should have seen coming but didn't. I do wish we had a little more singing from our leads...
Anyways, this was amazing. It will probably be one of my favorites from this Christmas season.
See also
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