Review of A Royal Christmas (2014) by David D — 26 Dec 2018

Predictable, yes, but extremely enjoyable. The characters are portrayed spot-on and they all fit together. The humor is delightful in the best English tradition of subtle venom as well as visual gags. Jane Seymour is delightful,and how does this woman manage to look hot (and still natural) at any age for over 50 years now, incredible ! But the whole main cast deserves compliments, their performances are what makes it so enjoyable ! Loved the head butler as well, the only one who can talk back to his queen on equal terms, yet remains loyal and stand-offish in company. The only slight negative might be a little too much awkwardness of the girlfriend in the noble company - or her bonny prince should have given her a few obvious pointers... even a gal from SouthPhilly, USA is likely to know that a queen is adressed as ï¿ 1/2 1/2 1/2~your Majestyï¿ 1/2 1/2 1/2(TM), that cutlery on the table is used working from the outside to the inside and that a fingerbowl (with water and lemon juice) is used for just that, to clean the fingers. Anyway who would mistake it for a soup? Or, when in doubt, watch what the others do - I did when having a go at my first (and last ;-) whole lobster (it was still a disaster). Leaving out these little pranks or replacing them with something.

Else would do no damage to the rest of the delightful jokes and situations. Last, it is a bit awkward if not irritating that the mini- kingdom is situated in the south of France, yet all speak English, still understandable considering all are English/American actors, but then all nobility present are also introduced as English Peerage - awkward. Give them French or Austrian titles to stay a bit in the region where this supposedly plays, I would say.

Other then on these points, a delightful play with all actors perfectly in character. Who cares if the formula is predictable ? Of course it is because a dozen movies like this are made every year. It is the execution that counts and makes all the difference.