Eine Königin zu Weihnachten

Watched 'Crown for Christmas' with not the highest of expectations, fairly mixed actually. While loving Christmas for as long as can be remembered and liking particularly Rupert Penry-Jones in other things, Hallmark have been very variable (veering towards average or less more than once) when it comes to films of theirs mixing Christmas and royalty. The title sounded sweet but the concept sounded so been there, done that and flimsy.

'Crown for Christmas' turned out to be much better than expected, being well above average and even really quite good. Which is not what the plot synopsis indicated it would be if it was executed wrongly. It may not be flawless or a masterpiece, but it is for me one of the best Hallmark Christmas films out of a very mixed bunch and one of the best of theirs mixing Christmas and royalty. Actually being one of the good ones and one that rises above its concept.

Sure it is thin in story, occasionally silly and can be very predictable. A lot of situations being quite over-familiar and lacking freshness.

Did have reservations here and there with Danica McKellar. Mostly she is appealing, but she also overdoes it for my liking at times.

Again though, mostly she is very charming with a character not too hard to root for and not too stock. All the cast are good, with the remarkably nuanced performance of Penry-Jones coming out on top. 'Crown for Christmas' is one of the Hallmark Christmas films to have characters that didn't annoy me, questioned the point of or come over as lacking in personality. Theodora could have been a brat but wasn't, showing growth, and the bonding relationship between her and Allie had heart and was relatable. Often have reservations with the use of music in their films, it was used well to me and had a festive feel, not sounding overdone in placement or balance.

It looks good, especially the interiors of the royal home which are wonderfully opulent. Lovingly shot too. The script doesn't get too corny or schmaltzy, the odd cringeworthy line here and there but there is heart here and a nice amount of playfulness. The story lacks surprises, but is very charming, very sweet, entertainingly light-hearted and movingly heart-warming.

On the whole, nicely done. 7/10

After I watched the movie I discovered the actress played Winnie in the Wonder Years 1988-1993 she is now about 40. She plays a 31 year old in this film which was fine. I enjoyed it and it was fairly well done but I probably would not watch it again because it got a bit too predictable at the end.

The lead actress was great and yes there was a purposeful imitation to the Sound of Music. Her character was to be adored by all. When asked to give a toast "here's to those who have seen us at our best and at our worst but cannot tell the difference" Enjoyed seeing the King being taken with her "speaking her mind" manner. Loved the King's daughter. Much was very well done in the movie. The horse scene with the King was excellent.

This is a great Xmas TV movie- one of the best I've seen. Really enjoyable. It's a classic story but has characters you root for and have great chemistry.

Loved it. Just what you want in a Christmas romance.

SEQUEL PLEASE

Well this film is another Hallmark Movie that steel an idea from theatrical releases. This one happens to steel from "Maid in Manhattan" and "Sound of Music". In this film a young woman is a maid in hotel when she and her sister get fired from. Before you know she is "Spotted" by a Royal House Manager and she is finds herself a governess to a bratty Princess. The film is with Wonder Years Star Danica McKellar. Now I was not a fan of the "Wonder Years" but Danica McKellar is growing on me. I saw her in another Christmas Theme film last year called "Love at the Christmas Table" and that is a better film but this one is still worth watching. This is family safe. It has a Fairy Tale Vibe to it and the film makes you root for true love. On Hallmark Channel. Watch and enjoy!

Some of the other reviews are talking about how similar it is to other movies but let me tell you. I cried my eyes out, so beware! It was an amazing movie! Definitely my new favorite so to say at the least I highly recommend this movie! It is a great movie to watch with family or even just your significant other. This is the first Christmas hallmark that I've watched that I have actually fell in love with and cried so much with. I believe the creators chose the perfect people for all the roles as well. I do hope there is a second movie to this that can explore not only the main characters lives but as for the help as well. I would love to explain that, but I don't want to spoil this movie for anyone (: