La légende du prince de Noël

Honestly one of the best original Christmas movies I have seen in years, it will definitely go down a Hallmark Classic. I've watched hundreds of Hallmark movies over the years and this one is at the top -it checked all the right boxes, it was authentic and genuine, a real feel-good movie, enchanting with a great story line, main characters were very engaging, tears of joy and happiness..... the movie was fantastic. I've already watched several times this season , it has quickly become one of my favorites. As this movie presents an element of innocence by showcasing the imagination of a child, I found myself drawn to the plight of a single parent motivated by her love and the strong bond she shares with her child and as a parent willing to indulge in the creation of the magic.

'Inventing the Christmas Prince' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken from late 2019 and still ongoing, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all.

The previous 2022 Hallmark Christmas films were pretty patchy. There were some good ones, 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' in fact was great. There were some bad ones too, such as 'Christmas Bedtime Stories' and 'A Maple Valley Christmas'. 'Inventing the Christmas Prince' is among the best ones, having a lot of charm but also an equal amount of emotion and heart. It is always nice when a Hallmark film has actors in the lead roles different to the popular ones, and there have been some good performances from non-regular Hallmark actors. Including here.

Bad things: It is not flawless, though there is little wrong with it. For my tastes, it could have been longer by about 10-15 minutes in order to flesh out some of the supporting characters more.

Maybe it starts on the slow side and Ronnie Rowe's character came over as overly cold and selfish at the start

Good things: However, there are so many great things. It is extremely well acted, with great performances from Rowe and Tamera Mowra-Housley, the former managing to make his character complex and sympathetic and the latter being zesty and warm. Isabel Birch is charming and cute as a button, without going too far on the latter. The chemistry is natural and genuine with a lot of heart. Even if the supporting characters lack depth, the development of the three lead characters is very realistic and nuanced. Absolutely bought the progression of Rowe's character, which wasn't rushed or too tidy, going from being Scrooge-like to being more relaxed and sympathetic.

Furthermore, 'Inventing the Christmas Prince' is very sincere emotionally and true to life. It never feels melodramatic or over serious, a very easy trap in this type of film and fallen into a lot, or overly sappy. The ending did make me cry. The story didn't come over as predictable, too simple or forced and is heart warming and charming. The script flows well and is well meaning and honest with little fluff, filler or mawkishness. It is beautifully filmed, with lovely scenery, and appropriately scored.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very well done.

8/10.

This movie had it all. The main three characters were excellently scripted, and played by Tamera Mowry-Howsley, Ronnie Rowe and the precious Ms. Birch. The plot was believable, with real life situations of single motherhood and the challenges and sacrifices of a professional life. The sets were impressive and as usual, the gorgeous Christmas decor by Balsam Hill did not disappoint! This was an inspiring story about being courageous enough to find love when it's been lost or never realized. I would recommend this movie to anyone. It was sweet, wholesome, without being corny or sappy. Don't stop beliving!

The best thing about this movie was the acting. Tamera Mowry-Housley plays a widowed mother of an adorable little girl. She is a rocket scientist and the team's supervisor. The manager of the company is Evan, played by Ronnie Rowe, Jr. Now Evan is a very interesting character. To say he is not a people person is putting it mildly. He is brilliant but cold and uncaring of his employees. He cannot seem to understand or have empathy towards others. He almost behaves as if he is "on the spectrum." 3 valuable employees have resigned, siting his management as the cause and because of that he is in trouble with the board of directors. They tell him not to be such a demanding task master and get a life, essentially. If one more employee quits, he will be fired. Yet right after that, due a deadline, he informs his employees that they will have to work Christmas Eve *and* possibly Christmas. He is just clueless and disconnected. It is too much for Tamera, and she tells him off and quits on the spot. But that day, she had to bring her daughter Grace to work for a few hours, and the little girl, nicely played by Isabel Birch, takes one look at her mother's hateful boss, and believes he is the "Christmas Prince" from a story passed down through her family. She believe this fantasy figure, who picks out one little girl or boy every Christmas to grant 12 wishes to, is real. Tamera knows what's up with her boss's bosses and tells him she will return to work if he poses as the Prince through Christmas. If she doesn't he will lose his job. And he is horrified and even a little frightened. Yes, she probably should have told her daughter the truth and not blackmailed her boss, but then we wouldn't have a movie, would we?

As Evan spends more time with Tamera and her little girl, he starts to open up and warm up. His communication skills improve as well. During their first dinner, for example, his conversation is like, "I see you eat carrots. Do you eat carrots often?" Scintillating! But soon they are opening up to each other, confiding, and empathizing. He learns she is a widow. Three years ago, when her husband died, he approved her bereavement leave but didn't even care enough to ask who died! When she reminds him of this, he is shocked. It causes him to see himself clearly and make an effort to change his ways. Besides his personal relationship developing with Tamera and Grace, By the end of the movie he becomes a great boss, and even gets promoted, instead of fired!

That Ronnie Rowe Jr. Makes his character sympathetic is little short of a miracle. His transformation is slow and subtly done, even changing his body language and way he stands. Fantastic Job. Mowry-Housley was so funny, warm and charming in this. The secondary characters are entertaining as well. She has a support group she started to help her cope with her husband's death. It includes Caitlin Stryker, a Hallmark veteran who is always good. I've never seen Nathanael Vass who plays Lorenzo, her "work husband" but he was a treat as well. I hope I see him again. The actual plot was cheesy as heck, but the writing was bright and amusing, and considerably elevated by the actors' talents.

This was not your typical Hallmark Christmas movie and that is precisely one of the reasons why I loved it! The diversity was refreshing. The acting was believable. And, the story line was relatable. Tamera Mowry Housley, bravo!!! She did an amazing job! Navigating grief looks different for everyone and her emotions were palpable ... believable. Having a story of hope and promise (the Christmas prince) to share with her daughter was, in my opinion, beautiful. Bonus that he actually turned out to be a 'Prince' for both of them. I loved that she was casted as a brilliant, beautiful and confident woman. We need more of that!!! Isabel (who played Shelby's daughter) is a shining star. Amazing job and I'm looking forward to seeing her more. Great job by everyone. I've already watched the movie twice and saw things I missed the first time. If you're looking for a feel good Christmas film with a 'not your typical Hallmark storyline', this movie is definitely for you!