La mia favola di Natale

I admit at the outset that I watched about 1/3 of this and skipped through to the end. If something happened to rescue this tedious lazy effort that I didn't catch, I apologize in advance. Of course, the plot was utterly predictable, an almost carbon copy of every other Royal/Commoner template, with none of the fish out of water humor or any charm or good acting, or chemistry on the part of the principals to lift it into even 5 star+ territory. The young lady was pretty, but did nothing to draw the audience in or earn some investment in her. The script called for her to be a beloved part of her small town, but why? Her father said she never wanted anything but to make the world a better place, but we see no evidence of it. She was offered a 3 year job to plan and execute some kind of project that would benefit disadvantaged youth in New York, but seemingly is going forego that to get married to her prince-ling. If I missed something there, I'm sorry. But even so, it would be impossible that she could stay in New York 3 years and do her job effectively while engaged to a European royal who has his duties to his country. Callum Alexander I am willing to give another chance to as this is literally his first acting credit. But in this one, his accent was so posh, it puts the Windsors to shame and was very distracting. The only bright spot was seeing Frank Hardy and Nancy Drew married, and the always reliable Charles Shaughnessy and Marina Sirkis.

The absurdity of the premise that a royal would go under the radar in NYC for a year and then be spotted in a small town by a royal watcher is mentioned in the movie so just accept it. After that well it's just a typical girl meets prince romance and there have been quite a few. The lead actors look quite good in their parts. Callum Alexander isn't too polished an actor a bit amateurish- he delivers all his lines very similarly. But somehow this recalls the way WIlls & Harry speak in interviews. Alexis Knapp of Pitch Perfect looks quite classy and sweet here. Charles Shaughnessy of the Nanny is good as the King but the actress who plays his wife isn't very regal - more like a lady in waiting to the queen.

Despite the faults it's an okay watch after all the competition in the Hallmark/Lifetime selection aren't exactly Emmy calibre anyway.

I have to say, I disagree with the poor review given by others... Is this the absolute best Holiday or Royal Christmas movie out there? NO, it is not, but to say that there is no chemistry and the acting is bad, well, I would have to say I have seen far worse. The movie does not have a huge number of known actors, or Hallmark regulars in it. That being said it is not horrible. The theme is predictable, but they all are. Let's be honest, there is never too much if a twist in these movies is there? Consequently, there isn't much of a surprise as to the plot. Holiday movies begin each year in October so it is always likely that we are going to come across a few that are not rated highly, but as a fill in for something of a Christmas theme it is a good family watch. Give it a try, it really is not bad and there is as always a nice message and really, isn't that why those of us who watch these types of movies do so. So, my recommendation, grab your cuddle blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies, sit back and just enjoy!

I love Hallmark movies, yes they are very predictable but in a world of gloom and doom all around I like happy endings. This movie though was a waste of my time. The 2 main characters had NO connection in fact it was kind of annoying to watch them. I give this movie a - score . Also Alexander parents were a horrible pairing, his mother looked more like his fathers mother. Whom ever did the casting for this show must have been asleep.

I liked the story line but the acting my Alexis Knapp was horrible.