Christmas at the Palace

There was something so different in this Hallmark film than in any other. The acting wasn't over the top and the romance didn't appear forced or random or awkward at all. The characters were all really likeable and genuine. Even the moody royal stereotype was portrayed in a way that made you like him not think "oh here's another tv royal guy". The direction given to the characters on their behavior was just real and relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and hope Hallmark makes more with this direction.

As Romanian, I appreciate the locations from my country. But this is the only good point. Because the film is just illustration of the old Hallmark recipe about royalty Christmas - from the widower young king, father of a girl, to American she becoming the chosen. Another sin - too, too many Christmas ornaments. But , decent in large lines.

The movie overall isn't bad, I watched the whole thing which is more than I can say for some of the other movies this year. I like that it's a pair of best friends, Katie and Jessica, working and finding love together, it's like the fantasy for best friends to find mates together and a plus, royal(ish).

I actually liked the best friend, Jessica, more than the lead, she was so endearing. You wanted to smile when she did!

The setting is beautiful as usual. I defiantly what to go on a tour of Hallmarkia, I mean Romania.

Honestly, my biggest issue was that the lead, Katie, said she wanted to BOIL MILK for hot chocolate. That would make the milk curdle and chunky hot chocolate sounds gross.

Oh yeah, there's ice skating too.

First time I have seen Merritt Patterson and what a bright spot she was. She was in two movies in 2017 A ROYAL WINTER and THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE. I will watch these other movies. She could be the 3rd sister in a movie with Amber Marshall (Heartland) and Megan Parks. Andrew Cooper as the king was OK, but I think less screen time would have been better. Loved the beginning scenes where she didn't know he was the king and he didn't tell her. Loved him having the name the Grinch King. What is not to love about this movie. It falls short of excellence. Maybe more of an emotional tie between her and the princess. Maybe some more realistic figure skating. Brittany Bristow did do a pretty good spiral. Hope Merritt makes more Christmas movies.

I'm not a fan of royal stories, Christmas or otherwise. This one was middle of the road for me, but I enjoyed Merritt Patterson's energy in the beginning. The approach to the royal story was a little different. The latter half of the movie didn't live up to the beginning for me. It looked like they introduced a twist to the obvious expectation, but then switched again.