A Royal Date for Christmas (2023 TV Movie) User Reviews

Run of the mill.

[allmoviesfan · 5/10 · 30 November 2023]

I guess Danica McKellar and her new employers at GAC Family are hoping that they can replicate the magic of 2015's Crown for Christmas, which was a big hit for Hallmark and perhaps the best example of a good Royal Christmas movie.

Unfortunately for all involved, 'A Royal Christmas Romance' doesn't come close. It ticks the boxes, goes through the numbers - working class girl falls in love with a royal who has family issues or similar - and ends after a tidy ninety minutes. McKellar does what she can with what is a fairly dull script as Bella, who runs a boutique that the Duke of Tangford visits when he needs some clothes urgently. Ditto Damon Runyan as the Duke of T.

I guess this isn't a bad film per se. I certainly didn't hate it...it's just a film without any real stand-out moments. And you can set your watch by each of the tropey developments.

Sadly drab

[VetteRanger · 6/10 · 17 December 2023]

We like Danica McKellar ... a lot. Unfortunately she isn't getting the better scripts in these Christmas movies, and this is a prime example. The story is unusually drab, and the only real relationship tension is close to the end and makes the "Duke" look cold-hearted , particularly because he's just "kissed the girl".

Our "Duke", the presumptuously named Damon Runyan, and the other supposedly English characters only suggest one thing ... that Canadian actors are abject failures to affect a British accent. I mean, these accents are painful to listen to. I'd rather have Dick Van Dyke's Cockney travesty. LOL

Oddly, nine years ago Runyan played a rodeo cowboy in A Starry Christmas, a far superior movie and a far superior acting job. He paired with fellow Canadian George Canyon (a country singer) as his brother. The end of that movie didn't make any more sense than the end of this one, either. LOL.

Could have been better

[harris-93419 · 6/10 · 1 January 2024]

I stumbled across this movie while flipping through the channels. I have a like/dislike feeling towards Danica McKellar. Some of her movies I really love and others where I think she acts too girlishly for a woman her age.

This movie started off with a good premise, but her acting ruined it for me. I really liked the plot and the actor who played the Duke was fantastic. This was my first time watching Damon Runyon in a romantic movie and I thought he was quite good.

However, the movie became too cliche for me, but I stuck with it until the end. I really hoped it would get better , but even the leading man couldn't save it. I get the fairytale undertone but a grown woman jumping every time someone interrupted her and the Duke touching was overkill.

I have to add that while I have seen a few good movies on GAC, I still find the movies subpar the Hallmark and Lifetime. The budget on the GAC movies must be pretty tight. When the guests at the different parties in the movie wear the same clothes twice, that's a problem. See the lady in the green evening grown who gossips with Bella at both events. Do you really think a woman would be caught in the same dress more than once within a week. Please!

Out with the old...

[MickyG333 · 7/10 · 14 December 2023]

6.7 stars.

If I had randomly flipped the channel to this movie, then was asked a few key questions about it, my answers would not shock you. First question: what year do you think this film was made? My response would be: 2018. I'd be surprised to find out it was released 2023 and I'd swear it was released 5 years too late. I kid you not, 'A Royal Christmas Romance' is not patterned after anything in the past few years, but it's not original or new either. Second question: what do you think about the interrupted kisses? I'd say it's been overdone, yet another reason I have a hunch this movie should've been released years ago. They don't do those interruptions quite so often these days, for good reason.

Right off the bat we can see it's obvious McKellar hasn't aged a day in the last 5 years, and the British gentleman, I've never seen him anyways. All that aside, I will rate 'A Royal Christmas Romance' on its merits, which must include the fact that it's dated, 5 years dated to be exact. If I had seen this in 2018, I would give it 7.5 stars for her performance alone, but it's nothing new, it's old hat. So for that I lower my rating to a 6.7 for lack of originality and keeping up with the current movie trends.

Bella De Ball

[atlasmb · 6/10 · 5 February 2024]

Holiday romances made for TV are slightly different than regular romances. You know it's a holiday romance when the payoff kiss at the end is to the strains of Adeste Fidelis. And you can make a drinking game of it by taking a swig every time a nutcracker appears on screen.

In this story, the would-be princess is Bella Sparks (Danica McKellar) and the prince of her dreams is actually a duke named Stephan (Damon Runyan). We learn that each had a relationship that ended ignominiously. She runs a men's clothing boutique and he arrives in the United States without clothes. Well, actually the airline misplaces his luggage. But he needs a wardrobe asap and he quickly learns to rely on Bella, who later will be the bella de ball.

Unfortunately, the chemistry between the two feels forced. The Duke character is formal to the point that he expresses little warmth, giving Miss McKellar little to work with. Still, the royal-commoner trope holds true and romance fans get their final act satisfaction.

I can't believe Danica is 48 and still this gorgeous!

[lvlaxq · 8/10 · 29 November 2023]

While I liked the movie I can't say that I loved it. It needed more conflict... it needed a 'Bad Guy'. Danica did a great job but it sort of felt like something was missing.

I still think her best movie was Crown For Christmas. That one was amazing, and if you haven't seen it, you should watch it ASAP. It really captured the good old Christmas Magic.

The acting was all quite well done. And Danica ALWAYS looks incredible, in a red dress at any party/ball/dance she shows up at. It was fun to see her dance a little in this. Reminded me of how great she was with Gleb in her other movie.

If you're looking for a nice way to pass the time on a cold winter's evening, give A Royal Date For Christmas a shot. You won't regret it!

Another typical royal Christmas movie

[Jackbv123 · 4/10 · 29 November 2023]

This movie exemplifies why I don't like Royal movies. There are too many of them. Once in a while one catches the Cinderella feeling and does it well. This wasn't it. Oh, Danica McKellar tried and she tried too hard. What she ended up with was a juvenile crush and juvenile behavior. "How about a selfie?" And I really didn't feel like she grew up as the movie progressed.

The premise was a tad weak to begin with. It made sense for Stefen to look for replacement clothes but then he basically asked her to tag along with him for a week. He doesn't want publicity, especially negative and double especially not about his love life. Hanging around with a fairly attractive woman at every event he went to for a week is going to get just that kind of publicity. But nobody seemed to notice. That made no sense. And he asked her to hang around even when she wasn't being a plus one at an event. It was not like she was really helping with anything, except filling a romantic hole in Stefen's life.

I couldn't figure out Connie. The words that came out of her mouth seemed to encourage Bella, but the look on her face didn't always match that.

10 out of 10

[janielschutz · 10/10 · 26 November 2023]

This is my new favorite Christmas movie. I throughly enjoyed it. It had romance, funny moments and the chemistry between the 2 lead actors was phenomenal. Not sure why a few people rating it low?? I guess there is always a few that have issues with their lives and watching truly feel good movies makes them even more miserable. I am Hoping for a sequel or more movies with them as the lead characters. This movie is up there for me with the Christmas card. You will not be disappointed at all watching this. The story line was cute and all the additional characters brought life to the story. Sorry but not sorry I am a diehard romantic Christmas movie fan.

"Duke Charming"

[skillfulcota · 10/10 · 27 November 2023]

Classic fairytale story with a "duke" instead of the "prince". Love Damon Runyan and Danica McKellar paired up in this modern day, not-a-cinderella story of blooming love, beautiful etiqutte, respect for tradition, honoring Christmas' past, getting past grief, and dealing with the paparazzi. I enjoyed watching this story unfold and glad for how the modern day challenges were addressed. Writers do a good job displaying what disrespect for formalities can breed. Supporting cast is fabulous! I am now a fan of Patrice Goodman, Deanna Jarvis, Vicki Papvis, Nigel Hammer! Sets, music, costumes all well-thought out and presented. Backstage deserves kuddos. Felt refreshed, uplifted, and ready for a Christmas party with traditional Christmas carols and food after viewing.

HE WAS VERY CHARMING!

[ohblessed · 10/10 · 30 November 2023]

This movie I feel was very sweet! The Duke was very handsome but didn't act like he knew he was. His quiet, soft spoken tone coming from such a powerful man made the movie sweet. His plus one was innocent & cute & played her role very well. Every one in this movie made the movie sweet. I have no negative comments about this movie. Even though I love the romantic movies, I would love to see at least some of your movies focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas which is God gave His Only Son, Jesus for us! I can help you with that and no I'm not a movie writer but God did give me one movie.....

Great storyline

[rebeccamae626 · 10/10 · 14 December 2023]

I love this movie! It goes easily in my top hallmark movies. Danica was right when she said that people will love this movie. Danica has been my favorite Hallmark actress for a long time. Her performance is always spot on. However, I have to say that the person who surprised me most in this movie was Damon Runyan. I have seen several of his movies. Some of them I don't like his character because he is the bad guy. I don't think bad guy when I look at him. He is also one that is usually a supporting character in the hallmark movies. I am happy he finally got another role in which he could shine. I loved One Starry Christmas and Magical Christmas Shoes, but this character was a new one for him. That accent, I could listen to all day. He came back to the top of my list for my favorite hallmark actors with this performance. Damon Runyan does not need to be a supporting character, his best work comes out when he is out front. I can't wait to see what he does next.