A Christmas Prince (2017) User Reviews

What is happening to me? Do I like Hallmark-esque holiday movies now?

[cricketbat · 6/10 · 31 December 2018]

Maybe it's just because I'm a fan of Rose McIver, but I legitimately enjoyed A Christmas Prince. Despite all of its cliched moments and completely predictable storyline, I found myself engaged in the story. In fact, even though I fell asleep while watching it, I finished it the next morning because I wanted to. What is happening to me? Do I like Hallmark-esque holiday movies now?

On the fence

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 30 November 2017]

Saw 'A Christmas Prince' with my flatmate on Netflix already in the Christmas spirit. After watching, my overall thoughts were that while 'A Christmas Prince' was watchable it left me torn as to what to make of it.

On one view we have a few performances that make the grade. The best performance as the most well-rounded character by far (the only one to get development beyond cliché) comes from Honor Kneafsey, Emily starts off as a brat initially but grows as the character that one roots for the most. Rose McIver and Ben Lamb also give charming performances and have an easy going romantic chemistry. Alice Krige brings understated dignity to the queen.

'A Christmas Prince' looks pretty good. The scenery is beautifully picturesque and has a really festive feel and the castle interiors and exteriors are enough to make one want to stay there. The photography is suitably slick. The music puts one into the festive mood and gives off a cosy nostalgia. Spotting the famous Christmas songs and carols is a delight and there is the serious temptation to sing along.

There is some charm and genuine sweetness here while Amber and Emily's chemistry is very heartfelt. Didn't find myself bored either.

However, the rest of the cast don't make much of an impression, most are bland. Then there is Theo Devaney and Emma Louise Saunders who play their stock villain characters with such broad hamminess that they make over-the-top villain characters in Christmas pantomimes more subtle in comparison.

It is hard to deny too that 'A Christmas Prince', even for trying to take it for what it is, is riddled with clichés, non-stop predictability and contrivance. One has to suspend disbelief at how long it takes for the lie to be exposed, Amber constantly narrowly escaping being caught and how things are resolved far too quickly and easily.

The script throughout is peppered with cheese (especially Simon and Sophia) and mawkish schmaltz, and of the characters although the leads are reasonably likable the only one to have any development is Emily. Simon and Sophia are plot-device material there for the sake of it and the way they're written and their antics jar tonally.

Concluding, very torn on what to think. Part of me can't be too hard on it, but the faults are pretty glaring also. 5/10 Bethany Cox

Schmalzy but nice

[bertvleeuwen-646-650832 · 7/10 · 18 November 2017]

A very 'schmalzy' story, at the level of the Princess' diaries, but nicely done. Rose McIver is just enough 'innocent looking' to make this work. Nicest performance by Honor Kneafsey as the handicapped princess, gaining confidence from her non-teacher. Of course the bad guy and girl are caricatures. Ben Lamb is a prince as the story demands; Alice Krige appears the run-of-the-mill conservative, old queen, but with a few devious traits she saves the role. In short, sentimental, but just right for Christmas.

Take it in good spirits

[alexandreajcook · 7/10 · 18 November 2017]

This is cheesy and a straight-shooting plot line. It's an easy watch, enjoyable movie, but don't expect much substance. The acting and script are a little cringy, but it fits the tone of the movie to a tee. You won't remember it, and you won't recommend it but if you enjoy films like the princess diaries or Hallmark movies then this one's for you.

Perfect for people who like RomComs

[Benslie · 6/10 · 17 December 2018]

First of all, the acting in this film isn't that bad. You can easily tell that everybody is trying their hardest to portray these characters. Some of them came across as real-life people while others just felt like charctercharacterss in a movie. This could mainly be pointed to the writing in this film. Some of the lines in this film were just hilariously bad and cringy and I would give examples but I already forgot them. But I do have to say the scenery was stunning and the production on this was well done. Each set and costume looked perfect for each scene. The costumes fit each character and showed a bit more into their personality. For example, Richard's outifts made him look like royalty but at the same time, a normal guy because that's what he wants to be. This film had lots of pacing issues. From beginning to end it didn't feel like that was the speed it should be going at. The beginning felt slow while the ending felt to fast. The creators of the film might have thought they had a longer film and then realized they only had a one hour and thirty-two-minute film so they had to quickly resolve the film. The last thing I want to talk about is the relationship in this film. It's not believable or relatable. I know it shouldn't be relatable seeing how it is about a journalist falling in love with a prince but the writers still should make it so some people can relate to at least one of them. And it isn't believable because it seems too rushed. Throughout the entire film, they are hardly around each other and then all of a sudden he just loves her. There is no explanation why just little subtle hints. In the end, A Christmas Prince is perfect for people who like RomComs but for others not so much.

Cheesy

[jooori-sakurai · 2/10 · 13 March 2018]

This movie is incredibly cheesy that it actually hurts to watch. They didn't even bother to add anything to make it even slightly more interesting. The acting is just terrible along with a horrific script. I will only recommend this if you want a cring, other than that avoid at all costs. 2\10 only for the beautiful landscape.

"Another Royal Romance"

[Kamurai25 · 6/10 · 10 December 2020]

Decent watch, probably won't watch again, but can recommend.

While it isn't anything truly special, it's a decent version of a "journalist in disguise falls in love" trope. Though the object of affection being a prince allows for resources that almost anyone wouldn't turn down.

There certainly is a lot of production put into the movie to maintain the grand perception of royals, but the best part of the movie is the heart felt Christmas vibe of it.

Unfortunately, this is mostly achieved through the secondary characters and them influencing the royal family.

Jeez...

[trueillusion-166-108556 · 1/10 · 19 December 2017]

Possibly the worst movie I have ever seen in my life. And, believe me, I've seen thousands of cheesy movies. Only decent acting is the kid.

Schmaltzy but good!

[ivorygirl4ever · 8/10 · 8 October 2018]

Of COURSE it's schmaltzy! But it's what we want in a Christmas feel-good romantic movie! Makes you smile, makes you laugh, gives you hope that there are happy endings! Will watch again next year...which is the true sign of a good Christmas movie!

Is this satire? If yes, this is genius!

[pamela-17911 · 7/10 · 18 November 2017]

This has to be satire! It has to be. I can't be convinced otherwise! And in that case, it's amazing! Lol Just every hallmark cliché you could possibly think of making fun of those movies by being every single one of those movies, hahaha. But kind of done perfectly! Like, better than the hallmark movies whilst also making fun of them, haha. I was delighted But if this theory is wrong, alas! That would have made a way better movie...

Not good. Not unless you are a moron

[andrea_b_f · 2/10 · 5 December 2017]

The two stars represent the fact that this film makes for a fantastic drinking game this festive season.

Take a drink every time:

• You see something incredibly clichéd

• You can see plot points and "twists" coming from 10,000 miles away

• You find yourself wondering, "if this is meant to be in mainland Europe, why do they speak like British aristocracy?"

• The horrible dialogue makes you cringe and die a little inside

I guarantee you will be off your trolley in the first half-hour.

Also, don't be fooled by these reviews. The volume of people giving it 10 stars seemed mighty suspicious. And indeed, the vast majority of them come from people who joined this month, specifically to review this one film...

Good movie for people of all ages

[srikant · 7/10 · 25 November 2017]

Interesting story in a picturesque and modern setting. Rose McIver and Ben Lamb were very good and all the others did their roles very well too. Photography was excellent and added to the beauty of the scenes. Light-hearted film, overall, but it did have it's serious moments too. A very good option indeed for family viewing.

Schmaltz!

[verbify · 6/10 · 6 December 2017]

This movie is like a pretty Christmas package that you unwrap only to find another layer of packaging and so forth to the center with no actual present ever, but in a good way, because if you actually get to the content of a Christmas present you would find out if anybody actually knows and cares enough to give you a meaningful gift and you never wanted that, you just wanted the cozy feeling of seeing a tree with gifts under it and then the lovely idea that we're all about to be nice to each other for once. This movie is that feeling. You should watch it. I did.

Yuck

[mistoppi · 3/10 · 1 December 2017]

I hate these kind of movies. The structure of the story is always similar, and you can see how the story is going to go from a mile away. It's an easy movie to watch, I guess there's nothing more to it. And yes, I admit, at one point I was almost excited to see how this was going to go, but that feeling lasted for two minutes, and that was that.

The only thing I liked in this movie is the actress Rose McIver, yet her performance wasn't as great as I had hoped. The only one giving this movie a little charm was Honor Kneafsey as princess Emily. Everyone else was just plain bland and awful.

So yeah, if you want an easy movie to watch over the holidays, this is perfect for that, but honestly... Nothing special about this movie. absolutely nothing. It's boring, bland, and I feel like I've seen it million times before. And I have no idea why Christmas even is a theme here, it could've been done without that.

A Christmas goody!

[tocanepauli · 7/10 · 11 November 2019]

All the things you need to see at Xmas are here, and it's a good show! Schmaltzy to the max, unbelievable, beautiful scenery, how could you not like it? Forget your worries, sit back and enjoy.....

Why so many cheesy films?

[caracrissy · 5/10 · 5 January 2019]

Ok, so I've seen enough cheesy movies in my life. I am sick of them. They have no real chemistry, they are not funny and previzible, and this is the best example. Finally, I decided to give it a 5/10 because it was cute and for the amazing landscapes.

Charming film for the holidays

[DarkVulcan29 · 9/10 · 4 December 2017]

Amber(Rose Mclver, iZombie) eagerly wants to be big time reporter, finally gets her chance when asked to go to a press conference Aldovia in hopes to interview Prince Richard(Ben lamb) after that does not go to well, she sneaks in the palace, in hopes to come back with something, but soon is caught and gets mistaken for a tutor for Prince Richards younger sister named Emily. How will this all play out.

Rose McIver gives a charmingly likable performance, not over the top funny. Ben Lamb is also great has King Richard, playing has someone who is very conflicted. The beautiful scenery becomes a character of it's own. And all the supporting cast do well also. The film is not a total comedy, and I also like the way the two main leads are not played annoyingly one noted. If you want a new fun holiday film, well give A Christmas Prince a look.

I am a sucker for romance this film fits the bill !!

[robfollower · 7/10 · 24 December 2018]

In this delightful holiday romance, a New York journalist heads to Eastern Europe for Christmas to report on a prince who's about to be crowned king of his country. Campy but charming and thanks to Rose McIver the film is worth watching .

Prince Uncharming

[Multipleh · 1/10 · 27 December 2017]

Let's forget about the corny plot. Of course, a movie titled "A Christmas Prince" can't be that intriguing as in terms of the storyline. Therefore, one could conclude that the charm of the leads could help propel the film or at least make it consumable to the Netflix audience-of course it's not the case here! The main problem seems to be the prince. Ben Lamb has absolutely no charm on screen. Makes you wonder how he got this lofty role as the prince and Rose McIver is no Reese Witherspoon. The pairing of McIver and Lamb had no chemistry. The prince is too much of a wimp and the journalist is rather dull. Overall, a very disappointing movie.

Do you want a prince for christmas?

[chapttr · 6/10 · 30 March 2020]

It's very cheesy. Not so great but enough to pass the time. That's plus for kids but I laughed many times. However, I was boring during the last minutes.

Surprisingly enjoyable

[lisafordeay · 7/10 · 27 November 2018]

A Christmas Prince came out last year on Netflix and tells the story of a young woman named Amber Moore who is a journalist in New York City. She has to write an article and get dirt on a royal prince named Richard who is known to be a playboy. But when she arrives in the UK she gets mistaken for the prince's sister's tutor and plays along with it. But how long will she keep it up without falling in love with the prince?

Overall I really liked this movie The premise is very predictable as I knew from the get go what was going to happen and I notice recently that the TV romance films are like Harry and Meghan Markle's life with the whole English prince falling for an American etc.

If you love The Prince and Me then you will love this film.

The sequel is coming out this week so I will definitely check it out.

Diarrhea is more pleasant.

[stevenacheson · 1/10 · 22 December 2018]

The hottest, stankiest, most sulphurous pit in hell is meant for the people that create movies like this.

I Mean, What Can You Expect?

[mrturk182 · 6/10 · 2 December 2017]

Now when it comes to Christmas movies, the normal viewer will likely watch a theatrical release from years ago that are either classics or contemporary hits or even a current Christmas movie that's out and receiving a lot of buzz. They may also be likely to watch a classic Christmas special that you grew up on because it gets you into the best holiday spirit. And then, more often than not, they may be likely to watch original made-for-television Christmas movies that are too sanitized to have any substance to it, especially considering the channels that air these Christmas movies (in this case, Hallmark and Lifetime instantly come to mind). When you look at the posters, the previews, and even the synopsis for A Christmas Prince, you're quick to assume that it falls into that category. And while you're right, you're also quick to assume that it's from Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, or Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas lineup. But it's not. This is a Netflix original starring Rose McIver (iZombie) as Amber, a reporter from New York who gets called on an assignment to do a cover story on Richard, an Aldovian prince preparing to take the throne after his father's passing. Upon arrival, she finds herself in a forced position to keep her mission a secret once she gets mistaken as a tutor for his disabled sister, Emily.

I don't really watch these made-for-television Christmas movies in this kind of vein, but I've noticed my family watch enough of these around this time of year to understand the formula. And when I watched this movie, my expectations were mostly met. It's one of the most basic sanitized contemporary made-for-television movies that lie on the romance/comedy/Christmas spectrum, despite the fact that this one doesn't have a lot to do with the Christmas holiday. It's just a Christmas movie by default, because it takes place during that holiday. It pretty much lacks the excitement, and most of the focus is on Amber's mission and eventual relationship with Prince Richard.

Now, what does work for this movie is some of the acting. I like Rose McIver as an actress, and her performance here is mostly solid. Another pleasant surprise was the performance of Honor Kneafsey as Emily. She puts up a wall between her and Amber at first, but she quickly opens up and becomes her partner while Amber's in Aldovia. I liked seeing her character open up and allow me to learn more about herself. We don't get a lot of her character throughout most of the movie, but when we do see her, she steals the scene. This movie also did good with introducing most of the twists and turns. We eventually see Amber learn that Prince Richard has a secret of his own that could compromise his ability to become the King of Aldovia, even though he hints that he may not be 100% ready to have all that responsibility in his heart.

I feel like I need to sound off on what worked against the movie, but in all honesty, it's too basic of a made-for-television romantic-comedy styled Christmas movie to really have a major flaw. As such, A Christmas Prince is a decent holiday flick. It doesn't do too much in its favor, but it doesn't do too much against it as well. It's formulaic, but it at least follows the formula.

Score: 57/100

Recommendation: If you're curious enough to find something Christmas-themed Netflix title other than a fireplace on an endless loop.

Good story.

[katievfoxley · 6/10 · 19 October 2020]

I think the story is good but apart from the little girl, I think the acting is terrible. I don't know how another 2 of these films got made. I feel like I have to watch the other 2 films though.

This is everything wrong with society.

[Vylpecula · 4/10 · 15 December 2020]

Simple, conservative, heteronormative garbage with nice visuals.