MickyG333

7.3 stars.

Not particularly a standout in the prince-falls-for-American-peasant formula, but it's also among the better half of the ones I've seen (which is about twenty or so).

The story is endearing and the characters are all very likable. The silly sabotage engineered by the "evil" man who is next-in-succession to the throne trope, was nothing new either. It's just an average royal romance with a slightly above average production and cast.

I really enjoyed the two leads, they brought character to their roles and so it elevated the film enough to entertain. But it's nothing superb enough for me to put on the repeat viewings list. One and done.

6.8 stars.

I've never read the book, it's a romance novel. I'm not one of those romance genre book fans. If I started reading romance novels, I feel I'd also need to be fair to the other great categories I currently avoid...such as mystery novels. I know that would be a journey down two bottomless pits. I figure I'd be hooked on both accounts, and you'd probably never see me again. Similarly, country music. Then there's fantasy novels and movies (which I've discontinued, due to the endless available material). Romance films Take up enough of my time as it is.

So now, let's compare this to other romance and somewhat intense, thriller adjacent movies. This film doesn't stand out. And for the record, like I said, I didn't read the novel, so I'm not jaded. This is my unbiased commentary on an average romance/thriller. The actors are great, though. The lead male has screen presence. Blake lively has always been a favorite of mine. Her acting skills are good, yeah she's not great but what are you looking for? She's good. I can name 100 good actors in the last 20 years, none of them great. So what? Anyways, enough of that soapbox. This movie fails to entertain beyond the average. If you want a good Blake lively movie, watch the 'The Age of Adaline', which is spectacular.

6.4 stars.

This film was average at best, but at least it was good enough to keep me around until the end. Most of the film is somewhat slow and tedious. This is a very much run-of-the-mill plot. In fact, this is the Very definition of mundane.

But something about it was good enough for me to actually enjoy myself throughout most of the movie. I can't put my finger on it. It's very strange. I think it has to do with the fact that I really really like both of the main actors, even though they weren't completely on their game.

However, the end was gratifying for me. I like how they make up with each other and realize the misunderstandings were just bad timing mixed with fear of change. It's a good moral lesson about regret, especially for these two characters whose lives are entering the "senior citizen" zone...scary enough concept...portrayed by actors who are in my generation, and they look great.