Reviews

Pure Hallmark type fairy tale schmaltz, but an excellently done fairy tale with a bit of drama yet a very happy ending. If you're looking for the genre, it's hard to imagine a better match. A lonely and misunderstood prince, a storybook castle, and stuffy European royalty mix with a charming American commoner. Good vs. Bad stark choices with the good guys always coming from behind for the win, yet with a few clever and suspenseful plot twists. Abundant sparkle and glitz. My wife and I started skeptical but were won over by the end. Good enough for two sequel movies to flow from it, though unsure if they meet the same standard.

Unusually positive movie of happy endings without becoming syrupy or preachy. Starts a bit slow and contrived, but becomes engaging after the bus to Lourdes departs and a web of hidden relationships and past sins are gradually are explained. Unusual film in that it displays almost an overdose of vivid Catholic imagery. Includes a priest who's a likeable, normal guy. Its portrayal of 1960's Ireland was a fascinating historical throwback. Irish accents were pretty thick. I wish I could have watched with subtitles on because I could not understand some key moments of dialogue. Based on others reactions in the theater, I don't think I was alone in this.

This movie suffered from an overdose of intricate dialogue where characters frequently posture and reverse their messaging for reasons that are hard to keep track of. My wife and I both got lost more than we had ever expected. We'd thought this movie would be something of a 1950's elevated Hallmark type romance. We were surprised to find that most characters come across as sadly resigned to the demands of royalty, with little in the way of love or happiness present. Costumes were polished, even lavish, with over the top Hollywood elegance of a bygone era. Entertaining but not compelling, and more than a little perplexing.

This movie started slow and shallow, but became moving and tear inducing by the end. It nicely showcased the beauty of marriage and a father's love for his daughters. The dialogue gave voice to so many of any father's understandable doubts and fears about his daughters intended husbands, as seen in the Dad's "private" monologues with the camera. John Larroquette gave a very sympathetic rendering of the Dad's mixed emotions over his daughter's marriage. I was glad my wife spotted this one and made it her choice for our date night, despite initial reluctance. Yes, it was 100% Hallmark, but well done overall.