“A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding” is a rare sequel worth watching. The 2018 Netflix original serves as a follow up to “A Christmas Prince;” which itself is a much view for the holidays.
“Wedding” works in a multitude of facets. Great fan service is played with the returning cast, glamorous setting, and enjoyable story. We also get new additions to the mix which transition well with the returning stars. It’s a sequel that can’t stand on its own. The movie was made to satisfy the disciples who loved the original.
One year after the events of the first film, it’s Christmas once again in the fictional country of Aldovia. Amber (Rose McIver) is busy preparing her wedding to Richard (Ben Lamb) and her eventual role as Queen. Amber and Richard are attempting to bring the traditional Aldovia into the 21st Century. When money turns up missing from the treasury, Amber uses her journalistic investigative skills to track it down. And save the day.
The film is a success with its mood-setting feel-good emotion. The kingdom and palace of Aldovia rivals New York City for Christmas lights and décor. Magnificent aerial shots will make you want to live in this make believe place. At least, they did for me. It’s cold and snowy, but that doesn’t seem to matter. The warmth and positivity coming from the palace will get you through.
Rose McvIver has fun with the role of Amber Moore. She can play the serious parts will sincerity. Amber is dealing with major changes to her life in her new world across the pond. As she tries to fit in with the royals without losing her own identity. McIver can also play the humor extremely well. It’s a silly movie and she knows it. And she’s not afraid to have fun with the part.
Ben Lamb leads the remainder of the cast. Alice Krige, Honor Kneafsey, and Theo Devaney return, amongst others. We get more out of Ambers friends from New York, played by Tahirah Sharif and Joel McVeagh. Josh Guerrasio adds humor as Amber’s goofball father. The entire cast meshes quite well with each other. The plot is an afterthought. It’s the characters that we the viewer are invested in.
“A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding” is a fun sequel. It’s a bit more cartoonish but never strays too far from what made the original so special. We’ll cover the third and final (?) installment in July. As we head into December dial this up for your holiday movie binges.
