Every year there are about 974 holiday-themed movies that come to television. Hallmark, Netflix, Lifetime, Ion, everyone gets in on the reindeer games and there are truly not enough hours in the season to watch all of them. But when I get overwhelmed with the choices, there is one genre that never disappoints — the royal holiday romance genre.
Last year, Hallmark premiered One Royal Holiday, starring Aaron Tveit and Laura Osnes (both Broadway veterans). One Royal Holiday also stars Bradley Rose, Peloton's bike instructor. And being the Broadway-obsessed Peloton rider that I am, I simply had to get my eyes on this motion picture.
Now, this isn't Bradley's first rodeo. He's also been in shows like Queen America, Law & Order: SVU, and Quantico. But as we all know, a Hallmark holiday movie is a different breed. So I sat down with a glass of wine, a weighted blanket, and no expectations whatsoever... and here's what I thought.
The Plot
I've seen enough of these movies to be able to guess everything that happens. If I just knew the title, One Royal Holiday, I'd be able to assume that a Prince gets stranded for the holidays and can't go home, so some local girl offers her family home and they hate each other at first but then they fall in love. And according to the movies landing page on Hallmark's website...
When Anna (Osnes) offers a stranded mother (Clark) and son (Tveit) shelter in a blizzard, she learns that they are the Royal Family of Galwick. Anna shows the Prince how they do Christmas in her hometown, encouraging him to open his heart and be true to himself.
... so not too far off the mark with this one. Consider me a professional at this.
Real Time Thoughts & Questions I Had While Watching...
- The opening credits with Osnes and Tveit singing "Walking In A Winter Wonderland" is everything I have ever wanted.
- The shop attendant has the thickest accent I've ever heard. The director was like, "you're from Boston" and she was like, "Got it."
- Calling it now: Anna was the King's nurse.
- We already knew Anna (Osnes) and James (Tveit) both had a dead parent before they told us they both have a dead parent because... it is Hallmark Movie 101.
- They repurposed this Dunkin' Donuts I see...
- Anna licking her hand and then shaking James' hand triggers me.
- Where is the royal family's security?
- What is Bradley's character? Is he their Assistant? PR Rep? Friend of?
- Is Bradley a herald?
- A pillow menu? Is that a real thing? (... I googled it, it's a real thing.)
- How does the Mayor know what the Queen and Prince of Galwick look like?
- Bradley's character (Christopher) likes the mayor. A double romance. Score!
- Apparently this town hasn't welcomed computer systems yet.
- Wait is Bradley's character security now?
- Why are they pulling these presents?
- I'm sorry, but when your whole thing is Christmas, I'm going to need a tree that's way more impressive than this one.
- OK so I was close. The King wasn't Anna's patient but he was on her floor. Seems like a sign to me.
- Where are Bradley and the Mayor? Are they just shacking up right now?
- "We can make this work, Anna" really means "I'm a prince so you have to move to Galwick."
Bradley's Performance
While I still don't know what his job was in this role (I'm thinking security?), Bradley was everything we expect him to be based on his rides: quirky and charming. Aaron Tveit's character was so serious all the time, and while Bradley wasn't a huge role, he added some much needed comedic relief. And honestly, I was impressed with his timing and beat work.
Holiday Vibe Check
This movie definitely passed the the Holiday Vibe Check. Set in an inn in a snowy remote town? Check. Features a Christmas parade? Check. A gingerbread contest? Check. Christmas pajama-party-turned-ball? Check? A Prince that falls in love with a mere muggle? Check.
See Or Skip?
If you're a Peloton rider, this movie should be required viewing to watch Bradley do his thing. If you're a lover of Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies, this one definitely ranks up there with some of the best.
Images: Hallmark