Reel One Entertainment and European royalty – a pairing that often promises light-hearted romance. “A Royal Recipe for Love 2023” steps into this arena, but does it truly deliver a regal love story? Technically, the film is adequate. The music attempts to elevate the scenes, mixing classical pieces with a more contemporary, melancholic score typical of recent ROE productions. While the classical music is a pleasant touch, the latter can become a tad intrusive in certain moments due to its volume. Stock footage is used sparingly, which is a plus.
However, the location choices present a geographical puzzle. While filmed in Hamilton, Canada, “A Royal Recipe for Love 2023” uses Stockholm stock footage to depict the capital of the fictional Kingdom of Samovia, supposedly located near Italy. This geographical dissonance becomes more apparent when Pienza stock footage appears later, representing a location Prince Oliver visits. Why opt for Scandinavian visuals when the narrative suggests a Mediterranean setting? This inconsistency extends to the “royal cottage,” the primary setting for much of the movie. Its architectural style feels out of place and struggles to convincingly portray a royal residence. While Hallmark royal movies often utilize real castles in Transylvania for authenticity, “A Royal Recipe for Love 2023” falls short in creating a believable royal ambiance.
The cast, thankfully, offers brighter spots. Laura Miyata shines as the lead, delivering a performance that arguably surpasses her role in “Love and the Radio Star.” She carries the film with a charm and believability that is captivating. David Lafontaine, her romantic partner, is less impactful. Their on-screen chemistry feels somewhat forced, making the central romance less convincing. Annie Clark provides strong support, navigating some potentially weak writing with commendable skill and adding depth to her character.
Directing choices, however, contribute to the film’s shortcomings. The wardrobe for the Queen and King gives off a distinctly “second-hand” impression, detracting from the regal portrayal. Furthermore, the inconsistent accents within the royal family are distracting. The King and Prince Henry, portrayed by British actors, sport British accents, while other family members seem to have American accents. Adding to the confusion, the royal family bears a German surname. These directorial decisions create a sense of incoherence and undermine the film’s attempt at portraying a believable royal world.
Overall, “A Royal Recipe for Love 2023” lands in the realm of mediocrity. While Laura Miyata and Annie Clark’s performances are commendable and elevate the movie, weak directing and questionable production choices hinder its potential. It earns a lukewarm recommendation, primarily for Miyata and Clark’s efforts.
Finally, a word of caution: avoid the trailer. The Reel One Entertainment trailer inexplicably compresses the entire movie into a short preview, revealing far too much and diminishing the viewing experience.
