Jackbv123

Take a look at Princess Sweet Pea and watch her in the formal Tea Party where she meets Prince Henry and the impression one takes away is that not only is this a fantasy story, but the people producing it don't expect any other impression. It's cute. It parodies a little what goes on at a famous theme park we know where there is a store that you can take you little princess to buy a dress and visit the beauty salon to get all made up. If you have never been, yes, there is such a place and I could easily see this scene playing out there.

But then the story leaves the fantasy castle and theme park and goes out into the world leading eventually back to Henry's mother's kingdom.

We have a fanciful story that has what you need for a carefree fun time. Lacey is so good with Sophie that if it doesn't bring a tear, at least you want to go "Ahh".

But there is a bit of darkness in the kingdom as well. Many of these Royal romance stories have a Queen who always gives off a serious vibe and often some chastising as well. But if that's not enough there is also a royal advisor who is even more depressing. Obviously a potential villain, but he is almost as bad as "he who shall never be named".

If ever there was a commoner who didn't belong in the prince's world, it is Lacey who ironically has a job as a princess in a fantasy world.

As often happens where a child is as important to the story as this one, Lacey's screen time is split between Sophie and Henry making it harder to see chemistry between Nichole Sakura and William Moseley. The real chemistry is between Sakura and Francesca Europa as Rose.

I often complain in this genre about a character completely changing personality instantly. Emily Swan does that in spades as the queen.

In general terms the story is predictable. The obstacle to the romance is just like it is in so many Royal romance movies. The reconciliation is a little cute.

Because of some of the unusual, even quirky aspects of this story, there are some highlights. I mentioned the sentimental and the fanciful.

I am a huge Jana Kramar fan and I like Kevin McGarry as well. They have good chemistry.

The character Julia is insecure and nervous. A big theme in the story is how Owen pushes her to be more assertive and confident. Julia's relationship with the dog, King, exemplifies her development overall. Owen stresses that the dog needs her to be confident in her instructions. I have to admit that I scoffed a little at her "lead with love" attitude as if any boundaries are unnecessary. I was a little surprised that there wasn't a scene where King destroyed her home, but it seemed that she at least had sense not to leave King alone.

By the middle of the story, Julia becomes more respectable and it starts to be reflected in her successes.

There seems to be a rival for Owen's attention. Julia jumps to conclusions which may be at least partially accurate and they lead to the conflict in the relationship which includes Julia's regression to much of her former insecurities.

King provides a draw for dog lovers, but King is not the most cuddly one I've seen in this type of movie.

Oh, there are so many plot holes, but ignore them and go with it.

I did wonder where Charles got money while he was stuck in the present.

This movie reminds me of Kate and Leopold which was a feature film with more well known actors many years ago. And Hallmark did a similar story A Timeless Christmas which also used the Moon as a key to the time travel.

I was glad that this movie avoided putting the main characters in crazy situations trying to cover their secret. The story mostly avoids scenes where a lot explaining was required to cover the secret. I was also glad that the leads didn't start out with the usual blatant antagonism. And I was glad Chelsea's boss wasn't overbearing with constant interruptions.

There is some discussion amongst characters about time travel paradoxes but not a lot of geeky talk.

I think some viewers will find the movie a bit slow at times. It tries to make up for it with making the relationship appealing.

Aubrey Reynolds and Toby-Alexander Smith had some chemistry but not quite sizzling The acting was mostly OK. The Quinn character was supposed to be weird and quirky. The dialogue is also OK but not sparkling.