Another Reel One Entertainment TV movie about minor European kingdom. I always have low expectations when they do it because they are mostly mediocre. This one actually positively suprised me, and it would be pretty solid TV movie if not for technical issues.
ROE co-produced it with Sunshine Films which is an instant red flag as they are notorious for the poor audio production, and yes, this one doesn't disappoint, too (obviously sarcasm). Several scenes suffer from the poor audio production like it was recorded with a cell phone, but it's the notorious loud background music when cast talk/speak which killed this TV movie for me. So many scenes are ruined as you can barely hear what they talk. It's just sad how they can't properly do audio production...
I like the cast overall. Never watched leads before. I would say that Veronica Long was pretty good.
This is the comedy movie first with some parody elements. If you expect romance, skip it as is a really stretched one. If you don't take it too much seriously, it's actually nicely directed and written around really royalty reveal trope. Act III is a bit of so-so, and cringe, but nothing breaking.
If only audio production was decent, I would easily give 6*.
And don't watch trailer (for some reason not posted here) as this is ROE, and for some reasons it reveals and spoils the whole movie.
A Royal Makeover
2023
Action / Comedy / Romance
A Royal Makeover
2023
Action / Comedy / Romance
Plot summary
When all-American Ramone discovers he is the heir to the European Kingdom of San Pablo, he is daunted by the prospect of becoming king. To prepare him for his royal duties, King Felipe hires royal expert Angelica to transform Ramone into the king he is destined to be.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
March 20, 2024 at 02:50 AM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Ruined by poor audio production
Fresh story for a royal movie
I am not a fan of Royal movies. This movie turns most of the stereotypes on their ears. Yet, the two lead characters are just as much from different worlds as the typical Royal movie. It's that they are both common people. But Angelica is a cultured nerd while Ramone is an uneducated jock. The twist on the usual is making that jock is the "prince", or heir to the throne. Angelica is the one who is the cultured one whose job is to train the prospective prince.
The movie catered a little too much to the juvenile side. It emphasizes that in Ramone, but it really goes overboard in the conspiracy to make Ramone fail. At first, the head conspirator who is also the king's aide, dresses up like a cliche spy wearing sunglasses indoors to watch Ramone's progress.
The story is surprisingly interesting. While the conspiracy is overplayed in a silly way, it adds spice and a little bit of threat to the outcome. About halfway, a new hiccup is added to the conspiracy. There is a moment of doubt about who will end up with Angelica romantically, and the main relationship doesn't get much development. Perhaps the fact that the story was far more than the one relationship that made this one of the more interesting Royal stories I can remember, and I've seen a lot of them.
There is a cute twist on the arrogant and clueless sales lady gag.
I've never seen any of these actors which is not usually a good sign for acting ability, but the main characters were mostly natural in their roles but still had some lack of polish. The dialogue has both good and bad moments. Sets are cheap. The "best restaurant" in Miami looked like a cafeteria.
Despite some less impressive production values, the story made up for it.