THE RELUCTANT ROYAL

 

Overview 

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"Philadelphia mechanic Johnny learns his estranged father is a duke. The duke surprises him, as do his feelings for advisor Prudence."

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I have to be honest, it's been a few weeks since I last saw this, so my memory will be shoddy. However, I will do my best to recall as much as I can. I love that Johnny lived much of his life without knowing he had ties to royalty. I think that makes his character more relatable and down to earth. He never had the chance to become like the "Anti-Hero" of this film Allistair, who enjoyed the privileges of wealth from birth (or so I assume). That's not to say that having such resources and power automatically makes someone a brat, it's just a trope you often see in movies. 

I am a huge fan of Andrew's work, even from long before his Hallmark days. I'm looking at you Eric in episode S5 E11 of "Are You Afraid of The Dark". He does not disappoint in this film, and the supporting cast is also great. I really enjoyed how Johnny, who is so aptly named, quickly found community with the townspeople upon arriving to meet the Duke. The scene where he is at the pub back home, and he's putting on a karaoke performance, pure gold. Andrew has a pleasant singing voice, something I did not know about him before watching this movie.

When it became clear that Prudence was the leading lady, don't judge me - sometimes I don't catch on fast, I was worried how well she and Johnny would match. He seemed so rough around the edges, like a "down home" kind of guy. Whereas she was much more polished, refined and classy. The writers and actors did an excellent job of making the transition to the "budding romance". As we saw Prudence peel back the layers she once hid behind, we understand her better - well I do - as a person. From then on it becomes easy to see how she and Johnny will eventually fall in love. 

I was really touched by the portrayal of Johnny and his relationship with his father William. I don't tend to have any sympathy for parents who abandon their children, though William reveals a greater sense of purpose and humanity in himself as he and Johnny spend more time together. It is very sweet to watch. I thought it was beautiful how they grew in their fondness of one another, considering how strained things were between them after they met for the first time. 

The way that Johnny's mother and father make up in the end was also pretty sweet. It was clear the father had taken the time to think over his actions, and look for a way to improve his relationship not only to Dottie and Johnny (whose names ironically rhymne), but also to his title as Duke. I think he developed a new appreciation for the power he had and what he could do with it, namely to help others. Johnny was very instrumental in helping to steer him toward this light, so all worked out in the end.

It's been a long time since I was deeply moved by a Hallmark film, and while I would not rank this high on my favorites list, I can say it is one the better films I've seen from them as of late. It had a great story, and the characters were given a good arc and proper development. I would most definitely revisit this at some other time.