OK, it's smaltzy, contrived, and sentimental. In short, it has all the markings of a formulaic Hallmark movie.
But the terrific acting by McGrath and Moore plus the two child actors, de Meza and Turner along with the entire staff of Castlebury Castle make this film more than bearable. And, I cried off and on through the entire film. I am no crier, but something about the story and presentation really affected me, including the take down of the royal class, coupled with the melting of an old man's heart, and the children's coming to terms with the loss of their parents. And then, there is the nice chemistry between McGrath and Heughan that helps make their romance believable. It's a Christmas movie to be sure, but I could watch this film in June and enjoy it just as much.
But the terrific acting by McGrath and Moore plus the two child actors, de Meza and Turner along with the entire staff of Castlebury Castle make this film more than bearable. And, I cried off and on through the entire film. I am no crier, but something about the story and presentation really affected me, including the take down of the royal class, coupled with the melting of an old man's heart, and the children's coming to terms with the loss of their parents. And then, there is the nice chemistry between McGrath and Heughan that helps make their romance believable. It's a Christmas movie to be sure, but I could watch this film in June and enjoy it just as much.