Royal-ish

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.