Review

Movie Review: Inventing the Christmas Prince
Subtitle: “When Fake Royalty, Christmas Chaos, and Way Too Much Holiday Magic Collide in the Most Hilarious Way.”

“Inventing the Christmas Prince” is Hallmark’s latest festive offering where love, lies, and Christmas miracles come together in a beautiful snowstorm of totally predictable holiday magic. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you pretended to be royalty to impress your family—only to accidentally fall in love with someone way too perfect—this movie is for you. It’s cheesy, it’s sweet, and it’s absolutely absurd in all the best ways.

The plot follows Holly (played by Tori Anderson), a woman who has a little problem—she’s in danger of ruining her family’s Christmas celebration if she doesn’t prove she’s got everything together. So, what does she do? She fakes a relationship with a prince. Yep, you read that right—Holly, after a tiny bit of holiday stress (and possibly a little too much eggnog), comes up with the brilliant idea to invent an imaginary royal boyfriend just in time for her family’s Christmas gathering. Naturally, Holly’s got a perfectly believable story, because nothing says “holiday magic” like pretending you’re dating a prince. But of course, what could possibly go wrong when you’re lying about dating an actual royal?

Enter Prince Nick (played by Jack Turner), who’s not a real prince, but totally looks like one, and who’s roped into Holly’s grand deception. Naturally, he’s got his own reasons for agreeing to pretend to be royalty, and surprise surprise, he’s way too charming to be a total fake prince. The chemistry between Holly and Nick? So fake, it’s practically too good—because nothing says “I’m definitely not falling for you” like pretending to be royal and falling head over heels for someone who’s also pretending. As their relationship deepens, the ridiculousness just keeps escalating, especially when Holly’s family buys into the whole “prince” act. It’s like the holiday version of The Princess Diaries but with way too many mistletoe moments and way too much holiday magic.

The humor in this movie comes from the sheer absurdity of it all. Watching Holly try to keep up the ruse while also dealing with her completely over-the-top family and way too festive holiday plans is like watching someone try to juggle ornaments while baking cookies in a blizzard. Holly is constantly trying to “prove” that her fake relationship with Nick is actually real, while also dealing with the fact that—oops—she’s totally falling for him. Meanwhile, Nick is perfectly charming, even though he’s totally not royal, and keeps being way too good at being the prince everyone thinks he is. Every time they “accidentally” share a meaningful moment or just so happen to be under the mistletoe, you’ll be cringing in delight. Their banter is the best kind of awkward, and they’re both so clueless about their growing feelings that it’s hard not to root for them.

And the family? Oh, they’re the real stars of the show—because nothing says “Christmas” like family members who insist on making everything perfect, from the holiday decorations to the “proper” introduction to your fake prince. You’ve got the overly enthusiastic aunt who keeps giving unsolicited relationship advice, the cousin who definitely knows that something’s up, and the grandma who’s way too excited to finally meet a “prince” that could save Christmas. Watching them try to maintain the charade while also planning the most dramatic Christmas dinner ever is pure comedy gold.

The small-town setting? Peak Hallmark—snow-covered streets, twinkling lights everywhere, and a town that definitely knows more about your business than they should. The grand finale? Well, it’s Hallmark predictable, of course—Holly’s ruse is eventually exposed, but guess what? Turns out, love is the real magic, and by the end, Holly and Nick admit their undeniable feelings for each other. They share a perfect kiss under the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, with a snowstorm to set the mood. (Because what Hallmark movie doesn’t end with a Christmas kiss under a blizzard?)

“Inventing the Christmas Prince” is hilarious, cheesy, and the perfect holiday movie for anyone who loves holiday miracles, fake royal relationships, and the idea that sometimes the best Christmas magic comes from way too many lies. It’s the perfect movie to watch when you want to laugh, cringe, and maybe even believe that everything could turn out perfectly in the end. Grab your coziest blanket, your most festive drink, and settle in for a holiday rom-com that will leave you smiling (and possibly plotting how you too can invent your own royal romance next Christmas). 👑🎄💋