a royal night out
2015 review number 68:
A Royal Night Out: (Drama/Comedy): 68 out of 100: If you love the British Royal Family, you will enjoy this. If not, go along for the ride. It's a pleasant diversion...nothing more, nothing less. Based on a true story, there are moments that you know have been ficitionalised to dramatise the events and to create some humour. In a way, the audience has been manipulated to enjoy this lightweight story.
It is May 8, 1945 (V-E night) and WWII has ended in the UK. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret want to join the masses out in the streets to celebrate victory. Their parents refuse to let them leave Buckingham Palace. Eventually their father, King George VI, succumbs and lets them party at the Ritz but the girls still aren't free because they are chaperoned by two officers. They manage to leave the premises and experience a night on the town that they will never forget.
The plot is rather threadbare when you think about it. It's been stretched to close to 100 minutes when their escapades could have filled an hour. However, the journey is fun for most of the film. Apparently the two royal princesses only made it as far to the Ritz in real life and were chaperoned by 12 officers. That just goes to show how the truth has been stretched for entertainment purposes.
Sarah Gadon as the queen-to-be exudes charm and grace. She is actually radiating in some scenes. Her sister is played by Bel Powley who provides some of the laughs as the ditzy, alcoholic Margaret. Emily Watson and Rupert Everett are the parents and they have a stately grace about them although they don't have much to do except for being chastising, worrying parents. Jack Reynor plays Jack, the AWOL soldier who 'looks after' Elizabeth for the night.
The production values are first class. No expense has been spared in the set designs and costumes. Also, the atmosphere created on V-E night makes you feel like you're there with the crowd scenes displaying a party mood. Being a fan of big band, swing music made the score all the more enjoyable. There's some Glenn Miller tunes included to add to the mix.
"A Royal Night Out" provides enjoyment for those who don't mind a movie with little substance. You would be a hard person to please if you absolutely despise this movie. It's just a pleasant romp and fabrication of an 'event' that two girls experienced.
Starring Sarah Gadon, Jack Reynor, Emily Watson and Rupert Everett
(97 minutes)
Parental advice: Adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VAbku7vwQY (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Monday 4th May, 2015)
© 2015 by LAI FILMS
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