REVIEW: The Hallmark Sequel "Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up" Is as Silly as the First One

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Emily and Jared are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together as a couple, and they prepare to work with their neighbors on Evergreen Lane to make this year's Christmas celebrations the best yet.  When a house on the block goes up for sale, the soon-to-be-neighbors are holiday royalty, but they are so competitive that they nearly ruin Christmas for everyone. Starring:   Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ellen Travolta, Melissa Peterman, Seth Morris, and Jennifer Aspen Image:  Hallmark Media Haul Out the Holly:  Lit Up Has a Moral When the residents of Evergreen Lane learn that their new neighbors are the Jolly Johnsons--famous holiday reality stars--they are thrilled to welcome them to the block.  Everyone assumes the Johnsons will fit right in since they share their same affinity for elf culture. Emily, Jared, and the rest of the holiday crew quickly realize that the Johnsons aren't interested in joining in on the fun--they plan to take over. Image:  Tw
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Did Hallmark's "One Royal Holiday" Remind You a Little of Cinderella?

Summary:  A woman offers a stranded mother and son shelter in a blizzard, but after learning they're a royal family, she shows the prince how they celebrate Christmas.

Starring:  Laura Osnes, Aaron Tveit, and Victoria Clark

Released:  2020

Aaron Tveit & Laura Osnes in One Royal Holiday.  Image:  Crown Media

One Royal Holiday--A Modern Cinderella Story

No spells are cast in One Royal Holiday to transform pumpkins into carriages and mice into horses, but the movie still delights fans with Cinderella-esque overtones.

  • The animated, storybook opening scene pulls viewers into the fairytale.
  • Anna's mom died when she was still in school, so she was raised by her dad.
  • A prince sweeps a girl off her feet.
  • The two share a carriage ride.
  • Our couple attends a ball, and Anna's dress is lovelier than anything a fairy godmother could whip together.
  • The pair waltz at the ball.
  • James lives in a castle.
  • The best part--James gives Anna an official pair of princess slippers that are the exact fit!
Castle scenes were shot at a real castle in Woodstock, Connecticut.

The story has many modern twists, however.  Anna is a successful nurse, not someone living in rags under the heavy hand of a cruel stepmother.  In fact, Anna happily encourages her father to pursue the inn's chef, Diane, who has been with the family for years.

Anna is very independent, not a helpless woman who needs rescued, and she and James share a synergistic relationship.  She helps him learn to open up and try new things, and he embodies all that a gentleman should be.  He opens doors for her, lifts her into the carriage, and treats her like a lady.


A Look at the Cast of One Royal Holiday

Prince James of Galwick is played by Aaron Tveit (pronounced Tuh-VATE), and despite his convincing English accent, he is an American actor from Middletown, New York.  He is also a singer and has starred frequently on Broadway, which is how he knew Laura Osnes.  In One Royal Holiday, Tveit is dashing and debonair--aside from the clump of hair that frequently falls into his face.

Image:  Crown Media

The character of Anna Jordan is brought to life by long-time Broadway star, Laura Osnes, who starred in the title role of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella.  She received a Drama Desk Award and Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

Hallmark fans may remember Osnes most for her roles in A Homecoming for the Holidays and In the Key of Love.

Osnes and Tveit share amazing chemistry in the movie, and the audience is given an extra special treat--the two recorded Winter Wonderland together, which you can listen to here:


Victoria Clark nails her role as the Queen of Galwick.  Not only is she regal and stately, she is also very down-to-earth. In fact, she seems to relish the opportunity to do things for herself and blend in with regular people.  She is ever gracious and generous, like a good queen should be!  

Clark is yet another Broadway veteran who, like Osnes, played in a Broadway production of Cinderella, but in the role of the Fairy Godmother. 

Victoria Clark plays Queen Gabriella of Galwick

If there's one thing Broadway stars love to do, it's sing, and our talented cast had a chance to do just that in their rendition of Christmas carols throughout the movie.

One Royal Holiday is a sweet movie that appeals to your inner princess!

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This quiz has 11 questions--see how well you do!




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