August 13, 2023 | 7:23pm
“Red, White & Royal Blue” Receives Mixed Reviews as LGBTQ Rom-Com
The new LGBTQ romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” is garnering attention, but not all of it is positive. While the film is based on a popular novel that has gained millions of views on TikTok, it seems that a career-worst performance from Uma Thurman is overshadowing the film’s potential.
The movie, directed by Matthew Lopez and produced by Greg Berlanti, follows the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, a bisexual law school student who is also the “first son” of the United States. When Alex accidentally causes an international scandal with Prince Henry of the fictional British royal family, the two are forced to pretend to be best friends to mitigate the media crisis during Alex’s mom’s re-election bid.
The film explores the challenges faced by the two leads, Alex and Henry, as they navigate a relationship that must be kept secret due to their public personas. The comedic moments arise from the lengths they go to hide their love, including Henry hiding in Alex’s hotel room wardrobe.
Despite the film’s faults, Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine deliver winsome performances that save the movie. The chemistry between the two actors shines, and their portrayal of the characters is praised by critics.
However, the film’s shallow politics and a drawn-out second half are notable criticisms. Additionally, Uma Thurman’s performance as President Claremont falls flat, with her Texas accent being particularly poorly received. Some argue that the role would have been better-suited for actresses such as Connie Britton, Reese Witherspoon, or Sandra Bullock.
The character of President Claremont itself is also seen as inconsistent. While the intention may have been to present her as multi-faceted, it instead comes across as poorly-written and ping-ponging between cold ambition and down-to-earth moments.
Despite these flaws, “Red, White & Royal Blue” still manages to deliver amusing jokes, a cute relationship, and a heartwarming rom-com experience. While it may not be perfect, it offers a fun and enjoyable watch for fans of the genre.