Dance instructor Chelsea Jones (Danica McKellar) spends her days inspiring kids to find themselves through dance. Adopted as a child, Chelsea doesn’t have many memories of her birth mother who passed away when she was only 5 years old. The discovery of a photograph of her mother, suggests that Chelsea’s biological father might still be alive and a note on it leads her to Havenshire in England. As she investigates her biological parents, Chelsea is pulled into the orbit of Prince Phillip (Oliver Rice), who she agrees to teach how to dance ahead of his planned very public proposal.
‘A Cinderella Christmas Ball’ ticks all of the boxes that Great American Family viewers will be looking for from their festive movies; it’s sentimental, heartfelt and features a romance with British royalty. It’s established in the opening minutes that Chelsea has made a good life for herself after being adopted and the children and families she works with, have similar backgrounds and experiences to her. She’s overwhelmed when they club together to pay for her trip to Havenshire, gifting her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the process.
Chelsea hasn’t been in Havenshire for long when she encounters Prince Phillip in a pub, but she’s no idea who he is. When their paths cross again and Chelsea is hired to teach the Prince to dance, the two learn more from one another than either expects. Chelsea observes the Prince balancing his royal duties with his heart, while Chelsea is surprised when love shows up knocking during her trip to find out more about her parents. Despite being worlds apart, Chelsea and the Prince discover they actually have quite a lot in common.
Lead star Danica McKellar, who co-wrote the screenplay for the film, is a staple of the holiday movie. Her warm personality always elevates everything she’s in and as Chelsea she’s perfect. McKellar’s strength is being able to tap into the emotional undercurrent of her character, and she’s a gifted actress with convincing range. There is a believable chemistry between McKellar and Oliver Rice as Prince Phillip, and surprisingly the love story between the characters feels thoroughly fleshed out before the inevitable conclusion.
Perhaps more interesting though is Chelsea investigating her biological parents. There’s a mystery element that viewers can get involved in, and the storyline is genuinely heartwarming. The film shines a spotlight on adoption, and the important part people who adopt play in shaping the lives of the young people that so desperately need them.
‘A Cinderella Christmas Ball’ does exactly what it needs to – it makes you misty-eyed, it reminds you of how important family is and it delivers a sweeping romance you can get lost in this Christmas. Sure the plot beats may be fairly obvious but the winning charm of McKellar is reason enough to buckle up for the ride and just go with it. Who doesn’t love a festive romance with British royalty involved?
Cast: Danica McKellar, Oliver Rice, Niamh Carolan Director: Don McBrearty Writers: Marcy Holland, Danica McKellar Certificate: Unrated Duration: 85 mins Released by: Great American Family Release date: 29th November 2024
‘A Cinderella Christmas Ball’ premieres Friday 29th November 2024 at 8/7c on Great American Family as part of Great American Christmas 2024. Find out more at https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/movie/a-royal-christmas-ball-wt/.
