‘ROMANCE IN STYLE’: THE HALLMARK CINDERELLA STORY EVERYONE RAVED OVER

An original for the “crown network,” Romance in Style takes place in the world of fashion.

Romance in Style (2022) Hallmark TV Film Review

Working temporarily at a fashion magazine company as a kind of go-to girl, Ella Richards (Jaicy Elliott) has an eye for design. When her work catches the eye of the magazines publisher, she is soon in a world she only dreams off. Derek Colby (Ben Hollingsworth) is the important new “man in charge” who receives a frosty reception from the editor Claudia (Laura Soltis). Still he happens to catch the eye of nearly every woman in the office only he has eyes for one of its most intriguing occupants.

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Introducing a new network leading lady, this contemporary high fashion film hints at shades of Cinderella. I don’t think the film builds on the fairy tale in any kind of “rulebook.” That said you have a heroine who’s a kind of underappreciated woman; a hero described as “the prince of publishing”; and an eligible bachelor, too; plus the “evil” character who wants to ruin the good girl. This is a plot the network has moved away from in recent years. There’s just obvious reflections of the fairy tale.

With exception to an “on the nose” line or two that overreaches, this has a decent script that’s an easy feel good genre. This is one of those films too that when airing received rave reviews. I don’t think I saw anyone say something bad about the film. Much of their praise was for a heroine. This isn’t my opinion but it’s easy to get caught up in. Like anything on the channel, the film does faulter.

Jaicy Elliott, this working as her Hallmark debut, is good in her role, which led to seeing more from her. Ben isn’t a regular leading man in these, but he’s always good. Some may be put off by Derek at first but it sets a good tone for his businessman “first impression” going the opposite. Full of interesting fashion and some flounders (some looks don’t work), Romance in Style is colorful and sweet.

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You can shop Romance in Style digitally on Amazon Video

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Content: the film is TV-G and doesn’t misuse that. There’s nothing outside the usual kissing.

Photos: Hallmark Channel / Hallmark Media