Name: How to Win a Prince
Genre: TV Movie, Comedy, Romance
Released: 2023-09-03T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Anna Hopkins, Ryan Bruce, Ed Pinker, Alia DeSantis, Dianne Aguilar

The opening scene of How to Win a Prince sets the tone with Nina Bower (Anna Hopkins), a perpetually single dating coach, delivering a TED Talk-style lecture on modern romance. She’s charismatic, witty, and utterly convincing—until the camera pulls back to reveal she’s practicing in front of her bathroom mirror. It’s a self-aware moment that should be charming, but instead feels forced, a missed opportunity to ground the film’s central premise.

Directed by Graeme Campbell, this 2023 TV movie is a rom-com that tries to blend fairy-tale whimsy with contemporary dating satire. Nina is hired to help Prince Freddie (Ed Pinker) navigate New York City’s cutthroat dating scene, but the real twist is that she starts falling for his right-hand man, Edward Cotton (Ryan Bruce). The premise has potential—mixing class dynamics with modern romance—but the execution is uneven.

Where How to Win a Prince succeeds is in its cast. Anna Hopkins carries the film with her sharp delivery and undeniable screen presence. Her chemistry with Ryan Bruce is genuine, particularly in quieter moments where their banter feels organic rather than scripted. Ed Pinker, as the prince, delivers a performance that walks the fine line between awkward royalty and endearing sincerity. The supporting cast, including Alia DeSantis and Dianne Aguilar, add depth to the NYC dating scene with well-timed humor.

However, the film’s pacing stumbles in its second act. The romance between Nina and Edward feels rushed, and key emotional beats land with a thud rather than a heartfelt punch. A scene where Nina confesses her feelings to Edward is particularly underwhelming—Hopkins’ delivery lacks the vulnerability needed to make the moment resonate.

The biggest misstep is the film’s reliance on clichés. The “prince in disguise” trope has been done countless times, and How to Win a Prince doesn’t offer enough fresh perspective to stand out. The NYC dating scene is painted in broad strokes—glossy bars, overly competitive singles, and a soundtrack that leans too hard into trendy beats rather than evoking genuine atmosphere.

Visually, the film doesn’t distinguish itself either. Campbell’s direction is serviceable but uninspired. There are no standout shots or creative framing choices to elevate the material. The cinematography is functional, but it lacks the spark needed to make this rom-com feel distinct from others in the genre.

The ending, while predictable, offers a satisfying payoff for Nina and Edward’s relationship. However, it’s undercut by a final scene that feels tacked on—a grand gesture from Prince Freddie that contradicts his character arc. It’s a lazy resolution that undermines the film’s attempts at emotional depth.

How to Win a Prince isn’t a total misfire—it has moments of genuine charm and a cast that elevates the material. But it’s let down by pacing issues, clichéd storytelling, and uninspired direction.