Reacting to Red, White & Royal Blue - The Movie
Added 2023-08-12 05:49:56 +0000 UTCHey beautiful people,
Strap yourselves in for this monster of a reaction... by far the longest reaction I've ever made. We've been waiting to watch RWRB for a while now, but did it live up to the hype? What parts did you love and what parts did you miss?
See you in the comments!
Love, always ♥️
Comments
I enjoyed your reaction and appreciate your laughter and recognition of just how cute Alex and Henry are depicted. I benefitted from seeing the movie first. My husband and I watched and were so captivated that when it ended, we immediately watched it again. We LOVED how well the movie moved the story forward. A Rom Com is usually 90-100 minutes long. This was a full two hours, truly very rare for a Rom Com. I absolutely love that it was a Rom Com with many many laugh out loud moments that also had numerous poignant moments that took it deeper than the average Rom Com. The chemistry of Alex and Henry was OFF THE CHARTS. I loved the movie as a movie A LOT. Then I read the book, and loved the book as a book. Of course I enjoyed how print allowed the lengthy romantic emails to be developed in full. And I enjoyed the June character a lot and that Bea was more dimensional - Powder Princess and all. But because of the order that I took in the source material, I truly see the two pieces as quite distinct. Matthew Lopez's direction was in my view quite brilliant. And he has explained in many interviews that he saw this as a story about Henry and Alex and that he had to cut out anything and everything that didn't advance the Henry and Alex story, even though that resulted in brutal editing that I quite understand why you didn't like. BTW, he intentionally made them older. Alex is in Georgetown Law School, not college.
Brad
2024-11-20 22:47:02 +0000 UTCI am in the middle of bingeing your back catalogue having just found your Patreon! The biggest disappointment for me was the ‘fluffy’ treatment of Bea - making her younger than Henry, removing her drug-addiction - we missed so much of the nuance behind Henry’s thinking about the media, being gay, the loss of his dad, and the strength of the relationship between the two of them (opposed to Phillip and the Queen/King). I will always think of this movie as a beautiful rom-com, standing out as the happily-ever-after fluff that we all like but with queer characters - but I kind of separate it from the book as two separate stories.
Lunaalways
2024-06-23 08:38:41 +0000 UTCYes, it is a lovely film. Many tears. “I ‘ll break the sound barrrier for you.”
OliverJohnAuthor
2023-10-02 17:18:45 +0000 UTCAfter reading the comments I wonder if I should just stop reading the book so as not to diminish my love of the movie. I'm about a third of the way into the book but I'm not reading it very fast. I absolutely loved the movie, the characters/casting, the chemistry, all of it. I agree, I wish it was longer or like a limited series. It did feel rushed at times. I know we all have our own opinions and I absolutely respect all of yours but I think for me at least, it ranks up there in my top 5 favorite LGBT+ movies.
Joe Lancaster
2023-09-15 00:53:06 +0000 UTC@GROOVYGADGET I totally agree with you on that note. The movie was really well done. Mathew Lopez did an excellent job with casting Nicholas and Taylor as the leads. Their chemistry was undeniable. Overall, this romcom exceeded my expectations! A job well done!!!
JASON ALEXANDER
2023-09-11 02:44:23 +0000 UTCLOVE A GOOD CRUMPET!
LM-Entertainment Australia
2023-09-01 21:42:02 +0000 UTCHi Diane - yes, Stephen Fry is Mr. UK Clever Cloggs. I would have loved to SEE Mr. Fry actually make a physical appearence as the headmaster in 'Heartstopper', rather than just hear his voice only. I feel a bit 'short changed' that he has never made an appearance ...... yet! Season 3 perhaps? Probably not!
Michael
2023-09-01 11:11:52 +0000 UTCDame Helen Mirren for me! She was outstanding I thought in the film 'The Queen'.
Michael
2023-09-01 11:01:23 +0000 UTCLove this! I didn't know that!
Jackie-Ross Lavender
2023-08-29 11:29:41 +0000 UTCI just have to call out that Zara is played by the iconic Sarah Shahi, who played every lesbians favourite character in The L Word series. She is a queer icon in her own right, and does a great job in this movie
Beach gurl Bi
2023-08-29 07:38:23 +0000 UTCCan't help but do so when it's an adaptation of a book I adore, sorry! If it was a stand alone film it would be different
Jackie-Ross Lavender
2023-08-24 17:23:30 +0000 UTCYou keep comparing it to the book instead of just judging the movie on its own. You're setting yourself up for disappointment by doing that.
GroovyGadget
2023-08-24 17:06:27 +0000 UTCOk as an avid fiction reader after seeing the film and watching these reviews I was desperate to read the novel. Figuring since I loved the film the book would be a great improvement. Nope Honestly, I'm not a fan of her writing style though the historical quotes were a huge addition. Truly felt June and Nora were not fully developed so the merger into one character was completely clear. The intrigue of Richards political espionage with Luna and the sexual harassment seemed contrived. Not that I didn't enjoy the book. I truly did. That said I honestly don't blame the screenwriters for making the cut choices they did to fit a feature film. That said I agree this would have made a better limited series but given the constraints I'm very pleased with the adaptation choices and the casting. Sorry all
Trey Cummins
2023-08-18 20:22:55 +0000 UTCRed, White & Royal Blue director explains the biggest changes between the movie and the book. https://ew.com/movies/red-white-royal-blue-director-changes-book-to-movie/
Ingrid Machado Pena
2023-08-16 01:16:21 +0000 UTCAgree with you 100%. I have just started re-reading the book again, about the fourth or fifth time now and for the same reason.
Graham & Ruth May
2023-08-15 21:44:03 +0000 UTCEven though I made my husband watch the movie with me Friday night, I didn’t have a chance to catch your reaction until the weekend was over. Here are stream of consciousness notes I made while watching with you: * The actor playing Alex reads as 30-something definitely not an undergrad, though I guess they rewrote his character to be a law student. Still he’s also too tall and doesn’t secretly wear glasses, which Henry seemed charmed to discover. * As someone who grew up in Texas, I’m adamant that Uma’s accent is ridiculous. More Deep South than Hill Country/West Texas grit. Also her hair isn’t nearly big enough to be a Texas politician. * You’re not misremembering the journalist relationship with Alex. It’s one of the major changes from the book. I think the character is an amalgamation of the Post reporter June slept with and Rafael Luna, the openly gay Colorado senator. * Supposed Texas Hill Country exteriors are too lush, the trees too tall, and the ground isn’t rocky enough. Definitely appear to have been shot in England. * Hate they cut out June, erased Nora’s sexuality, and took away Bea’s edge. Overall it’s a lightweight, bi-gay Hallmark/Lifetime-esque romcom. I don’t see myself watching again. Still love the book, which I’ve read three times now. Twice in the first year after its release. And just last week as prep for the film. Might have to give it a fourth read to banish the bad taste of the movie.
Mark Edwards
2023-08-15 06:19:59 +0000 UTCRevisionist history on the director's part. Filming wrapped in August 2022 several weeks before Elizabeth II died.
Mark Edwards
2023-08-15 05:28:39 +0000 UTCIt was rated R (no one under 17 in the US) by the MPA. I gather there was a lot of push back about that. I kinda agree.
Douglas Rayner
2023-08-15 02:23:27 +0000 UTCIt was the number one film in the US on Prime Video today. I heard it reached number on in the world over the weekend.
Douglas Rayner
2023-08-15 02:22:06 +0000 UTCThis book *truly* deserved a limited series 😭😭😭 With the two-hour time constraint, they ended up having to kind of hamstring so much of the foundational character+worldbuilding content that makes the main love story interesting in the first place. I think Taylor and Nick did an amazing job of working with what they were given, but you’re 100% right Jackie—the book is so much more than a simple romcom romp, and a lot of that beautiful depth is lost in such a hyper-condensed format.
Sylvia
2023-08-14 01:59:41 +0000 UTCI really enjoyed the film. Lots of tears. Same when I read the book, but since that was quite a while ago, I wasn't as aware of the things that were left out (except maybe, June not being there). I'd also like to say that the sex scene was beautifully filmed, a very realistic gay sex scene, while keeping it tame enough for an Amazon Prime audience.
Douglas Rayner
2023-08-14 00:25:08 +0000 UTCAbsolutely agree. Because I’m a greedy, greedy person and because I did enjoy the movie so much, I do wish it was a show BUT like you, all the things that were missing for those who had read the book are 🤷🏻♀️ to me so I still truly enjoyed the movie. Enjoyed the second watch with this reaction and would definitely watch it again.
Laura Ibarra
2023-08-13 12:17:25 +0000 UTCI watched it yesterday a bit, but I think with heartstopper in my mind, this one has no chance to get me. Maybe I will finish it today... 🙈😊😘
Prinsassy
2023-08-13 11:53:53 +0000 UTCI love your take on it. I enjoyed the movie, but had low expectations. Second time watching (while watching your reaction), and I still laughed and felt the feels. So it's holds up for me. I loved the actors they chose for the roles. Like you, kinda wish they had aged Stephen Fry a little, but not too fussed. I LOVE that Stephen Fry has roles in both this and Heartstopper. If he is just gonna have cameo roles in LGBTQIA+ movies and TV shows for the rest of his career, I'm here for it. Bummed by some of the things the cut, other bits not as much. I feel it still hits key points, they just might not hit as strong. So I'm gonna start re-reading the book again tonight. Hello no sleep Sunday lol. But I do want to feel the full depth of these characters again. PS....Australia has crumpets and I LOVE them! And I LOVE that they met in Melbourne in the movie, my home city.
Jess Thompson
2023-08-13 10:27:17 +0000 UTCHonestly, now I’m American which isn’t really an excuse. Plus up until last Summer I had been apparently living under a rock but had never heard of Stephen Fry. Last year I was obsessed with Top Gun Maverick and was all over YouTube watching cast interviews. Somewhere along the line I came across Graham Norton and I saw Stephen Fry on there. I’ll try to find “Peter’s Friends”, Thanks
Diane Furlong
2023-08-13 08:52:45 +0000 UTCHonestly, dating myself here,. If you haven't seen him in Peter's Friends, you haven't really enjoyed Stephen Fry. I adore him but with Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh omg
Trey Cummins
2023-08-13 08:12:45 +0000 UTCI didn't even think about Alex outing Henry. It just would have made more sense to have the speech after the scene with the king and then go straight into the election.
Rosie Dickinson
2023-08-13 07:29:43 +0000 UTCIt’s interesting that Stephen Fry is in this movie and Heartstopper. He went from Headmaster to King 😁
Diane Furlong
2023-08-13 02:15:22 +0000 UTCMy previous opinions agreeing with wanting a series and it's still a good movie still stand. Watching this again via this reaction, one of the main things that throw me off is Alex publicly talking about the leaks and his relationship with Henry without any direct communication first. Others point this out too. I understand that they both get outed at the same time, but even if the Crown is "in the wrong" for trying to sweep it under the rug they are rightfully not saying anything about it. To me, Alex confirming their relationship before directly consulting Henry is an outing in itself.
Penthilus
2023-08-12 22:15:21 +0000 UTCThat's true, never thought of it that way
Audrey Gunn
2023-08-12 21:18:27 +0000 UTCSorry for the long post. I had a similar reaction to a lot of the other comments. There were a few specifics that bothered me in the adaption. The movie itself is a fun and fluffy rom com and I would watch it again but as an adaption…I had some issues. I think my main issue was the lack of his thought process around coming out. I really liked his brain process in the book and thought it was really accurate for being bi (from my own experience). I was looking forward to the call with Liam and the awkwardness of it. I was also looking forward to his relationship with Raphael Luna and the conversation where he comes out to him. The response from Luna sucks at first but was very accurate to some intercommunity bi-erasure that still exists. Also I really liked their mentor-mentee relationship and didn’t really like his relationship with Miguel. It just felt forced. I have no problem switching out June for Nora as both are fab characters but if you are only going to have one either kinda works in different ways. But the holiday in Texas seemed odd. Why go on holiday with your friends and your father? If it had still been June than it is a family holiday and if they had been divorced it would have been visiting his dad but without both of those I found it a bit odd. Finally at the end of the film you have Alex’s speech confirming the relationship and the then King saying that they can deny it. No one mentions that Alex has already confirmed it which would reflect badly on Alex. I know the king does not really care but Alex definitely would and it would damage US/UK relations to basically call the first son a liar. It is a fun movie but I need to divorce it from the book in my head.
Rosie Dickinson
2023-08-12 19:42:03 +0000 UTCI think Olivia Coleman is younger than Stephen Fry so that would have the same issues with age. I would actually like to see Eileen Atkins. I think she would have been fantastic.
Rosie Dickinson
2023-08-12 19:39:58 +0000 UTCOlivia Colman definitely, she's already shown how well she can play the Queen.
Audrey Gunn
2023-08-12 17:57:59 +0000 UTCOh. Forgot to add- Jackie, you asked why they changed the Queen to the King... And I believe the director said they did it out of respect for the passing of the irl Queen. Tho this could be a fun thought experiment. If it had stayed as The Queen, who would we have liked to be casted? My brain goes to Olivia Colman or Dame Maggie Smith... But I'm sure there are others better suited
Michael D
2023-08-12 17:52:27 +0000 UTCBravo and couldn't agree more
Trey Cummins
2023-08-12 17:37:30 +0000 UTCBy the way, there was a brief clip after the credits that you missed. Just in the interest of completeness.
Lane Wright
2023-08-12 17:19:45 +0000 UTCI definitely agree about the lighting and other technical points. I think it has a lot to do with Matthew Lopez’s background as a playwright and stage director. A lot of the scenes very much felt like they were coordinated to be on a stage set rather than in a movie. Like, it felt like painted scenery rather than natural CGI. And I also felt it with the character’s marks and dialogue in some scenes. The acting felt more like it was being portrayed on a stage and not as if we were watching real people.
Charlie
2023-08-12 16:51:38 +0000 UTCExactly.
Graham & Ruth May
2023-08-12 16:46:46 +0000 UTCAgreed. I hope you really love the book when you do read it. It’s a book that means a lot to me and I want to go back to it now.
Graham & Ruth May
2023-08-12 16:45:56 +0000 UTCFrom reading the previous comments, and from what you said in your reaction, I think I made the right decision not to read the book before I watched the movie. (That’s the same way I felt about “Love, Simon” and “Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda”: I loved the movie and then loved the book despite some lovely things being omitted from the film.) None of the things that were left out in this film mean anything to me, and everything that was in made perfect sense to me, so making the changes did not render the film unintelligible or unsatisfying for me. Unlike some others, I thought the chemistry between the two leads was very strong. It ended up being a very enjoyable film to watch with some terrific humor, as well as plenty of heart. I particularly enjoyed Sarah Shahi as Zahra, with her impeccable comic timing in all of her scenes. And I liked the music choices, especially “If I Loved You” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” Finally, watching the movie made me want to read the book even more, and that in itself is a kind of success.
Lane Wright
2023-08-12 16:40:33 +0000 UTCHaven’t watched the reaction but very much looking forward to it. Was reading some of the comments and from someone who didn’t read the book, I also wish it would have been a series. I enjoyed the film but wanted more. They had such great chemistry and I wanted more.
Laura Ibarra
2023-08-12 15:58:32 +0000 UTCOkay, I went into this film reading the book and hoping it would come over as well as it did in the film, however, I also went into this film after reading so many comments as to how it wasn't the same, how so much had been cut that should have been there so I was prepared for that. That being said, I agree with a lot of what you have all said, I thought it would have been a great rom-com if it hadn't been based on a book as it had everything, two guys meet who hate each other at first, from vastly different backgrounds who by the end have overcome this to fall in love and seemingly live happily ever after. Like I said, perfect room-com BUT there was so much more of this story to be told, so much of the turmoil going on in the boys minds, how they struggled with the fact that they couldn't, in Henry's mind, ever be together and how it took so much out of them to eventually get to that point. I think they two leads were good, I didn't however feel that they had much chemistry between them, I don't know what it was but they just didn't seem to fit together as well as they should have. I may enjoy it more the second time round which will be when I watch your reaction Jackie but at lot was missed out, even if they gave it another half hour it could have been fleshed out better, we'll never know now though. All in, I think I will stick to listening to the book in future instead of watching the film.
Audrey Gunn
2023-08-12 15:33:56 +0000 UTCAgreed! I wrote a semi long response too. It just felt necessary to get out what I was feeling after this rewatch/reaction. I also got pulled out of the bad CGI shots, it initially made me dislike Alex's father bc his intro to us, the viewers, is on the balcony of the "White House" with the awful green screen of the front lawn and sunset. The other notably bad green screen, for me, was their love making night when they were at the window looking at the Eiffel Tower... I have given both instances some thought, plus deeper inspection, and I've come to the conclusion that both times is not due to the choice to use green screen itself. But rather the lighting they opted to use on set in those instances did not lend itself to helping any ounce of integration with the eventual bg replacement. Bright white light rim lighting their faces when they are looking outside a night time window? Or strong industrial lighting on Alex and his dad's face when they are meant to be in a sunset getting that lovely orange/purple/pink glow? Come on. Those are not budget limitations, but rather poor planning and even poor-er execution. Sorry this turned into a bit of a rant... Ultimately great points. I agree with them. (tho I'll add that Nora was one of my favourites, but I do wish we also had June)
Michael D
2023-08-12 15:19:30 +0000 UTCHonestly, I just want to go back and read the book again now. As enjoyable as this was, the book is just so much deeper and emotionally developed. But if the movie inspires more people to read the book, then I consider that a win
Charlie
2023-08-12 15:02:19 +0000 UTCIt’s one of my favorite scenes and I was disappointed they cut it. It was the first time Alex started to see behind the public facade of Henry and sees him as a real person
Charlie
2023-08-12 15:00:43 +0000 UTCSorry, this is going to be a long comment 😬 I definitely agree that this could and should have been either much longer or a limited tv series. My guess is they pivoted to movie because they wanted to avoid being totally lumped in with Young Royals and Heartstopper. The limitations with a film meant cutting SO much of the book out, or making changes that were questionable. My biggest issues are: 1) They should have kept June and not Nora if they needed to only have one of the two. It makes no sense to keep Nora if they don’t allude to her previous relationship with Alex or they don’t keep the full White House Trio. Nora acted in a sisterly role here, so why not just keep June instead? Same with Percy/Pez and with Bea. What was the point of keeping them if they were only going to give them minimal lines? 2) They cut out waaaayyy too much of their emails and the build up of their friendship into romance. There was so much there that could have leant itself to deeper character development of Alex and Henry individually, as well as a deeper understanding of their love for one another. As you said, it was very rushed. And the email exchanges were so beautifully written in the book and it’s such a shame to lose those moments. 3) They focused way too much on the American politics. I know that’s how it is in the book, since it’s told from Alex’s POV. But the movie had the chance to balance that and give us more of Henry as a person, as well as what the ramifications of their relationship meant for him and his family. They assumed we would infer it, based on all the public understands of the royals, but it would have been better to see it. 4) If you’re going to cast Stephen Fry, you better utilize him appropriately. I agree he’s a bit young to be their grandfather, given how old Henry is/supposed to be. But that could have been overlooked if we actually got more of the conflict within the royal family and the attempted damage control. 5) I have some issues with the bad CGI and green screen. I get they had a limited budget, but some of the settings were so unrealistic they pulled me out of the story. I’ve watched the movie a couple of times now. I do enjoy it better now than I did at first viewing, maybe because I’ve come to terms with the fact that this is more “inspired by” the book, rather than an adaptation. The movie is enjoyable for what it is, but it could have been SO much better.
Charlie
2023-08-12 14:58:03 +0000 UTCI was a bit late to the party on this book/movie so when I realized the movie was coming out so soon I stopped reading it. It is typically just so hard for a movie adaptation to live up to the original book so I can def relate to your comment here and I'm looking forward to finishing the book now.
Joe Lancaster
2023-08-12 14:42:40 +0000 UTCI was wondering about that also and I haven't finished the book yet but I do remember reading that scene too.
Joe Lancaster
2023-08-12 14:36:49 +0000 UTCYeah, that scene must definitely have been cut. I have already made some previous comments and I haven’t really changed my opinion watching this again with you. It’s an enjoyable experience and Taylor, I thought really held the whole thing together, somewhat surprising, as I originally thought he would be the weaker actor of the two leads. I found it fun, occasionally touching. The book is awesome, completely wonderful and I was much more invested in it, couldn’t stop thinking about it after finishing it, still thinking about it now and no doubt, that’s affected my response to the film.
Graham & Ruth May
2023-08-12 14:12:24 +0000 UTCIn the trailer, there was a scene of them sharing ice cream in the kitchen. It must be on the cutting room floor.
Kim Engel
2023-08-12 13:24:23 +0000 UTCI thought she was spot on with the accent and mannerisms as well. All she needed was to throw a “bless your heart” in there and then it’s perfect.
Diane Furlong
2023-08-12 12:54:24 +0000 UTCI think Uma is playing the perfect Southern Mama who happens to be the POTUS. Since I haven’t read the book I realize that I’m only seeing this from one perspective but I loved the story! I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. That final scene brought me to tears. Thanks for reacting to this.
Diane Furlong
2023-08-12 12:07:59 +0000 UTCThis is a nice way to start the day. It’s 6:30 here in NY so let’s see the American/ British love story.
Diane Furlong
2023-08-12 10:32:04 +0000 UTCI did really enjoy the movie and will return to watch again. Seems like they were given a 2 hour “budget” and they did a great job of getting the story in but longer would have been better. You made a comment about hearing that Austin was lovely. I have lived in Austin for 30 years and do love it… as a liberal, the only place I would live in Texas. The Austin stuff in the book and in the movie are pretty accurate! Hope you get to come and experience Austin…just don’t come in the summer when it is 40C+.
Susan
2023-08-12 10:22:49 +0000 UTCI agree with your final assessment. I enjoyed the movie, wish it was longer or was instead a limited series. Maybe a 6 part series where each ep is an hour. My main qualms were with pacing and some of the dialogue felt choppy. Could just be a general criticism of the editing down to try and stay under 2 hrs. I believe I read somewhere that the director's initial edit was 3 hrs long... Where did that extra hour go? The acting was very good. I liked the chemistry of the main two- Taylor/Alex & Nick/Henry, Uma/Madame President was fine, Stephen/the King was fine. Philip could go trip down some stairs... 😏 Nora and Bea deserved much more than they got. Miguel... Did not need to be added to the film as there were others existing in the book that would of been better, but I see why he was, since they needed a reason for the emails to be discovered and released (he def did it). I mentioned this to some friends, I feel that this movie is also getting a disservice b/c we have the easy comparison of Heartstopper that has been nailing it on all fronts. Where in doing so, this movie just leaves you wanting more since we know it could of been great, rather than just fine. Ultimately Red, White & Royal Blue will remain one of my favorite books to relisten to every couple of months. The movie... Maybe relegated to a rainy day, tear jerker if I'm in the right mood.
Michael D
2023-08-12 08:32:44 +0000 UTCOmg they got Rachel Maddow to do the reporting. That's the US version of Christiane Amanpour. The "most British version of throwing shade". Omg too funny. That said if they had spread it out for tv it would have been similar budget less production value and probably less known actors. Sometimes we have to take what we can get and hope they release the extended 3.5 hr version I hear was filmed. Further some book plot points and internal dialogue doesn't translate to screen. I'm just thrilled to have this
Trey Cummins
2023-08-12 06:25:35 +0000 UTCUma's accent is perfect. It's absolute texan but not overdone. Listen to an old video of Ann Richards the former governor of Tx or even Sandra bullock in The Blind Side. I'm not normally a huge Thurman fan but I honestly think she was perfect in this
Trey Cummins
2023-08-12 06:11:41 +0000 UTCLooking forward to seeing your reaction, watched the movie last night, am very familiar with the book so am interested to see if your reaction is similar to mine!
Berni Sweeney
2023-08-12 06:02:50 +0000 UTC
