The Royal Treatment Parent Guide

If you believe the commercials, the right hair products and a killer haircut are the doorway to a life of good looks, happiness, and popularity. For Prince Thomas (Mena Massoud), a single haircut revolutionizes his life – and his kingdom.

Heir to the throne of Lavania, Prince Thomas is in New York City, preparing for his upcoming wedding to Lauren (Phoenix Connolly), daughter of a Texas tycoon. Overdue for a haircut, the prince asks his butler, Walter (Cameron Rhodes), to arrange one immediately. Mistaking a rundown family salon for an elite establishment, Walter winds up on the phone with spunky Italian-American hairdresser Isabella (Laura Marano). With the prospect of a $500 haircut in front of her, Izzy heads for the prince’s suite, clippers in tow.

The meeting is a surprise for both young people. Izzy is appalled by Prince Thomas’s oblivious privilege, but the prince is intrigued by the young woman’s outspokenness and integrity. A quarrel ensues but one thing follows another and soon Izzy and her colleagues, Lola and Destiny (Grace Bentley-Tsibuah and Chelsie Preston Crayford) , are en route to Lavania as the hair and make-up experts for the royal wedding.

Let me be clear: this is not an interesting film. Isabella and Thomas don’t have much in the way of chemistry and neither of them act terribly well. Laura Marano is perky and Mena Massoud has impressive puppy dog eyes but that’s about as good as it gets. To be fair, the script doesn’t give them much to work with and the storyline is so insipid that it will probably only appeal to 12 year olds. Fortunately, the movie is suitable for young teens, with the only content issues being the dozen-plus minor profanities and some brief social drinking.

Amidst the overall inanity, the story provides a few plot threads that will keep you wondering before they are resolved. I had two big questions while watching this movie. First, why on earth is Walter pushing his royal employer into the orbit of an American hairdresser? And, second, why would any royal family allow their scion to wed the daughter of social-climbing nouveau riche Texans? It’s a good thing these issues recur in the film because, heaven knows, the limp romance will struggle to hold your attention.

If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s safe to watch with your teens, The Royal Treatment fits the bill. But if you’re looking for good romantic comedy, one that’s intriguing, funny, and has a believable relationship between well-rounded characters, you’re going to have to keep searching