by Kristin Ciliberto, Contributing Writer
Former Disney Channel star of the show Austin and Ally, Laura Marano, is the star of one of Netflix’s latest romantic comedies, The Royal Treatment. Her co-star and leading man is from the 2019 live action remake of Aladdin, Mena Massoud. Before you press play on Netflix, just ask, is The Royal Treatment worth it? A New York hairdresser, Izzy (Marano), owns a salon and is very outspoken — she is given the chance to cut the hair of Prince Thomas (Massoud) of Lavania ahead of his royal wedding. This all causes sparks to fly between the two and them, wanting to take control of their destiny, but of course following their hearts.
Marano and her sister, Vanessa Marano along with their mother Ellen Marano served as producers on the film. Despite how nice the family can come together on the project, the delivery in the end isn’t as pleasing. Director,Rick Jacobson was a questionable choice to take on this project. His previous works include directing episodes of shows including Ash vs Evil Dead, Baywatch, and Xena: Warrior Princess. He did direct some action films in the ‘90s and returned in the 2000s to direct. His last feature was in 2009, and given his past career work, it makes anyone wonder, why now? For a director to take risks, it can be exciting, but this just doesn’t feel right. The delivery and presentation seemed as if he was stuck in the early 2000s of rom-coms, and just did a paint-by-number portrait. The film pulled off a similar cliché ending of He’s All That.
Marano performs one of the worst Italian and New York accents — it’s just as bad as Jared Leto’s House of Gucci. The leads don’t make each other shine, and their chemistry comes off as flat as cardboard. It’s impossible at times to even see them as a couple given how hard they try to play off each other. Dare I also mention the most annoying performances from Marano’s hair salon friends, Destiny (Chelsie Preseton Crayford) and Lola (Grace Bently-Tsibuah), who accompany her on the trip. They are just so annoying to listen to. As sweet as her friends are, my goodness they were over the top. Just think of Merryweather, Flora, and Fauna from Sleeping Beauty, but on a sugar high. Given what the actors work with, the script doesn’t deliver much justice either. Holly Hester presents dialogue that feels uninspiring and leaves plot holes that don’t ever get answered. Many questions don’t get answered, and the ending of the film is completely rushed.
The Royal Treatment wants to target mature audiences. However, it works better for audiences between eight and 16 years old. This is the kind of film anyone could find at their local drug store or at a cheap rental from Redbox. It’s bland and cookie cutter despite how innocent and charming it wants to be. Nice try, Marano family and Jacobson. The end results will just remain in the dust of other forgettable Netflix romantic comedies like Desperados and The Wrong Missy.
Grade: D+