Red, White & Royal Blue has progressive representation but a formulaic story. There's blunt exposition, phony dialogue, complete predictability, broad humor, and minimized obstacles. The characters are underdeveloped with basic motivations, hurried emotions, no subtext, mild themes, thin stakes, and spotty drama. The tone is saccharine and vulnerability is fleeting, so it all feels whitewashed. Plus, the simplified, underutilized, and easy political angle only furthers that sanitization. The acting supplies fair chemistry and believable range despite the cheesy script. Overall, Red, White & Royal Blue has some good intentions, but its approach is impersonal, contrived, and cliche.
Technically, Red, White & Royal Blue is stale. The cinematography has some stylized moments, yet is mostly flat. Its editing adds poppy montages, jump cuts, and intercuts, but also rushed pacing, clunky momentum, and brief resolution. The simple sound uses passing voiceovers, muting, and split cuts. Its soundtrack is primarily generic and cheap. Similarly, the production design and unconvincing effects are noticeably limited by the low budget. Finally, while the cast offers refreshing diversity, its fame and experience are rather sparse. Ultimately, Red, White & Royal Blue serves a purpose and is generally a positive for equality, but its artistic skill is below-average.
Writing: 3/10
Direction: 3/10
Cinematography: 4/10
Acting: 6/10
Editing: 4/10
Sound: 5/10
Score/Soundtrack: 4/10
Production Design: 3/10
Casting: 4/10
Effects: 3/10
Overall Score: 3.9/10
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