Red, White and Royal Blue, and Gay.

I've got my review ready for 'Red, White and Royal Blue,' Amazon's latest gay film. I can't claim to have been overflowing with excitement; my exposure was limited to a few snippets on Twitter, (Elon you are not gonna make me say X), and that was it. Without any prior intention of watching it, I held rather modest expectations

'Red, White and Royal Blue' centers around Alex, the son of the USA president, and Henry, the prince of England. Their unexpected journey begins after an incident at Birmingham Palace forces them to spend time together, with the goal of amending the future of both the USA and England. However, it's not just about diplomacy; the film delves into themes of reconciliation, self-discovery, and, well, sex So, here's my take on the film – enjoy!

As always, I will be reviewing the acting, writing, direction and production.

The writing and acting, especially the chemistry between the characters, are truly exceptional. There's so much to admire in this film. Initially, I was a tad skeptical due to a shaky opening scene where Alex and Nora converse in a car. It seemed uncertain, and I could sense Taylor Zakhar Perez's nervousness in his expression and presence within the frame. My first thought was, "Uh-oh, this acting might not hold up." However, as the film progressed, Taylor's performance evolved; he became more natural and at ease. I'm left wondering if this initial scene was filmed separately from the rest, but regardless, I'm immensely relieved that Taylor surpassed my expectations.

Taylor's character is an exquisite gem, a Latino king who shines brightly. He embodies the essence of a frat boy, a dimension that gains significance later in the film. While one might anticipate his character to be callous about others' emotions, he proves to be a lovable and compassionate individual. The meticulous construction of his character is striking. There's a lack of growth in his journey once he acknowledges his feelings for the Prince, and his unwavering commitment to be with him is awe-inspiring. The humor infused in his character resonated with me, especially as a Latino viewer. Taylor's readiness to take risks and his fearlessness in the face of rejection are truly remarkable, particularly considering his lover's contrasting nature.

Henry, portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine, left a lasting impression on me. His portrayal was exceptional, and I found myself loving his character. His ability to embody the role of a brat was striking, and it introduced an unexpected layer to the film – something I wasn't anticipating, given that I haven't read the books. Henry's character deviated from my initial expectations. He's endearing and undergoes the most significant growth arc. While the film doesn't adopt his perspective, the writers skillfully depict his transformation from start to finish. It's evident that he evolves into a more audacious individual, even if his risks aren't as grand as Alex's, at the beginning of the film. His willingness to embrace change, even in small ways perceptible to us as viewers, speaks volumes about the depth of his character.

*Don't get me started on this one because at the party it was henry looking at him all lost and now it was Alex like ajskajksj*

Certainly, it's worth noting that the characters' stories aren't entirely flawless. A specific instance that caught my attention was Henry's recurring return to Alex seemingly for physical intimacy. It struck me as a bit unrealistic that Alex didn't pick up on this pattern, prompting a slight head tilt on my part. A simple addition, such as a line from Alex acknowledging Henry's attempt to guard against developing deeper emotions, could have added a touch of authenticity. While this doesn't detract significantly from the overarching narrative, a subtle adjustment could have added a layer of realism.

Turning to the topic of realism, I had anticipated a bit more familial tension within Alex's household. Drawing from my personal experience of growing up in a Hispanic family (without expecting any toxic elements), I had expected a certain degree of complexity. While not suggesting a portrayal of outright homophobia, a bit more nuanced challenge from Alex's father could have added a deeper dimension to the story. This isn't to say that the story lacks impact, but from my perspective, a bit more depth, derived from my familiarity with such dynamics, would have added an extra layer of authenticity. Now of course, I am talking about experience, as my parents never created a layer of homophobia or not willingness to accept, but rather my uncles. I am just saying, you know, shit like always.

Let's talk about Nora, portrayed by Rachel Hilson. Now, listen, y'all – Rachel has a knack for playing the eye-opener. It's commendable that she excels at being a good friend, but I've got to be real here: there's a sense of déjà vu in her performances. While she did a fine job, I'm eager to see her stretch her acting muscles in her next role. The puzzling part is how the writers seemed to relegate her character to a filler role. I find this confusing since the initial setup suggests a close bond between her and Alex. However, this closeness didn't quite translate on screen – at least not for me. With that said, let's move on. Everyone else truly delivered. Ms. Madam President – oh my goodness! Kudos to the writers for crafting such a dynamic character, and Uma Thurman's performance was nothing short of impressive. Her husband, equally endearing and laid-back, added a lovely touch. However, the side character who took me by surprise the most was Zahra. She was a delightful blend of humor, beauty, and all-around greatness. The writers really did a number with her character, dare I say, 8.

Shifting gears away from the characters and their performances, let's dive into the undeniable chemistry between our leads. "Better on the wall"? "I'll do bad things to you"? The flirting? It was pure perfection, I'm telling you. The chemistry between Taylor and Nicholas was sizzling hot, and their flirtatious exchanges were like culinary masterpieces – chef's kisses all around. They ate – no exaggeration, like they literally ate. - I'm fully aware of the demographic of my own blog - tehee.

*You can sense their chemistry in every scene, but this one for me was like the one that said OH THEY HAVE IT HAVE IT*

Humor undoubtedly plays a significant role in the story, contributing to the authenticity of their love. What's striking is that the humor isn't just confined to the characters' interactions; it's skillfully integrated into the director's choices as well. A prime example is the horse-riding scene – the close-ups on Henry galloping and then seamlessly transitioning to them in a room. It's an audacious choice that adds an element of surprise and delight, leaving me in awe. I absolutely love it when directors take bold creative steps like these.

There's another scene that had me in stitches – the one where Zahra advises Alex to envision a sunshine on Henry's back to deal with their tense situation. The cherry on top was her casually suggesting that Alex might have a vitamin D deficiency. It's these clever, unexpected moments that contribute to the film's overall charm.

*and the way that he literally ended up getting that sunshine, like he took it literal*

The humor woven throughout the narrative, whether in character interactions or directorial choices, elevates the love story to a more relatable and realistic level. It's these genuine, lighthearted moments that add depth to their connection and make 'Red, White and Royal Blue' such a compelling and enjoyable experience.

Now, there are three scenes that truly tugged at my heartstrings. First, the intimate sex scene. It felt authentic, Henry guiding Alex without a hint of shame for his uncertainty. The intimacy was so palpable that I found myself looking away – it was like stumbling upon a moment not meant for my eyes. As a queer viewer, this deeply resonated with me. I teared up because it's rare to witness something both intensely intimate and steamy – a powerful combination that left me emotional. The expressions and the hands movements, oh my lawd.

Second, the museum scene. I usually steer clear of cheesiness, but I held my breath as Alex waited downstairs. I silently pleaded for the scene to live up to my hopes – and boy, did it deliver! The dialogue was impeccable, and the delivery, especially Nicholas' lines, was on point. It was as if he took that script page and devoured it with gusto. And when they reached the museum, the way Alex danced with him – and Henry's realization of a lifelong dream, teary eyes... a poignant moment that hit me deeply.

Lastly, the "baby" scene. Let me tell you, I was on the verge of throwing up because I felt it in my bones. Henry's immediate concern, his voice trembling – it was an emotionally charged moment that left me in awe.

Ima pause my writing and watch the movie again. This wraps up my thoughts on these remarkable scenes.

I am back bchs. Let's shift our focus to the production and direction aspects – they were truly impressive. Now, I can't claim to have set foot in that English palace or even visited England, but the film transported me there. The cinematography was breathtaking, capturing every scene beautifully. However, I did have a slight "huh" moment during the scene where Alex is conversing with his father at the White House. The intense brightness of the green screen background was a tad distracting. Moving on to wardrobe, it was a standout element. Each character had a distinct attire that perfectly matched their personalities, and they fully embodied their chosen looks. And that party – my goodness! It was a thing of beauty. The scenery was impeccable, and the transition to the outdoor setting was a sight to behold. It felt like Amazon Studios was sending a clear message – "we're here for the gays this time around."

I'm sure there's more I could say, but I'll leave that to you to explore. Go ahead and watch the film – I'll be here waiting. Oh, and before I wrap this up, can we spare a moment for Miguel Ramos? I must admit, I don't really want to discuss that individual. A true monster, if you can even call him that. But, I have to acknowledge the role he played in bringing Henry and Alex closer. It's quite ironic – who ended up having the last laugh?

*Cowboy like me by Taylor Swift starts playing* this might end up being my "Until later" pic from now.

In conclusion, this film deserves a solid 98 out of 100. It's a legendary piece of work, with its exquisite dialogue, remarkable acting, and a cast of beautiful individuals, including those who identify as non-binary. Let's hope for more movies like this, striking a balance between passionate moments and romantic encounters. And yes, a crucial reminder – always prioritize protection!