Princezna a půl království

Not nearly as toxic as it’s been usual in recent years. It has a fairly good starting point and also a couple of funny ideas that mostly revolve around the weird realm of King Egon. But it needs a bit more work on the visuals and to improve the performances so it wouldn’t scream so loudly that everything “is just like”. But still, well above the realistic expectations. (24/12/2019)

A fairy tale produced this year by Czech Television brought back its reputation. Even though it is not a jewel among fairy tales, it was quite enjoyable. The theme is quite simple but diverse. Who had a lot to offer was Marek Eben with his chivalry that I enjoyed a lot. But as a fairy tale I found it lacking in the “fairytaleness”. The combination of Matouš Ruml and Karel Janák however works. (25/12/2019)

It's a fairly likable tale – mainly in that it clearly had no greater ambition than to serve as a snack for an overfed audience. It's kind of a standard Karel Janák film with some likeable actors and some annoying ones, with a few good jokes and an equal number of unfunny jokes, all of which is scarce improved by the rather annoying and endlessly resounding "comic" music. However, Eva Josefíková and Matouš Ruml are fine (although I feel I've seen them in fairy tales about a hundred times), Jakub Prachař is awful... And Marek Eben probably had a good time during the filming. I'd like to see him in more films, and I'd be even happier if he ever took off the dignified trappings (they suit him, yes, but I believe he could do the unexpected without it). (24/12/2019)

I have made it a Christmas tradition to criticize Christmas fairy tales, but I will make an exception today. This one did have its flaws or even downright silly moments, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't having fun. I didn’t really think of it as a fairy tale, more of a relaxing comedy, which, thanks to king Egon, was a success. Jakub Prachař cracked me up the moment he first appeared, the wig was hilarious, and he managed to keep it up until the end. Despite the wooden and oh-so-funny knight Valerian, I quite enjoyed it. (24/12/2019)