Parents' Guide to The Royal We

The world here is a comforting one, in which sneaking out for pizza without a security detail is considered bad behavior and problems can easily be solved by conflict resolution 101 methods. As escapist fare that fictionally counterbalances all the worldwide unresolved conflicts showcased in the news every day, this can't be beat.

The story of two royals trying to help their countries by intertwining their warring families through marriage is so appealing because it recalls simpler and less perilous times. There is an "if-only-we-could-all-get-along" quality to this that lets the viewer breathe easy. Mallory Jansen plays the smart and no-nonsense Bea with a sharpness that is often described but rarely delivered in this kind of feel-good movie. "How refreshingly blunt you are," says the denigrating chief of protocol to the proper but unintimidated Bea. "And how craftily ironic you are," she immediately replies to his dig. You want to believe that a bright independent woman who spent decades away from the royal life would have her head on straight enough to cut through diplomatic double talk. And Charlie Carrick does a good job as a man who is willing to open his eyes to a different way of living. The only question is why would Bea give up her former life so cheerfully. But this is a fantasy, so some questions are too real to be answered.