A Royal Family Holiday

A Royal Family Holiday is a heartwarming family comedy-drama that revolves around the estranged Whitfield family who comes together for Christmas dinner after years of being apart. The movie was released in 2015, directed by Lance Kawas and written by Andrea Allen-Wiley.

The movie opens with the Whitfield family patriarch, Joe Whitfield (Richard Lawson), announcing that he and his wife, Marla (Debbi Morgan), have decided to divorce after forty years of marriage. The news shakes the family to its core, and they are all left in shock. However, they are determined to keep their Christmas traditions alive, and Joe insists on hosting a big family dinner at his mansion as usual.

Joe's children are all grown up and have families of their own, but they have drifted apart over the years. The eldest son, Royal Whitfield (Javon Anderson), is a successful businessman and is often too busy to make time for his family. His sister, Tori Whitfield (Tichina Arnold), is a divorcee who struggles to balance her career and the needs of her two children. The youngest son, Jamal Whitfield (Ele Bardha), is an aspiring musician who has lost his passion for music and has become disillusioned with life.

As the family gathers for dinner, tensions run high, and old wounds are reopened. Royal's wife, Maureen (Venus Nicolino), is not on good terms with Tori and openly disapproves of her lifestyle. Joe's sister, Aunt Shirley (Loretta Devine), is still bitter about her father's decision to give Joe the family business instead of her.

Despite the strain, the family tries to make the best of their time together. Tori's children, Christian (Cedric Begley) and Jazmin (Nikki Crawford), bond with their cousins and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, Royal's assistant, Summer (Tequilla Whitfield), helps him reconnect with his family and rediscover the joy of the holiday season.

As the night progresses, old secrets are revealed, and the family is forced to confront their past mistakes. They realize that despite their differences, they are still a family and need each other. With the help of a surprising visitor, they learn to forgive, heal and move forward.

One of the standout performances in A Royal Family Holiday comes from Tichina Arnold, who plays Tori. She brings depth and vulnerability to her character's struggles, and her comedic timing is impeccable. Javon Anderson also shines as Royal, and his chemistry with Tequilla Whitfield's Summer is charming and fun to watch. The supporting cast, especially Loretta Devine as Aunt Shirley, adds much-needed humor and heart to the film.

The movie's production values are impressive, and the cinematography captures the beauty and grandeur of the Whitfield family mansion. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with a mix of classic Christmas songs and original tunes that underscore the emotional beats of the story.

Overall, A Royal Family Holiday is a heartwarming family drama that celebrates the power of forgiveness, love, and togetherness. It's the perfect holiday movie for anyone who needs a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.