Review of Movie: A Knight to Remember Starring Julie Gonzalo and James Trevena

The Plot

Emily is a somewhat stodgy museum conservator in Chicago. The opening scene finds her teaching what appears to be a group of art students about the finer aspects of Medieval sculptures. When discussing Sir Griffin De Beaufort (a knight from the 15th century) a student mused that maybe he disappeared with his bride-to-be.

Emily pointed out that marriages were arranged back then and basically, love didn’t play any part in these unions. She stated this “fact” so deliberately as to be devoid of any feelings.

Her co-worker and best friend, Ivy even commented (later on) something like, “Maybe you need to start dating again, because you obviously need some romance in your life…”

At that moment, a statue of Sir Griffin De Beauford arrives. While she is steadfastly cleaning the aged museum piece, Emily inadvertently kisses him!

And lo and behold, Sir Griffin comes to life! Conflicts and calamities ensue.

Lore has it that if the two don’t fall in love, Griffin will retreat to his previous “Statue state.” to add insult to injury, Emily’s ex-husband is investigating the “missing” statue.

Lots of hijinx and possibly romantic chemistry (?) along the way!

The Actors

Emily is played thoughtfully by Julie Gonzalo. Julie gives her character that “holy cow” attitude of just finding out the statue has come to life, without over-acting or becoming too incredulous.

Julie was born in Argentina and moved to Miami when she was eight. You may remember her delightful performances in “Freaky Friday” and “Dodge Ball- The Underdog Story.”

Starting out as a model, her transition into acting has been seamless.

James Trevena makes a wonderful knight! He adapts that medieval personality (if you want to call it that) immediately. His conversation is slightly stilted, as I would imagine knights generally are.

Defying logic, you actually believe that he has transformed from a statue to a real life person!

I knew he looked familiar…Starring with Lacey Chabert in the movie “Lost in Paradise.”

What makes this charismatic actor even more adorable is a closeness to his mom who raised him as a single mother. She retired after 50 years as a school principal.

My Thoughts on this Movie

While the chemistry between Emily and Griffin was electric, I thought the budding relationship between the two peripheral characters, Ivy (Britt Irvin) and Marcus (Luc Roderique) felt even more authentic.

Ivy is Emily’s coworker at the museum and her best friend. While Marcus connects with Ivy through his role as chairman of the Medieval festival.

Would love to see another movie based on these two. Maybe a museum mystery? Anyone??

Speaking of mysteries, the flick never really addressed why Griffin transitioned from statue to human, but we get the general idea, given he suddenly “humanized” after Emily’s kiss.

Unlike most Hallmark romance movies, this one did not start out with a conflict between the two main characters. In fact, they were in unison from the beginning. And Griffin’s adjustment into 20th century life was downright hilarious at certain points.

Favorite Scene from the Movie

I loved when Emily and Sir Griffin walk out into the street for the first time and Griffin says he needs his steed (horse.) And she replies something to the effect of, “I require your protection inside the carriage.” (I.e. cab.)

She then exclaims to the taxi driver, “Cool reenactment, huh?”

Normally I don’t like when Hallmark adds a fantasy aspect to their films. I maintain the attitude of: Don’t fix what ain’t broke. But here, the sci-fi element adds a whimsical, often humorous take on a solid romance.

I give “A Knight to Remember” 4.5 out of 5 stars.