The problem with this movie is how they pushed it so hard. So we were really curious about it, we wanted to see it so bad. We love La Vi en rose. I love La Vie en rose. So of course I expected something like that. The problem with the overall story is that the relationship between Grace and the Prince isn't all that interesting. They actually spend little time with one another, due to the Prince's absorption with the crisis. There's a confusing sub-plot involving the Prince's sister, who appears to have betrayed Monaco, by passing state secrets to the French (having only seen the film once, I'm not exactly sure of what she was guilty of). The film's scenarists solution is to have Grace decide to conform to the Prince's wishes, by giving up her rebellious streak, and embracing her traditional role as dutiful wife and consort. Hence, considerable time is spent tracking Grace's movements in Paris, while on a big shopping spree.
If we can believe this story based on 'real events', Grace charms the French to death, including DeGaulle, after convincing her husband to invite the great man, to the annual Red Cross ball (notice that the stuffy rich ladies win out in the end, with their annual ball in tow and no mention of Grace's earlier flirtation with helping the orphaned kids). Grace has more important things to do, like saving Monaco from being crushed by the French. So she makes a big speech at the ball and through her personal influence, saves little Monaco. Oh, don't forget she has a little help from America too (Robert McNamara gently reminds DeGaulle, that it wouldn't be a good idea if they 'bombed' Monaco).
It's all very fanciful stuff and I had trouble believing that most of this really happened the way it's depicted here. One other problem is Nicole Kidman, who has been very good in other roles, just doesn't look or seem like Grace Kelly. No, I'm afraid to say that Grace was a tad bit superior, in the looks department.
'Grace of Monaco' is certainly not a complete loss. You learn a little history and the scenery makes you want to book your next vacation to Monaco. I'm not sure that there was enough conflict here to sustain the entire project. The narrative is more successful when it deals with Grace's internal arc as opposed to the machinations between the supporting players. 'Grace' is worth a look but a bit too contrived to be hailed as an art house masterpiece. Kidman has a good run trying to mimic the angel like posture of Grace, but the lines smother her with cheesy dialog and real drama is nowhere in sight. It's not as bad as I expected. but I do think it's a failed movie.
My rating : 6/10
IMDB : 5.6/10
Rotten tomatoes 10%
Metacritics 21%
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