'Princess Halle and the Jester' Review: A Whimsical Fantasy with Old-School Charm
- Romey Norton
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - September 26, 2025
Christopher Lombardi’s Princess Halle and the Jester might just be the storybook escape you (and your kids) are looking for. Written and directed by Lombardi, this new feature leans heavily into classic fantasy tropes, including princesses, goblins, evil stepmothers, and quests for justice, all while sprinkling in a warm sense of humour, making it a comfortable and easy watch.
What is the film Princess Halle and the Jester about?
The film tells the tale of Princess Halle, who finds her world turned upside down when goblins storm the kingdom and capture her father, the king. Forced to flee, she crosses paths with a poor but kindhearted jester. Together, they retreat to his village, where Halle disguises herself as a peasant to evade capture. With her wicked stepmother on the throne (who has a cockney accent, which is hilarious), the princess is able to understand the struggles of her people and realises she must rescue her father and restore balance to the realm. Classic Snow White meets Tangled, meets every other fairytale story you’ve ever heard of.
Princess Halle and the Jester embrace a lighter, more whimsical tone. Lombardi clearly has an affection for old Hollywood fantasy films and fairy-tale adaptations, and that spirit shines through. There are shades of The Princess Bride and Tangled here, especially Tangled, from the costume, horse, and little sidekick (a purple dragon).
The film’s graphics are very simple, like an old video game. The goblins and fantasy creatures, the horse, and some settings are used in this style, which is obviously a money saver for indie films, but does sometimes cheapen the film.
The film stars Emma Duchesneau (Patsy and Loretta), Duncan Novak (The Devil Below), Geoffrey Lyons, Rachel Stacy (Homicide Hunter), Donovan Kirkpatrick (Malum), and Byron Herlong (The Game), all of whom are committed to their roles. The dynamic between Princess Halle and the jester is the heart of the movie. She is regal yet vulnerable, carrying the weight of her kingdom on her shoulders, while he is goofy, resourceful, and disarmingly wise in unexpected moments. The stepmother is suitably menacing, a sharp contrast to Halle’s warmth. At times, the performances veer into melodrama, a nod to the film’s old-fashioned influences, but it mostly works within the fairy-tale framework Lombardi is crafting. I think it’s just a shame that there wasn’t enough time put in at the start to establish the relationships better, so it does feel a little rushed.
Also, the pacing occasionally stumbles. Some sections feel drawn out, especially as the princess adjusts to her new life in the village. While this deepens her character, the film risks losing momentum before building toward the climactic rescue. Still, Lombardi keeps the heart of the story intact, and the final act delivers both excitement and emotional payoff.
Is Princess Halle and the Jester worth watching?
Princess Halle and the Jester isn’t a reinvention of the fantasy genre; instead, it’s a charming throwback that celebrates timeless fairy-tale themes of courage, love, and sacrifice. Viewers looking for the next sprawling fantasy epic may find it too modest and childish, but those who appreciate heartfelt storytelling and a dash of old-world magic will find plenty to enjoy.
With its whimsical spirit, practical effects, and strong central duo, Lombardi’s film is a lovely little fantasy film perfect for the kids to watch when it's raining outside.
You can watch Princess Halle and the Jester on YouTube, Google Play Movies and Prime Video.
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