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This thoroughly enjoyable update of Mark Twain's
The Prince and the Pauper draws its prince from the fictional kingdom of Gelfland and its "pauper" from the beaches of Palm Bay (a.k.a. Santa Monica). The pair, ably played by film newcomer Sean Kellman, meet when the prince travels to a Southern California resort to help negotiate a better trade agreement. Anxious for opportunity and adventure, skateboarder Cash rolls onto the estate only to meet the frustrated prince chafing from the shackles of royal obligation. Inevitably, they arrange a trade agreement of their own. Although Cash's street-smart friends and the prince's minions, mom, and arranged fiancée (Katie Johnson) are puzzled by the changes they see in the boys, they have distractions of their own. Queen Mom (Jennifer O'Neill) is bothered by the peremptory manner of her government official Minister Kratski (Robert Englund of Freddy Krueger fame) and sidetracked by the new security guard, a former cop who just happens to be Cash's dad (Timothy Bottoms). The malevolent Kratski learns of the switch and attempts to use it to his advantage to turn a part of Gelfland into Golfland, but the boys and friends have other plans. This pleasant mix of film veterans and newcomers is helmed by Arye Gross, in his directorial debut. Gregory Poppen's script is infused with a sly sense of humor and has enough realism to keep kids through their mid-teens interested. Although rated PG, there is amazingly little violence and no sexual content. The story may not interest the very young, but this film is safe for family viewing.
--Kimberly Heinrichs
