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49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The "Fairytale Formula" works for Disney yet again!
A fairytale dreamland. A Princess. Prince Charming. A stunning castle. Once again, Disney used the formula and got it right. In the adorable sequel to 2001's The Princess Diaries,"Anne Hathaway returns as Amelia Minonette Thermopolis Renaldi. She's still gawky, she's still clumsy, but she's now turning 21 years old and is a bit more mature.

A recent graduate...
Published on August 16, 2004 by randomartco

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Just different
Although I am an avid follower of the books, I realize that movies when adapted from books are often quite different. So then the question is the movie still enjoyable? While I was saddened by some of the changes in the first movie, it was still very entertaining. I think that this second movie, though now almost entirely different from the books, looks like it too will...
Published on June 21, 2004


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49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The "Fairytale Formula" works for Disney yet again!, August 16, 2004
By 
A fairytale dreamland. A Princess. Prince Charming. A stunning castle. Once again, Disney used the formula and got it right. In the adorable sequel to 2001's The Princess Diaries,"Anne Hathaway returns as Amelia Minonette Thermopolis Renaldi. She's still gawky, she's still clumsy, but she's now turning 21 years old and is a bit more mature.

A recent graduate of Princeton, Mia is now moving to Genovia to learn how to rule; her grandmother Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews, in a wonderful reprisal role) will have to teach her poise, decorum and diplomacy before stepping down as queen of Genovia, so Mia can be crowned. Best friend Lily (Heather Matarazzo) is attending Berkeley, and Mia and Lily's brother Michael (Robert Schwartzman) are now just friends, as Michael is off touring the country with his band. When Mia arrives in Genovia only to learn that another person is eligible for her crown, and that by Parliament's rule she must marry before 30 days is up or forfeit her crown, she is stunned! Mia has always wanted to marry for love, and who can possibly expect someone to fall in love in just 30 days?

In Mia's search for an eligible Prince Charming she comes across a lovely young man named Andrew Jacoby (Callum Blue) from England, who is perfect for her in every way: but can she love him? Another is in her path as well: a guy named Nicholas (Chris Pine), with whom she dances briefly at her birthday ball (she flirts with him mildly). When Mia discovers shortly thereafter that "Sir" Nicholas is actually THE Lord Devereaux that is trying to steal her crown, she is quite upset! Nicholas's evil uncle Viscount Mabrey (Jonathan Rhys-Davies) is determined that his nephew should rule Genovia -- after all, Nicholas was born and raised in Genovia, and knows more about the people than "the American born" Mia ever could.

With time running out and pressure from all sides for this "arranged marriage", Mia must overcome a few large obstacles: she must familiarize herself with the long-standing traditions of Genovia (such as shoot a flaming arrow through a ring on the night before her coronation), as well as learn how to be politic in dealing with sticky situations. Falling into a fountain, nearly shooting many people with arrows, stamping her heel on a young man's foot, climbing down ivy from her window and much more could hardly be considered ladylike behavior: but who has time to be genteel and ladylike when you only have 30 days to fall in love and marry?

In Disney style, this G offering has very little objectionable content: there is no bad language to speak of. There is a moment where a girl and a guy wake up together under a tree, but it is adamantly declared that nothing has happened. There is mild flirting, a few temper tantrums (understandable ones), and little else. This movie is so clean, that I would encourage you to take young children to see it! Some may say that it comes off flat and boring, but I didn't find it so. It wasn't quite as funny as I expected or as fast-paced as the first, but the storyline is simply adorable, and what I heard termed once as "gentle fun." Anne Hathaway gives another great performance as the oft-clumsy Mia; Julie Andrews is positively charming as always as the elegant and refined Queen of Genovia, and even regales us with a tune in this film: every bit of the price of admission is worth it, just for this. The other actors do a fine job as well, pulling off a cute and not-too-cheesy Disney fairy tale sequel.

And of course, what kind of fairy tale would this be if Mia and her Prince Charming didn't live happily ever after, so of course, you can expect a happy ending: but WHICH Prince Charming she will choose is an entirely different matter altogether!
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44 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Cute and Pleasant Second Time Around, August 15, 2004
By 
As a huge fan of The Princess Diaires books and the first movie, I honestly thought this movie would be a slap in the face for fans of the books and movie alike. Would it hold the same charm as the first movie? And while the plot is certainly not like the books, would it contain the same sweetness and wit as the books, as did the first film? The second time around, The Princess Diaires is just as pleasing and a complete joy to watch.

Princess Mia (Hatheway) has just graduated college. She is soon going to take over as Queen of Genovia from her grandmother, Queen Clarisse (Andrews). However, Mia learns that she must marry in 30 days or forfeit the crown of Genovia to another rightful heir, Nicholas Devereaux (played by, please excuse me for this, the total hottie Chris Pine). His uncle, Vicount Mabrey is really the one who wants Nicholas to be King, but Nicholas goes along with the scheme nonetheless. So Mia picks a decent guy who's sweet and charming and likeable, but can she go through with this wedding? Check out the movie for yourself to find out... though it's fairly obvious what will happen about fifteen minutes into the film, but who cares, it's great anyway.

Anne Hatheway is such a delight on screen, carrying an aura of likeability. Julie Andrews is, of course, wonderful as well and completely believable as a Queen, as she is in the first film. And as I've already said, Chris Pine who plays Nicholas is absolutely gorgeous, completely sending me head over heels, and while I like to have composure about this kind of thing that doesn't matter in a movie at all (ah-hem-- how hot a guy is), I just can't help myself.

Fans, definitely check this one out, you won't be disappointed. Everyone else, by all means check this out as well but leave your Citizen Kane expectations at home. This is just a fun movie! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, romantic and charming. PD2 is a royal treat!!!!, August 15, 2004
By 
Marcy Gomez (Kansas City, USA) - See all my reviews
First of, let me start by saying that anyone going to see this movie and expecting a testosterone filled action film is in for a HUGE disappointment. The title "Princess Diaries 2" should be a big giveaway. And if you're still not sure, then check out the original "Princess Diaries" on dvd or video.

I enjoyed "Princess Diaries" so I was looking forward to seeing this sequel. I had hoped that the sequel would be at least as good as the first film and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

"Princess Diaries 2" has the same charm, humor and sense of fun of the first film but this one is even better. Firstly, the fantasy and romance quotient is higher. Secondly, many of the original characters (and the actors who played them) are back including Mia's best friend Lilly (Heather Matarazzo), Joe (Hector Elizondo) and Mia's mom (Caroline Goodall). Thirdly, some new characters are added including Mia's assortment of would-be suitors, the devious Viscount Mabry (John Rhys-Davies), her dim-witted ladies maids Brigitte and Brigitta and the colorful assortment of security guards, servants and footmen who populate the palace.

The story begins with Mia (the always charming and lovely Anne Hathaway) graduating from college and on the verge of turning 21. She arrives in Genovia with the intent of inheriting the throne from her grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews). However, the law declares that she must marry before she rules and so the stage is set for her search for an appropriate husband. Mia then finds herself torn between two very different suitors - Andrew and Nicholas (played by handsome actors Callum Blue and Chris Pine) - and also the dilemma of choosing duty versus love.

I took my young daughter to see this film and we both enjoyed it...but on very different levels. She loved the princess-y aspects of the film and the humorous situations. I loved the old and young romance (and, yes, newcomer Chris Pine is a 'hunk' - reminds me of a younger Brad Pitt), the fantasy elements (royalty, castles, etc) and the wholesomeness of this film. It is G-rated and is one of those rare films that the whole family can enjoy. It also has a heroine that every parent would not be ashamed to have their daughter look up to. Mia is intelligent, spirited, sensible and very much her own person. She has a good head on her shoulders and, despite the dilemmas she faces, she makes the right choice (at least in my opinion) in the end.

Those who enjoyed "PD1" will certainly enjoy this movie. "Princess Diaries 2" is a charming gem of a film that the whole family (especially young princesses age 3 to 16 and their moms) will enjoy.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it. Now, I'd appreciate it if you'd read this review., April 3, 2005
Hello, I'm Rebecca Bennett, and I'm an AVID fan of Meg Cabot's books. The movies do not follow the books in absolutely any way, other than the names of the characters, but does it really matter? These movies aren't intended to follow the books exactly, and are BASED on them, not exact reproductions. And I loved the character of Michael too, but if he didn't agree to appear in the second movie, then respect that, and please please please get over it.
I'd like to thank Garry Marshall and his team for giving me this fabulous movie to obsess over, just like I did the first one. The special features on the DVD made my entire life, and I loved the bloopers so very much, and the deleted scenes of course, especially with Garry's introductions! I absolutely adored Garry and Julie's commentary on the DVD. The flowers were splendid, Ms Andrews!
Anne Hathaway was once again fabulous as Mia, bringing back to the sequel her charm and her quirky personality. Chris Pine did a wonderful job as Nicholas Devereux, and seemed a lovely person behind the scenes as well. I was very glad to see Paulo reprise his role, and adored his moose line. "But a very cute moose. Make all the boy mooses go 'Mooor'"
Julie Andrews was charming as usual, and elegant, not to mention radiant as Queen Clarisse, my favourite character by far, not to mention one of my favourite actresses. I got very teary when she sang, and Raven was nice too, although I'd have prefered to hear Julie on her own, but hearing her sing at all again is a dream come true. Hector Elizondo was phenomenal as Joe, everyones favourite head of security, and the romance between Queen Clarisse and him, as hinted at it the first movie, was delightful. The ending was the most wonderful wonderful ending, and I applaud the script-writers for that particular twist. Thank you Disney, Garry, Julie, Anne and anyone who worked on this movie and the first, and thank you Meg Cabot for creating 'The Princes Diaries.'

P.S. I desperately want every single outfit Julie wore in both movies. The costuming was fabulous. Congratulations to all those involved in that department!
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19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A Royal Treat!!!, August 13, 2004
The Princess Diaries 2 uses the magic of the original to craft a cute and entertaining fairy tale. Set 5 years after the original, the film follows Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway), now 21, as she graduates college and settles in Genovia to take over her grandmother's role as queen. Unfortunately, Genovian rules state that in order for Mia to become queen, she must first marry. As if that's not complicated enough, Mia has only thirty days to find herself a husband.

Into this simple plot, screenwriter Shonda Rhimes and director Garry Marshall have injected humor, fantasy, and a good, old-fashioned love story. Practically everyone from the original is back, except for Robert Schwartzman as Micheal, who is "off touring with his band," and Mandy Moore, whose character couldn't really fit into the plot. The result is a very enjoyable film that is almost, but not quite, as good as the original. Fans were upset at Schwartzman's refusal to appear in the film because of his newfound fame as lead singer of the band "Rooney," but the story would not have worked with him anyway and this is all for the best. The most anyone could have hoped for was a cameo, but it isn't neccessary. The film works best without Micheal present and at least his character is given a mention. So get over it!!!

Anne Hathaway was born to play Princess Mia. She is beautiful, innocent, and charming. This is the role she will be remembered for the rest of her life. Julie Andrews is her usually fabulous self as the Queen. Calm, sophisticated, and beautiful, it is a pleasure seeing her on screen and hearing her lovely singing voice once again. Raven, of The Cosby Show and That's so Raven fame, has a wonderful cameo role and gets to belt out a tune with the lovely Andrews. An unneccessary scene, but wonderful nontheless.

The film is a young girl's delight, but one parents can enjoy along with their children. It's light, fun, and fluffy escapism from beginning to end. While not as good as the first, it comes pretty close. In fact, the ending really made me long for a third. Judging by Wednsday's box-office numbers, the film is going to be a hit and a third might actually not be far off. One can only hope...

I enjoyed this immensely and cannot wait to buy the DVD!
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars ...AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER...., September 6, 2005
This review is from: The Princess Diaries 2 - Royal Engagement [VHS] (VHS Tape)
To my surprise, I enjoyed this film even more than its prequel. It is a "G" rated film, so the plot is fairly simple and straightforward with a lot of light comedic touches. This is a film that will appeal to young and old alike, even though its targeted audience appears to be young girls.

This film picks up where the first one left off. Mia Thermopolis, Princess of Genovia (Anne Hathaway) has just graduated from college and is now twenty-one years of age. Her mother has married her high school teacher, and they are expecting a baby. Her best friend, Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo) is now a student at UCLA at Berkeley. Mia's grandmother, Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews), is still Queen of Genovia but plans to step down at year's end so that Mia can be crowned the new Queen. Joseph (Hector Elizondo) is still head of security for Queen Clarisse with whom he is still in love.

When Princess Mia returns to Genovia upon graduation, together with her pampered black and white cat, Fat Louie, she gets ready to assume her exalted position. Unfortunately, Viscount Maybrey (John Rhys-Davies) throws a monkey wrench into the plan, citing an age old law that requires would be Queens to marry within thirty days or forfeit the right to wear the crown as Queen. Of course, should she be unable to do so, Viscount Maybrey's nephew, Lord Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine), is next in line for the throne and would then be crowned King of Genovia, a young and handsome man whom Mia has already met at the formal reception welcoming her to Genovia.

Let the Games begin! As Mia and Clarisse hunt for a suitable husband, Viscount Maybrey schemes to ensure that the crown passes to his nephew.
Mia and Clarisse finally come up with a suitable arranged marriage prospect from England, Lord Andrew Jacoby (Callum Blue). The only questions are whether or not Mia will go through with the arranged marriage or whether she will fall in love with the handsome Lord Devereaux. Mia will undergo many funny and trying situations, as she tries to decide what to do. Will she follow her head or her heart? The fates, however, will also have their say. Of course, Queen Clarisse has her own issues, as she tries to decide what to do about Joseph, the man she has always loved, and who also loves her.

Anne Hathaway is, as always, perfectly delightful and beautiful in every scene. She has a fresh-faced naiveté that perfectly suits the role of Princess Mia. Julie Andrew is, of course, totally charming and perfectly regal as the lovely Queen Clarisse. A seemingly svelte John Rhys-Davies, however, almost steals the show as the diabolical Viscount Maybrey. Chris Pine is a little wooden as the hunky, Lord Devereaux. I miss Lilly's brother, Michael (Robert Schwartzman), the handsome, good guy who won Mia's heart in the prequel. Callum Blue is perfect as the pleasant and polite Lord Andrew Jacoby. Hector Elizondo is marvelous in the role of the faithful Joseph. Heather Matarazzo has a few brief winning moments in the film, looking out for Mia's interests, after she travels to Genovia as a surprise for Mia. It was also nice to see Tom Poston in the small role of Lord Palimore.

Garry Marshall does an excellent job in directing the cast, keeping the mood of the film light and playful throughout. This is a film that is really squeaky clean, so parents can rest assure that it really is suitable for children of all ages, although young girls are the ones that will adore this fairytale of a film.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Just different, June 21, 2004
By A Customer
Although I am an avid follower of the books, I realize that movies when adapted from books are often quite different. So then the question is the movie still enjoyable? While I was saddened by some of the changes in the first movie, it was still very entertaining. I think that this second movie, though now almost entirely different from the books, looks like it too will be entertaining. And I have to say that the Prince Nicholas guy looks more like what I imagined Michael to look. I was not impressed with the Michael from the first movie. He was really not like the character in the book, so I feel no loss at his removal from the second movie. My advice, enjoy the movie for what it is rather than moment by moment comparison to the books.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Julie Andrews is excellent, July 30, 2005
By 
Golden Lion "Reader" (North Ogden, Ut United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   
Julie Andrews grace and charm extends through the generations. Amelia Minonette Thermopolis Renaldi, in the last five years has graduated from college majoring in international politics. Amelia must marry and find true love in 30 days, as a requirement to accept queenship.

Julie Andrews won the heart of millions with her singing, compassion, and wholesome virtues when she had to chose between becoming a nun or marriage. Queen Clarisse Renaldi renews some of the musical charm with the help of "Thats so Raven", whose singing capablity harmonized in some of the higher range tones.

Amelia wins the heart of the people with her wholesome and honest approach as princess. Amelia style and awkwardness is replace with grace, compassion, and beauty. Amelia is constantly in the public eye and transforms into a graceful and elegant princess. Amelia's style, charm, and recall of prior conversations help her win the affection of the aristocrats. Genova has fallen in love with Amelia.

Amelia lives an enchanting life: "Is this all mine?","I have my own shopping mall", "Mattress surfering", and "635 gives her access to the crown jewels".

Amelia wins the heart of Nicholas, the rightful heir, by her demonstrating compassion towards the local orphanage. Nicholas falls in love with Amelia. Amelia struggles with her betrothal with Andrew, who she does not love. Nicholas provokes Amelia into reveal her true feelings towards him.

Lord Devereaux is the villian seeking to steal the crown for Nicholas and share in the power. Lord Devereaux becomes ruthless Lord, who devises embarrassment and shame scheme against Amelia. Amelia is the princess Diana of the people, her every move is watched by the media, who air video of Amelia and Nicholas embraced, after spending the evening together under a tree near a pond. The video threatens to destroy the marriage between her and Andrew. Andrew plants a force but bold kiss on Amelia. Andrew asks Amelia, if there was any chemistry, she shakes her head no and Andrew agrees, he felt nothing either. Andrew tells Amelia, "He is a gentleman and will keep his promise to marry her." The marriage is on. Amelia wears a beautiful gown and Andrew the full military uniform of a general.

Nicholas discovers Lord Devereaux treachery and uses a bicycle and then a horse to get too Amelias wedding. Once at the wedding, Nicholas declines to be the next king before parliment. Amelia makes a motion to do away with the marriage requirement too become queen. Parliment approves the motion.

Queen Clarisse Renaldi asks Joseph for his hand in marriage and requests the archbishop to marry them replacing Amelia wedding with theirs. The transfer of power implies the "divine right of kings", as the archbishop transfers the power. Divine right of kings suggest class distinctions, a separation between royalty and commoner, and unquestionable obedience too the crown.

Queen Clarisse Renaldi passes the crown to Amelia. Amelia celebrates her ascention to the crown. As queen Amelia must grant favors too the common person.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE PRINCESS DIARIES 2!!!!, August 12, 2004
By 
M. Visco "movie fan" (Southern California, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
I absolutely love The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. It was so completely wonderful. Every aspect of it was great- from the acting to the story to even the beauty of Genovia. Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews were wonderful. Also Mia's to love interests were wonderful and I did not miss Michael one bit. In fact, this movie was better without him. I just couldn't see him in the love interest role. Don't let the only 3 stars fool you into thinking it isn't that great because it was only given negative reviews by people who haven't seen the movie and are upset it isn't like the books. It is not supposed to be like the books at all. It is an entirely different story based on the CHARACTERS created by Meg Cabot. You owe it to yourself to see this movie. It fills you with the happiness and love that the first movie provides and it is just as enjoyable as the first if not more. I love The Princess Diaries 2:Royal Engagement!!!!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Pricess Diaries 2, August 12, 2004
By 
Viki (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
This movie is pretty good, I mean, I think that the first one is a bit better, but this one is not bad. It has quite a lot of funny part in it, and that the story really floats smoothly from the first movie to the end of the second movie. Basically the movie is about Princess Mia taking over the queens throne and that in order to do that, she has to get married in thirty days. So the operations goes hilariously and the rest of the story is interesting. But please note that this movie has nothing to do with the Princess Diaries books series, it is just a fun entertainment for the family. And Meg Cabot and noted that not any of her books is going to follow the movie.
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The Princess Diaries 2 - Royal Engagement [VHS]
The Princess Diaries 2 - Royal Engagement [VHS] by Garry Marshall (VHS Tape - 2004)
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