Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
A thoroughly engaging fairy tale that's family friendly without being condescending, The Princess Diaries is your basic Cinderella makeover story given a fresh, affectionate twist courtesy of a game, energetic cast and a screenplay that skirts schmaltz in favor of gentle, effective comedy. Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is a frizzy-haired, glasses-wearing 15-year-old girl whose two highest ambitions are to become invisible and to get a few smooches from the slickly attractive school heartthrob. As a girl who can't stand being the center of attention so much that she throws up during debate class, she's stunned and horrified when her coolly continental grandmother (Julie Andrews) shows up and informs her that she's the crown princess of the European principality Genovia. Soon enough, Mia has to undertake "princess lessons" (and a makeover) from her queenly grandmother, and eventually she blossoms into a confident, radiant girl--despite the worries and pressure that her newfound status brings. What makes The Princess Diaries work is director Garry Marshall's guileless, irony-free approach to the material (based on Meg Cabot's novel). In comparison to most snarky, ultra-hip teen comedies, The Princess Diaries is refreshingly and enjoyably square, content to win you over on charm alone and not a slick bag of tricks. Hathaway is a charismatic, appealing role model with a sharp sense of comic timing, and Andrews--who came to stardom as the object of a makeover supreme in My Fair Lady on Broadway--is at her regal best whether teaching Mia the proper royal wave or learning how to eat a corndog. Both leading ladies are complemented by a finely tuned cast, including Hector Elizondo as Genovia's head of security (and romantic counterpart to Andrews), Heather Matarazzo as Mia's best pal, and Robert Schwartzman as the good guy who ultimately wins Mia's heart. All in all, a royal pleasure. --Mark Englehart

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Charming, Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 26, 2001

By	Lois Regen (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

I thought that Princess Diaries was a charming, modern day fairy tale with a positive message under the lighthearted surface. Anne Hathaway was excellent, with terrific timing and delivery in her comic scenes, and with a touching subtlety in her dramatic moments. Julie Andrews was wonderful, perfectly cast as the majestic queen, with an undercurrent of affection and vulnerability beneath her regal exterior. The supporting cast was consistent and strong, and the movie had excellent production values and cinematography. The story meandered a bit in the middle, but soon found its focus again with a strong finish, which proved that there's more to being a princess than makeup and manners.

A refreshing change from the usual kiddy fare of hyper, smart aleck scripts, I would recommend this film to anyone, but especially to parents with young or pre-teen children.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Family Fun for All--Princess Diaries, August 3, 2001

By	Elizabeth P. Goldman (Plano, TX United States) - See all my reviews

The Princess Diaries is a true delight for family members of all ages. It is rated G (really) thus you can take any age to see it without fear of being surprised by content that is more suitable for older persons. Don't let the rating, teenagers, keep you from seeing this film. It is humorous and every girl's fantasy.

This is basically a story of a clumsy, awkward, adolescent girl, living with her bohemian artist mother, who discovers her paternal grandmother is a queen, her father was a prince, thus making her a princess and the only heir to the kingdom of Genovia. The girl, Mia, and her grandmother make a pact. She comes for 2 weeks of "training" in all the social graces, etc. befitting a ruler and then she can decide if this is the life she wishes to live or not. Her answer will be graciously accepted. This is not as straight forward and as simple a movie as it appears. There are a few little twists, turns and surprises on the way to the decision. There are also a few lessons on friendship and what is truly important in one's life. Our entire family (ages 8, 9, 17, 25, and 48) enjoyed this movie thoroughly. Although it will not win an Academy award, it is quite an entertaining, charming, modern fairy tale. Don't miss it.

Anne Hathaway (Mia) is funny, quirky, and masters the lip curl quite well in this film. Her clumsiness seems natural and she certainly cleans up well. Her transition from ugly duckling to beautiful swan is reminiscent of the late Audrey Hepburn.

Julie Andrews is perfect in her role as the Queen of Genovia bringing just the right amount of sophistication and warmth to the role. Her scenes with Hector Elizondo (Joe) show subtle senuality and the warm fuzziness and comfort of an old and trusted friend. You know there is another story there that isn't being told. Their dance scene together can make you forget Miss Andrews was a singer. (Kids--she was Mary Poppins!) If you wish to see Miss Andrews in her true glory watch her as "Maria" in the movie, The Sound of Music.

Other cast members who round out the story and do a great job are Terry Wayne (Clark,the hairdresser), Heather Matarazzo (Lilly) as Mia's best friend, Robert Schwartzman (Michael) who is Lilly's brother, and Patrick Richwood as the neighbor/writer. Mr. Robutusen.

Mandy Moore also makes her film debut as one of the "beautiful people" preps who is also part of a singing trio at school.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Live Action Film For General Audiences!, July 28, 2001

By	entertainment lover "entertainmentlover" (USA) - See all my reviews

Normally, live action films get PG ratings. This got a G rating and I was expecting it to be very childish, but it's more for teens! The story is great and the acting is remarkable! It's about 15 year old Mina Thermopolis. She's one of the biggest "Freaks" at her school. She has a huge crush on the school jock who's girlfriend is the most popular in school (played by Mandy Moore). When her grandmother who Mia has never met tells her that she's the Princess of a small country in Europe and that she has to rule it, her world turns upside down. She has a complete makeover and now shes the most popular girl in school, the press is on her trail, and all she wants is to be "Invisible". If she dosen't accept her title, her rule will be handed over to stuck up snobs that don't care about anyone but themselves. It's amazing to watch Mia change so much. You'll love it no matter what age you are!