By: debbie lynn elias
Opening August 3, “The Princess Diaries” is an enchanting modern day fairytale based on the novel by Meg Cabot about a not-so-beautiful, nerdish, awkward teenager still waiting for the arrival of “normal body parts,” who, through a twist of fate, learns she is a princess. Directed by Garry Marshall, the master of feel good films, “The Princess Diaries” stars relative newcomer Anne Hathaway as 15-year-old Mia Thermopolis who combines girlish charm with klutziness as she is transformed into the exquisitely beautiful princess that is her birthright. And of course, who better to turn the ugly duckling into a swan than the original My Fair Lady herself, the ever elegant and always regal, Julie Andrews. Marking her first major return to the silver screen in over six years, Andrews plays Clarisse Renaldi, Queen of Genovia and grandmother to Mia.
Mia, who lives in San Francisco south of Market Street with her Bohemian artisan mother, is one day summoned to tea at the Genovian consulate by her paternal grandmother whom she has never met. During this meeting, Mia’s lineage, which has been withheld from her for the past 15 years so that she might grow up with a normal life, is ultimately disclosed resulting in a response of that oh-so-familiar teenage response of disbelief, “Shut up!” Mia learns that as the result of her father’s death, she is now the sole blood heir to the throne of Genovia and the time has come for her to either accept her royal position or abdicate the thrown. To abdicate, will destroy the country and its people. To accept, will destroy Mia’s current life. Initially resistant to the idea of ruling a country, Mia nevertheless strikes a bargain with her grandmother and agrees to begin “princess training” while she contemplates the decision she must make.
Aided by the queen’s head of security/limo driver/right-hand man/confidante and lover, Joe (played by everyone’s favorite fairy godfather, Hector Elizondo), humor abounds as Mia’s transformation begins. A hilarious performance by Marshall regular, Larry Miller as beauty guru Paolo, will not only leave a path of broken hairbrushes and plucked eyebrows, but will have the audience rolling in the aisles. (And for all you “Pretty Woman” fans, yes, Miller still “sucks up” to power and money with unabashed aplomb.) Complicating the situation is Mia’s need to continue her “normal” teenaged life and the Queen’s desire to keep “mum” about Mia’s being a princess until her unveiling at the Genovian Independence Day Ball. Needless to say, once someone slips to the local press as to Mia’s royal lineage, life will never be the same.
Marshall, obviously harkening back to his “Happy Days,” does his usual phenomenal job with teenaged character depiction and high school social structure, giving us laughs and tears as we watch the cruel snobbery of the jocks and cheerleaders and the joy when they get their come-uppance, the angst of teen love, the dream of a first kiss and a first date, your first car, the beach parties and the making, breaking and mending of friendships. And let’s not forget the requisite scenario – super jock as dream date to ugly duckling who is oblivious to silent quiet adoring brother of best friend who loves her for who she is inside, not the princess she has become.
This film has something for everyone. Cast with Marshall stalwarts, Elizondo, Miller, Patrick Richwood, Kathleen Marshall and Tracy Reiner, the laughs never stop. Heather Matarazzo as Mia’s best friend and animal activist, Lilly, steals almost every scene. Robert Schwartzmann as Lilly’s quiet, shy, lovelorn brother Michael is a young Prince Charming. Teen singing sensation Mandy Moore brings youthful snobbery to new heights (and young boys to the theater), while Sean O’Bryan and Mindy Burbano will bring smiles to your faces as you recall those special teachers you always liked and never forgot. And of course, Andrews’ appeal is timeless and still magical.
To her credit, Hathaway matches the impeccable comic timing of her more seasoned co-stars and performs pratfalls like a comedy veteran. Andrews’ imitation of a “schlumping” teenager and exuberance at participating in a typical teenaged day out and about in the city, are sheer perfection while her royal ad-lib following a cable car-auto accident is not to be missed. And for those die hard Julie Andrews’ fans, pay close attention to her Pygmalian oration. You would swear you’re listening to Henry Higgins himself!
Do Queen Clarisse and Joe succeed with their fair lady? Does Mia accept her destiny? Does she get her Prince Charming? Come on! This is Hollywood. This is Garry Marshall. This is a fairytale. This is once-upon-a-time. This is as good as it gets.
