By: debbie lynn elias
More of a continuation than a sequel of the 2001 Disney big screen mega-hit based on the enchanting (and highly successful) series of novels by Meg Cabot, “The Princess Diaries 2” picks up five years after we last saw the not-so-beautiful, nerdish, awkward Mia Thermopolis (who was still waiting for the arrival of “normal body parts”), transformed into the sometimes graceful, but always oh-so-beautiful Princess Mia, heir to the throne of Genovia. Photo © Copyright Walt Disney Pictures
In case you’ve forgotten, or missed the first film completely, Mia spent the first 15 years of her life living as a normal teenager with her single artist mother in San Francisco. Following the death of her father, Mia finally met her paternal grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi of Genovia, and discovered for the first time that she, in fact, was of royal blood and heir to the Genovian throne. Faced with the decision to continue her “normal” life or assume her royal responsibilities, Mia ultimately accepted her royal responsibilities and under the tutilage and guidance of Queen Clarisse, submitted to “princess training” and transformation into Princess Mia. (Note: Now would be an ideal time to pick-up a copy of the recently released DVD Special Edition of “The Princess Diaries.”)
Life has passed quickly for the young princess the past few years as she prepares to celebrate her 21st birthday and assume the throne as Queen of Genovia. Still awed by her princess perks (like tiaras, clothes and more shoes than at a Nordstrom’s sale), Mia’s exuberance and amazement at royal life is infectious and one can’t help but be swept into the magical fairytale unfolding before us. But, as Mia has long since learned, there are always wrinkles in her life and this is no exception. Seems that according to an ancient Genovian law, Mia must marry before becoming Queen. Okay. No big deal. That is unless you’re a month away from taking the throne and have no boyfriend and no prospective Prince Charmings on the horizon. (Sadly, those Pince Charmings are even fewer and farther between in the real world than in Genovia.) Adding even more pressure to the situation is the discovery of another potential heir to the throne – Sir Nicholas – who will assume the throne should Mia not marry in time. But not to worry. With the same grace, calm and presence of mind that she tackled princess training five years ago, Mia, together with her grandmother Queen Clarisse set out to find Mia a husband. The trouble is, once a suitable prospect is found, Mia finds herself falling for Sir Nicholas. Are his affections and intentions honest and true? Or is this some con to get himself the perks that go with being King Nicholas married to Queen Mia? (And girls, take heed…be it real life or fairy tale royal, you will find yourself asking – is it the cash, credit cards and cars or is it me that he wants?)
Returning as everyone’s favorite princess is Anne Hathaway as Mia. More mature, but with the same special “rough around the edges” innocence and elan that captures the heart and brings a smile to the face, Hathaway is even more delightful than in the original. A strong performance the first go round, her comedic timing is even more impeccable and with the added element of a more mature romantic edge, she is unstoppable. One of my all time favorites, the oh-so-regal Julie Andrews, returns as Queen Clarisse. Still a very prim and proper lady, seeing Andrews transform Clarisse from a stoic queen into a grandmother who just happens to be a queen is magical. Her performance bears a lighter touch, even a frivolity, in keeping with the character’s changes while still maintaining that royal essence. Reminiscent of Andrews’ “My Favorite Things” performance in “The Sound of Music,” here she breaks into song, hangs out a slumber party with “the girls” and even does her own mattress surfing down a slide. Youthful exuberance at its finest! Hearing Andrews break into song is itself worth the price of admission given her recent medical history and fears that she would not sing again.
Other familiar faces are back and none more welcome than Hector Elizondo as the Queen’s right hand man Joe and Heather Matarazzo as Mia’s best friend Lily. Matarazzo, a scene stealer in the original, doesn’t disappoint here and although having less screen time, makes good use of every second. And of course, what would a Garry Marshall romantic comedy be without everyone’s favorite fairy godfather, Hector Elizondo. The always hilarious Larry Miller is back as hairdresser Paulo and I assure you, the silliness abounds when he is around. Kathleen Marshall also returns as the Queen’s assistant Charlotte. A new entry on the scene is Chris Pine (whose father Robert Pine I had the pleasure of working with years ago) who makes his big screen debut as Prince Nicholas. Charming and princely with a spoiled brattish edge, Pine fills the role nicely as a love interest for our princess. And I have to mention once of my faves, Spencer Breslin, who makes a brief appearance as young Prince Jaques Dube.
Written by Shonda Rhimas, the story never gets bogged down in cutesy and conveys the strength of the characters, and particularly Mia, as written by novelist Meg Cabot. And while each primary character is faced with decisions involving ethics, morals and good vs. bad, the story never gets lost in the underlying messages. And thanks to solidly written character interplay, the chemistry between the characters, and particularly Hathaway and Andrews, shines brighter than one of the Queen’s tiaras. (And FYI – many of the tiaras worn in the film are real.)
Bringing the entire package together is the ubber director of romantic comedies Garry Marshall and he does his usual job of excellence in bringing out the best in each of his principals. Although some may deem the Marshall format as hackneyed or worn, I disagree. Marshall loves the romantic comedies as do some many moviegoers out there today, including myself. You know going in to a Marshall film that there will be laughs, maybe some tears, smiles, romance and lots of laughs. The story will be well-crafted and the technical aspects will be simple and heartfelt so as not to detract from the story or the characters. His is a well oiled machine and it works beautifully here.
Does Mia become Queen? Does Mia get to wear all those great clothes and gems hiding in her own mini-mall of a closet? Does Mia find her Prince Charming or does she kiss a frog? A fairytale, once-upon-a-time. . .this movie is for the princess in all of us.
Anne Hathaway: Mia Thermopolis Julie Andrews: Queen Clarisse Hector Elizondo: Joe Heather Matarazzo: Lily Kathleen Marshall: Charlotte Chris Pine: Prince Nicholas
Directed by Garry Harshall. Written by Shonda Rhimes based on the novel by Meg Cabot. A Buena Vista Picture. Rated G. (115 min)
