The Princess Diaries -- 2001

The Princess Diaries
(2001)

Rated G
My Rating 4 Stars

Julie Andrews
Anne Hathaway
Heather Matarazzo
Hector Elizondo
Mandy Moore
Caroline Goodall
Robert Schwartzman

Summary:
Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is the school geek that all the popular kids like to pick on... when she's not invisible. She lives with her mother, an artist, and her cat, Fat Louie, in a refurnished old fire station and goes to school five days a week riding her scooter.

Then, Grandmother (Julie Andrews) comes into town with news that Mia isn't just a Mia Thermopolis, clumsy school geek with a head of kinky curls, she's Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, Princess of Genovia. And her Grandmother is Queen Clarisse of Genovia.

With this shocking discovery comes the news that unless Mia accepts her title of Princess, the crown will pass to another family in Genovia. Mia isn't thrilled at the prospect but her mother works out a deal that both Mia and her grandmother are willing to (begrudgingly) accept: Mia takes “Princess” lessons and attends the Genovian Ball. After the Ball, she will make her decision.

All of school buzzes with shock when Mia has a make-over. And the school buzzes even more when the news leaks out that the school freak is actually a real live Princess. Mia's status of  most unpopular girl suddenly changes to everyone wanting to be her best friend. But things get ugly when some of her jealous classmates decide to try for their moment of fame.

Mia is faced with the knowledge of what being a Princess means... and it's not all wonderful dinners, beautiful gowns and glittering tiaras. What decision will she make?

What I Liked:
1: Julie Andrews. I love Julie Andrews!
2: Anne Hathaway has such a sparkle to her that I haven't seen in anyone else.
3: The story. Who doesn't want to find out they are a real live princess?! But who understands everything that comes with the position? I appreciate how both positive and negatives sides are shown.
4: I liked the romance. Pretty clean.
5: Mia learns that handsome and popular doesn't always mean good.
6: The Queen took time off her duties to really get to know Mia... and she really did care about people.

What I Didn't Like:
1: I got the feeling that 'I've heard this story before' while watching it.

Things To Know:
1: Mia is shown in just a towel. You see nothing more than when she wears a strapless dress.
2: There is some kissing.

This is probably one of the nicer films I've seen in awhile. It's good for kids... nice, clean story. You'll fall in love with all the characters. :-)