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A fairy tale for all ages
submitted by: Lisa D.
source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Date: August 3, 2001
By SUE PIERMAN, Special to the Journal Sentinel
Garry Marshall again is spinning urban fairy tales with his latest film, "The Princess Diaries."
While Marshall caught lightning in a bottle with "Pretty Woman," Julia Roberts' breakout vehicle, he failed to strike pay dirt with "Runaway Bride," which reunited Roberts and Richard Gere. His latest project strikes a middle ground -- not as sophisticated as "Pretty Woman," but much more interesting than "Bride."
With "The Princess Diaries," Marshall appeals to mother-daughter moviegoers, and succeeds admirably. One of the most difficult things a filmmaker can do is create a movie that appeals to two generations with a G-rated story, no less. But the combination of Julie Andrews ("The Sound of Music") and Anne Hathaway ("Get Real") prove an alluring double bill.
"Princess Diaries" isn't high art. Its story, about a nerdy teenager who becomes a princess swan, is hardly original. But the cast and the sweetness of it all makes the film hard to resist. Part of its appeal is that it's a movie that parents can see with their kids without having to cringe due to bathroom humor, sexual innuendo or foul language.
Are there implausible, silly moments? Sure. Are they forgivable? Yes.
Andrews shines as the queen hoping to persuade her granddaughter to ascend to the throne of her tiny country. Andrews proves that grace and poise are not forgotten virtues. She is a delight.
Hector Elizondo, a staple of Marshall's films, adds his own elegance and grace as Andrews' confidant-chauffeur-suitor.
Together they strive to mold gawky Hathaway into a princess of whom they can be proud. All of this happens, of course, with trials and tribulations.
Hathaway first must relinquish her individuality -- her Doc Martens, dingy nail polish and delightfully corkscrew hair -- before becoming a princess. If there is a negative to this movie, it is that a perfectly adorable girl is seen as not good enough because she does not have the type of beauty featured on magazine covers.
Thankfully, when she does achieve this physical perfection she maintains her inner convictions and sense of fair play. Those are the qualities of a true princess -- and a good movie.
The Princess Diaries ** 1/2
Cast: Julie Andrews, Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore
Behind the scenes: Produced by Whitney Houston, Debra Martin Chase and Mario Iscovich. Written by Gina Wendkos. Directed by Garry Marshall.
Rated: G
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