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The Prince and the Pauper (PG, 2008)

common sense media says

Slow story for Zack and Cody fans only.

parents & educators say
See all 5 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this DVD is squarely aimed at tween fans of Suite Life of Zack and Cody stars Dylan and Cole Sprouse. The content is equally mild, with some fake-looking guns on a film set and one short boat-chase scene (though an outtake after the credits shows someone getting punched and hit over the head with bottles). Caregivers of the two boys seem to yell a lot, and a mother is pretty self-absorbed throughout. She also keeps the identity of her son's father a secret until the end, when she happens to run into him.

Positive messages: The "grass is always greener" lesson gets learned rather predictably here; bratty movie star gets nice;, wannabe gets a shot at stardom.
Violence & scariness: A boat chase; fake-looking guns are used on a film set; a stunt man gets punched and hit with bottles in what is supposed to be a funny aside post-credits.
Sexy stuff: Prince and Pauper do some mild flirting with and staring at girls.
Language: Parents and parental figures do a lot of yelling, but no bad words are uttered.
Consumerism: The boys play a racing game on the XBox; Hansen's soda shown twice.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Grandpa says once, "What, are you high?"
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More on The Prince and the Pauper

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about who has it better: child celebs or regular kids. Would you like to spend your day on a movie set away from everyone your own age? Would you miss sports, friends, and hanging out at the movies? Do you think all kid celebs have big heads like Eddie?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Tom Canty (Dylan Sprouse) lives alone with his gruff grandpa (Ed Lauter), who recruits him every weekend to help with his landscaping business. He'd rather be in the school's acting group, and shows off his funny voices to classmates to prove it. Look-alike Eddie Tudor (Cole Sprouse) lives in a trailer on a movie set with his bustling producer-mom (Dedee Pfeiffer) and is the big star in the movie franchise Spy Teen. In between takes, he torments everyone with bratty behavior. When Tom sneaks on the set, Eddie invites him to hang out and try on his fancy Spy Teen duds. The resemblance is amazing, and a switcheroo plan is born. Then, without warning, the movie shoot moves an hour away and takes a surprised Tom with them. The two have their work cut out for them to get back to their own families and lives.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This movie is a very long 92 minutes, especially for anyone not into the Sprouse twins' The Suite Life of Zack and Cody TV show. Both the story and acting are mediocre kid-TV quality, and the pace is like a TV episode in slow motion, with only one boat-chase scene to shake it up.

Too bad they didn't try a little harder, especially since tweens are so celeb-aware/entranced and could take away some more grounded ideas about life as a kid star. Instead, the ideas are lost in a drone of bickering with adults who don't believe the boys when they claim to be someone else. And there's a "guess what, you're his dad" moment tacked on to add a certain something the wasted 92 minutes really could have done without.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: James Quattrochi
Cast: Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Kay Panabaker
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release: February 4, 2008
DVD release: February 4, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: mild thematic elements.
This review was written by Carrie R. Wheadon
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

thx47
teen, 14 years old
7
 
One of the worst movies ever
I think the "Suite Life of Zack and Cody" is ok, but this movie was so boring and stupid. The acting was terrible and the story was lame, but a fan of Zack and Cody will may like it.
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Me1
adult
 
My son was in this movie!!!!!!
I think it was great........
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drake12
teen, 16 years old
2
 
i liked it
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PrincessPixie101
teen, 13 years old
 
Good Movie, But Predictable
Let me just tell you that anyone who adores Dylan and Cole Sprouse (from the hit Disney Channel Show,The Suite Life of Zack and Cody)will absolutely love this movie. Anyone else will think it's good or ok. This is a version of Mark Twain's classic, except with a "modern" twist.It was good,except really predictable for people over 9 years old. Also, I'm not worried about commercialism, but if you are, even though the show is never mentioned in the movie, this is sorta like a tie-in with the Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Also, some of the fake movies in the movie are spoofs on real movies, like Spy Teens is a spoof on Spy Kids and Pirates of the Peninsula is a spoof on Pirates of the Caribbean. Overall, it's a nice movie.
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Michael H
adult
 
My kids really enjoyed it!
Anyone with kids who watch "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody" should consider buying or renting this DVD. My kids are big fans of the Sprouse twins and got a big kick out of seeing them in new roles and checking out the behind the scenes bonus footage. The movie is based on Mark Twain's classic "Prince and The Pauper". It's a great story and a great movie that is family friendly with no swear words. I'd recommend it for anyone with children or young teenagers regardless of whether or not they are already Zach & Cody fans.
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