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The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
- Review Date: December 12, 2004
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2004
Common Sense Media says
A fun romp for girls of all ages.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this modern-day fairy tale sequel preserves the lighthearted fish-out-of-water comedy of the original Princess Diaries. Princess Mia is still delightfully overwhelmed by her unexpected ascent to the throne, but now, more grown up, she has to tackle some important matters such as marriage, true love, and her responsibility to the kingdom of Genovia. There are several scenes with romantic kisses, including a couple of the foot-popping variety.
What's the story?
In this sequel set five years after the first film, Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is now a polished young woman ready to follow in her deceased father's footsteps as the heir to the throne of Genovia. Mia's grandmother, Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews), believes it's time for Mia to replace her on the throne. But the scheming Viscount Mabrey (John Rhys-Davies) pushes Parliament to enforce an old law that requires that a princess be married before she can become a queen, and positions his own nephew -- Mia's distant relative -- to become king. So, Mia has 30 days to find a husband, to win over Genovia, and to learn how to be queen. Within a week she is engaged to a sweet and slightly klutzy English duke, Andrew (Callum Blue), but has an "I detest you"-type bickering attraction to Mabrey's nephew, Nicholas (Chris Pine). While capturing headlines with her gaffes, Mia wins over hearts with her goodness and down-to-earth caring. Best friend, Lily (Heather Matarazzo), returns to help her gain her stride and to give Mia a piece of normality in the decidedly unreal palace life.
Is it any good?
Like many sequels, THE PRINCESS DIARIES 2: ROYAL ENGAGEMENT loses some of the flavor of the first by trying too hard not to change a thing in the winning formula while telling a different story. The fantasy of being a princess is not the same as that of being a queen. This makeover is more subtle than taming hair and wearing makeup. Mia must establish a connection to the people of Genovia, while maturing and calibrating her own moral compass. The love story is stilted and missing some of the quirky subtlety Hathaway showed in Ella Enchanted, as she appears to fall for a sapphire-eyed suitor who is handsome but shallow. Finally, there is a distracting deluge of overblown characters who labor too hard to keep the movie light, from the ladies' maids to the young guardsman bellowing out orders while wooing Lily.
The scenes between Hathaway and Andrews are lovely, though, as the two are complementary souls. Grandmother Clarisse shelters Mia under the umbrella of her poise and dignity, while Mia reawakens the Queen's sense of impish fun. With Andrews singing -- albeit briefly -- for the first time in years, this sequel is worth watching for the sleepover scene alone.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how this sequel compares with The Princess Diaries. Do you like it as well? Less? More?
Familes also might want to discuss how difficult it is to change centuries-old traditions, especially in royal families. Have you seen video footage of any royal weddings, like the 2011 wedding of England's Prince William and Kate Middleton?
What do you think Mia might do in the months that follow the movie's end?
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AGE
Amazingly good sequel!
PD2 is an amazingly good sequel to a wonderful movie! I thoroughly enjoyed every second and think everybody should see it!
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AGE
I thought the movie was great! Whoever liked The Princess Diaries will like this one.
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AGE
The dream continues
Took my 7 year old, who loved it as much as the first movie. Great examples of how to positively approach those who are less fortunate and a soft sell on social consciousness. The rest of the movie was just plain fun. It was great to hear Julie Andrews sing!
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AGE
Three generations loved it
Grandma loved Julie Andrews, 10 year old daughter and 6 year old son loved silly story, mom loved the fact that there was a movie we could all go to on a rainy day in the middle of summer. Not as good as the first but still sweet.
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AGE
Mia misbehaved
I read the reviews on this website before allowing my 8 year old to see this movie. It sounded harmless, so we saw it. However, there were several times I really cringed. In the first movie, Mia gets into some royal trouble by mistake and by trusting the wrong people. This time she sneaks out with a boy (while engaged to another) and winds up falling asleep with him outside. Nothing happens other than kissing, but the whole idea of a heroine sneaking out and cheating on someone was not an example that I want for my daughter. Another big thing for me was there was a reference to homosexuality. I was just not ready to explain that issue to my child yet. I did like that Mia took a stand in the end and made a positive social change.
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AGE
Perfect for girls, but boys might enjoy it too
My daughter liked this movie specially because of the fun parts of the life of a princess: matress slide with style, being able to help others like the orphanage children. However, my boys liked the movie too (9-10 years).
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AGE
Great Movie for Kids
This is a very good movie for both boys and girls. Almost as good as the first. Our kids loved it, and yours will too. There need to be more G rated movies!
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AGE
A good movie
This is a wonderful family movie...my 12-year old daughter and my eight-year-old neice loved it--even my husband liked it! Too bad they didn't make more family-friendly movies like this one!
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| Topics: | princesses and fairies, book characters |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Garry Marshall |
| Cast: | Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, Julie Andrews |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 120 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 13, 2004 |
| DVD release date: | December 14, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | general audiences |
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