SYNOPSIS

It has been five years since Mia (Anne Hathaway) found out that she is Princess of Genovia. Now, having finished college, she is ready to ascend the throne with the help of her grandmother (Julie Andrews), but snaky Genovian Viscount Mabrey (John Rhys-Davies) reveals in their Parliament that an old law states an unmarried woman can not take the throne. Mia has to get married in thirty days or lose the crown. She gets arranged with nice Andrew (Callum Blue) but sets off sparks with the other person in line to her throne, Nicholas (Chris Pine).

CRITIQUE

Movie going audiences haven’t seen the last of fairy tale-inspired films and this week one of them is released on DVD and video. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement retains the light, funny warmth of the original while adding an element of enjoyable romance, with richer production values and good performances.

Director Garry Marshall, as with the first film, embellishes very little, with no obtrusive camera work. A little more of this actually couldn’t have hurt, but he does well with the staging. One peeve I have is that the bit of CGI used in the beginning looks like CGI. He also seems to like getting a little too hip with the tween audience, casting Raven in a small role and putting Lindsay Lohan on the soundtrack. He lets the story take center stage, though and even if it is a bit skewed too much to the young female demographic, it’s still entertaining. Writer Shonda Rhimes structures the plot around several social functions. The film opens with Mia’s 21st birthday party, continues through a garden party, a Genovian Independence Parade, her bridal shower, a wedding, and finally, Mia’s coronation as Queen of Genovia. The love story provides some swoon-worthy moments and the comedy doesn’t fall flat most of the time.

The production values seem to have gotten the most benefit from an obviously boosted budget. The gorgeous mansion exterior was built for the film, the costumes are stunning, and the art direction is lush. You’ll definitely wish you were a princess. The music is all right as well. The highlight of this part of the production values, though, is the moment where Andrews sings finally after so many years. Its deliberately not a difficult song and she kind of half sings it but its thrilling nonetheless to see.

Legends like Andrews fit royal roles perfectly because she’s always regal. Marshall regulars like Hector Elizondo pop up here of course and still bring a smile. Chris Pine, handsome and charming, screams leading man. Cast this man in other things fast. This film, though, is Hathaway’s and her ease with leading roles is clear. She gives Mia intelligence and humor girls can look up to.

THE VIDEO

The theatrical print is well preserved in the widescreen DVD format.

THE AUDIO

The usual Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound presentation is more than adequate and a French language track and French and Spanish subtitles are available.

THE EXTRAS

Making a Return Engagement: This is the obligatory behind-the-scenes featurette, which is not too long or short, hosted by singer-actress Raven, who appears in the film. She sings in both the film and the featurette, which should tell you that there is a bit of emphasis on music (especially Andrews’ return to singing!), but the whole filming process is covered with interviews and off screen footage on the set. The surprising work that went into the sets is shown and everyone praises the director and imitates his unique vocal inflections.

Audio Commentary: The director and Andrews offer a track together that is somewhat interesting to listen to. A lot of the production information they reveal is interesting, such as the way a hall was faked with a perspective painting. Mostly, though, they just praise everyone.

Deleted Scenes: Eight scenes are included here, all with brief introductions by director Marshall as to what the scene is and why it was cut. Most you don’t miss but the one titled “Nicholas Cooks” is almost worth the cost of the disc itself, as Pine does a great comedic performance, and its not in the final film!

Bloopers: A short blooper reel is fun to watch as it is pretty funny, with the usual line flubs and it’s a glimpse into the fun of the production.

Music Video: “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson is an appropriate song for the film.

Find Your Inner Princess Interactive Game: A cute, brief game strictly for girls which tells the player what kind of princess they are after answering a series of questions. Nothing spectacular.

The Princess Diaries 2 Makeover: This is a blah studio featurette in which Hathaway’s stand-in is given a princess makeover. Skip it.

Trailers: There are plenty of other Disney company promos offered but the trailer for the film itself isn’t included. It should have been.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Princess Diaries 2 is a harmlessly fun film that will appeal even to those without kids, if only just for viewing every once in a while. It aims to be nothing more than a sweet girl-power tale that is at times funny and romantic. Mission accomplished.