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Prince & Me,
The
(2004)
Starring:
Julia Stiles, Luke Mably, Miranda Richardson
Directors: Martha Coolidge
Rating: PG
Studio:
Paramount
Release Date:
04.02.04
Review
Posted: 04.02.04
Spoilers:
None
By
Rachel Sexton
Royalty and
Romance, Stiles and Mably Make an Entertaining Pair
In our recent
culture, fairy tales seem to have begun resurgence as popular material
for mass consumption. Ever After was a version of the
Cinderella story that provided moderate success in 1998, and the
irreverent tale Shrek proved a huge hit a few years back, just
to name two. In the coming months, more films will arrive that viewers
should be familiar with. This week, the trend begins promisingly with
this film. The Prince & Me is a romantic modern fairy tale
which, though imperfect, is well worth a large audience.
The Prince & Me
is the story of the romance that blooms when focused pre-med student
Paige (Julia Stiles) and Eddie (Luke Mably) meet. As lab partners,
they spar, then spark. What Paige doesn’t know is that Eddie is the
Crown Prince of Denmark, living on the down low at their Wisconsin
college. This revelation almost tears them apart, but the real
challenge comes when Paige follows Eddie to his home country, and they
face opposition from Eddie’s mother (Miranda Richardson) and his royal
responsibilities.
The few flaws of
the film rest with the script. The story has memorably romantic and
funny moments, but cynics will most likely find it schmaltzy or
unrealistic. Romantics will forgive a bit of saccharine due to the
touches in the story that add realism. For example, we can believe
Paige and Eddie’s love is real because we are able to witness
firsthand how the experience matures Eddie. The audience can also see
exactly what the responsibilities of a royal life might be. Not to
mention the perks of royal membership—check out the scene with the
jewels. One thing that might irritate others is the rapidity with
which Eddie’s mother accepts Paige, though I was able to look back and
reconcile it. The film’s pacing is also slightly uneven.
Personally, I
thought the build up to the beginning of the romance was successful
for the most part. I especially like the scene where Eddie watches
Paige dance around while cleaning off tables after work. It’s clear he
loves her, and I think the rest of their relationship is presented
effectively for the most part. Paige’s reaction to the revelation of
who Eddie is feels realistic, as does her decision to pursue him
regardless, which makes the ending fit well enough.
Martha
Coolidge’s direction is simple and unflashy, though a couple of
touches stood out in a positive way, such as one scene photographed by
rotating the camera around the action. The production values were
outstanding in some ways, and the music was fine, plus the locations,
especially in Denmark, were quite gorgeous. The costumes looked very
good also.
Of the
performers, Stiles manages to hold a strong, intelligent presence.
Mably is believable as a future monarch and a man in love, and the
pairing of these two young actors works very well. Richardson is
perfectly cast and I really liked Eddie’s butler Soran, played by Ben
Miller.
The romance of
The Prince & Me proves to be an entertaining early entry into
the apparent trend of an increased interest in stories that are
influenced by fairy tales. Whether the reassuring simplicity and happy
endings of these stories is in some way Hollywood’s reaction to the
9/11 tragedy or if the studios simply thought they could make money,
there are similar projects coming soon to multiplexes, such as next
week’s Ella Enchanted. These stories are my taste, so I say,
"keep ‘em coming."
Film Rating:
êêê1/2 (out of
5)
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