The Princess Diaries (2001)

The Princess Diaries follows shy teenager Mia Thermopolis, after learning she is heir to the Genovian throne. Although initially resistant to the news, her friends and family help her realize her full potential. Let’s consider the pros and cons of The Princess Diaries…

Pros: Firstly, this movie is a testament to Anne Hathaway’s range. She is convincingly goofy and apathetic at the beginning, only to do a complete 180° by the end of the film. The Hair & Makeup Department also deserves credit for their part in achieving this stunning transformation. Lastly, I like that although Mia goes through a radical beautification process, her goofy personality remains intact. This goes hand in hand with the theme of the movie, which is to stay true to yourself no matter how much life tries to change you.

Cons: Firstly, this movie is uncannily similar to My Fair Lady. So much so, that I found myself wondering multiple times why I wasn’t just watching the obviously superior movie. Jokes aside, this movie feels like a mishmash of every teenage rom-com you’ve ever seen. It’s rife with high school clichés, predictable characters and hilariously exaggerated awkward moments. I’m no prince(ss) either, but I think I could make it through a dinner party without setting someone on fire. That’s just me though.

I give The Princess Diaries a B-. It’s a harmless live-action Disney movie that will resonate with young girls most of all. If you’re a fan of Anne Hathaway and want to see her early work, this is her first movie! Happy Watching.

“Me a princess? SHUT UP!”