Garry Marshall (1) (1934–2016)

Sequel to the first 'Princess Diaries' film, with mostly the same cast. It takes place when Mia has just graduated from university, and is due to be crowned queen of Genovia.

It's light and silly, undoubtedly. But also amusing in places, with great rapport between Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, who still looks elegant and considerably younger than 70. Mia’s awkwardness, despite her princess lessons, shines through in some cleverly choreographed moments, and there are some interesting show more scenes about the balance between duty and love.

All in all, we thought this made a worthy sequel and enjoyed it.

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For a romantic comedy, this film starts in rather a dramatic way and has a thread of tragedy running through it, yet I thought it was very well handled.It's not laugh-aloud funny, although there are plenty of light-hearted moments. Inevitably there's a growing romance, but it's not a passionate one - instead, it grows out of a low-key developing friendship.

Overall, we all enjoyed this very much. More thought-provoking than many films of this genre, and nicely done. The children are show more excellent, although it's really not a children's film, and we appreciated the clean language, the lack of anything that would rate the film higher than PG, and the positive attitude to the church.

Definitely recommended.

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A schmaltzy Disney film on a Cinderella theme, but very enjoyable for a relaxing evening in. The plot is probably well-known: Mia, a gauche, clumsy teenage American girl who tries hard to be invisible at school suddenly learns that her grandmother is Queen of a small European country. And as her father (whom she never knew) recently died, Mia is heir apparent to the throne of this country. She is appalled at first, but agrees to some 'princess lessons' and a makeover, and is gradually show more transformed.

Julie Andrews is perfect as the royal grandmother, and Anne Hathaway as Mia is excellent too - she manages both the awkward clumsy stage and the increasing elegancy of the transformation. There are some delightful scenes with the two of them together, and a few low-key ethical issues such as the shallowness of high school cheerleaders and sports stars, and the need for people to stand up for what they believe in.

I found it very enjoyable, and my husband enjoyed it too, rather to his surprise.

There are a few extras; we enjoyed the behind-the-scenes shots and descriptions of how the cast gelled together, and how the film was put together.

Latest longer review: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-princess-diaries-anne-hathaway.h... show less

An excellent 1990 film that's essentially the same story as 'My Fair Lady' with Julia Roberts absolutely brilliant as the prostitute Vivian. Richard Gere is less believable as the wealthy cut-throat businessman Edward, and the chemistry between the two doesn't quite work, but it's a very good story with an excellent script and great pace.

Some humour, some excellent scenes with the hotel manager, some thought-provoking commentary about wealth and attitudes to 'working' women like Vivian. And show more a somewhat unlikely but entirely satisfying fairy-tale ending.

Rated PG in the UK, R in the US. Unsuitable for children and younger teens due to the subject matter and some scenes of intimacy, albeit nothing explicit.

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