The Princess Diaries (2001)

February 16, 2024 7:18 AM

[TRAILER] Shy San Francisco teenager Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is thrown for a loop when, from out of the blue, she learns the astonishing news that she's a real-life princess! As the heir apparent to the crown of the small European principality of Genovia, Mia begins a comical journey toward the throne when her strict and formidable grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews), shows up to give her "princess lessons."

Also starring Patrick John Flueger, Heather Matarazzo, Hector Elizondo, Mandy Moore, Sandra Oh.

Directed by Garry Marshall. Screenplay by Gina Wendkos. Based on the book and book series of the same name by Meg Cabot. Cinematography by Karl Walter Lindenlaub. Edited by Bruce Green. Music by John Debney

49% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Currently streaming on DisneyPlus in the US. JustWatch listing.

posted by DirtyOldTown (6 comments total)

I know I've seen this but I don't remember it. It feels like at this point, it mostly endures as one of those teen comedies that hits at the right moment for a generation of kids, and as what turned out to be the coming out party for Anne Hathaway as a big star.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:19 AM on February 16

I think there's a darker story that could be told with this concept but this keeps it so G-rated (it is actually rated G) that it makes it just goofy fun (like Mia's beach "scandal" is such a nothing, especially compared to what was happening in the culture at the time). I also like that Mia's makeover doesn't go over well with her friends/classmates -- she's not instantly popular and she's kind of embarrassed about the whole thing.

Sandra Oh is fun as the principal, as is Hector Elizondo's Joe.

(I have no idea what the books are like, but the movie seems to change a few things. The books seem to be aimed that the lower end of the "Young Adult" audience, though, so I suspect there was nothing too scandalous in them either.)
posted by edencosmic at 7:43 AM on February 16

TPD is a movie I don't seek out, but always watch if I come across it. Anne and Heather are adorable. Julie is Julie. The quirky fake nation isn't overdone.
posted by Stuka at 9:13 AM on February 16

I have never actually seen this movie, but thankfully working for Disney when it was being marketed meant it was in my head and scored me $400 on Jeopardy in "Novel Characters". It made all my friends wonder how 34 year old me knew that answer. :)
posted by drewbage1847 at 10:24 AM on February 16 [2 favorites]

Comfort watch! Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews are delightful.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:58 PM on February 16 [1 favorite]

Have watched this many times, always happily.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:49 PM on February 18