15 year old Mia (Anne Hathaway) is in for the shock of her life when her estranged grandmother Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) comes for a visit, and drops a major bombshell: Mia’s recently deceased father was the Crown Prince of Genovia meaning that Mia is Princess of Genovia and the next in line for the throne.
Mia is the furthest thing from Princess material and has to suffer through Princess lessons, a makeover, and having her bodyguard Joe (Hector Elizondo) along with her wherever she goes.
Being a princess is far from easy. Thanks to her Royal status being leaked to the media and a public scandal, Mia considers abdicating the throne before she ever takes it! She has a major decision to make: stay a normal teenager or accept her destiny as Princess.
The Princess Diaries was based on the series of the same name by Meg Cabot. I’ve never read the books so I have nothing to compare the movie to, but I’ve always loved the movie. It’s one of my all-time favorites! It’s so much fun to watch no matter how many times I’ve seen it. It’s funny and chock full of great quotes!
It’s also the reason why Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews are a couple of my favorite actresses. Can someone please get on the ball with Princess Diaries 3?! It was announced forever ago, and I’d prefer if they’d film it while the entire cast was alive! Stream it now on Disney Plus!
At birth, Ella (Anne Hathaway) is cursed with the gift of obedience. She must obey anyone that gives her a direct order. Her mother dies, and her father remarries a good for nothing rich woman with two spoiled brats for daughters. It isn’t long before the evil stepsisters figure out Ella’s secret and use it against her.
Loosely based on Cinderella, Ella Enchanted is a modern update on the classic fairytale featuring magical creatures not found in the original like elves, giants, and in the movie version based off the book of the same name by Gail Carson Levine, a talking book, and snake for some reason or other. And no Cinderella retelling would be complete without a Prince. Prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy) always seems to find himself in the right place at the right time to save Ella’s life which happens with great frequency.
Prince Char’s uncle is plotting to take over the kingdom, and after learning about Ella’s secret, he orders her to kill the Prince. It’s up to Ella to break the curse and free the kingdom. It’s not like her fairy godmother will do it for her!
Ella Enchanted was one of the first books I remember literally not being able to put down! And I’ve always loved the movie even though some major changes were made to the adaptation including the talking book and snake.
Though with every rewatch I find the snake more useless and annoying, and one of the most unrealistic elements of the movie! Everyone knows the snake can talk, and they NEVER QUESTION IT!!! Why???!! They treat this phenomenon as being COMPLETELY NORMAL!!!
Despite the snake, Ella Enchanted is one of my favorite Cinderella retellings. It’s always fun to watch! Stream it now on HBO Max.
Princess Mia (Anne Hathaway) is being held to an an old Genovian law: In order to become Queen, she must marry in 30 days or forfeit the crown. If she doesn’t marry, the throne will go to the next in line: Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine 😍😍😍) Mia is prepared to go through with an arranged marriage, but things (thankfully) don’t go as planned!
Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews) is struggling with what she’ll do next after she steps down as Queen, whether or not or future will include her Head of Security, Joe (Hector Elizondo).
Both women have only a month to make some major life-altering decisions.
I always liked this movie, but I enjoyed it more this time around than I remember from last time. It’s got a love triangle and one of my all-time favorite tropes: Enemies to Lovers. While I enjoy the sequel slightly more, the sequel is honestly just as good and is worth the five star rating.
The “I loathe you” scene is iconic, as is the quote, “The Queen is never late, everybody else is simply early.” Watching anything with Chris Pine is always a plus! 😍 Stream it now on Disney Plus
P.S. Disney, Where’s my sequel?! Quit the live action remakes and give me a completed trilogy!
2¢ Movie Reviews 