The Princess Diaries (2001)

 

Genre: Family/ Comedy

Time: 2h 

Director: Garry Marshall

Quick Summary: A clumsy, shy teen discovers that she's the princess of a small European state. She is then coached and must prove that she is worthy of her title while trying to make it through her school year.

I was a tomboy as a kid but this was secretly my favorite film

I don't care this isn't the most original or spectacular film I've seen, but it's certainly one of the most fun and sweet I've seen in a long while. It's such a safe and warm film, I genuinely loved watching this a kid. There are absolutely no hidden dirty jokes, just harmless girly stuff. Nothing too heavy either, it was such an easy watch.

There's a strong cast. Hathaway put on a very good performance in the lead role of Mia, moving from shy and awkward teenager to sudden celebrity causing her to have to deal with being popular not for who she is but for what she is, to - finally - elegant princess. I always related to her as I was that awkward kid with the big Poofy frizzy hair. Julie Andrews was, well, Julie Andrews. She didn't miss a beat and is such an iconic in this. 

I mean you can tell what's going to happen a mile off, it's not something you really need to think too deeply into. It's extremely difficult to dislike this classic of girlhood. It was such a comfort for young me and I felt that comfort again watching it as an adult. I never realized how many things it has taught me too. It's about being yourself and bettering yourself. It's about knowing who your real friends are. It's about living up to your own expectations and not the expectations of others.

Very sweet and loveable, you can't make me hate this film. The music choices are also bangers, each one being a 2000s girl pop singer with a little bit of preppy edge to them. Such a comforting film.

9/10

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent."

"Mia: You know, most kids hope for a car for their 16th birthday, not a country!"