Release Date: 4 November 2004

Synopsis :

Princess Mia (ANNE HATHAWAY) is in for an all-new set of lessons from Queen Clarisse (JULIE ANDREWS) in this hilarious sequel to Disney’s smash hit “The Princess Diaries,” directed by Garry Marshall.

Review:

It’s been 5 years since Mia (Anne Hathaway), a nerdy American teenager learned that she is next in line for the throne of Genovia, a Monaco-like realm somewhere in Europe. Now, turning 21 and just recently graduated with one Princeton degree, she’s back and ready to take over her grandmother, Queen Clarisse, when she steps down. Unfortunately, under the Genovian Law, an unmarried woman is forbidden to be crowned queen. So the journey of finding a suitable royal mate in 30 days begins, or the crown will be pass to her royal rival, Lord Nicholas Devereaux.

This film by Gary Marshall doesn’t deter away from its formulaic, feel good movie that he’s famous for like, "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride". Despite two decent performances from Anna Hathaway, with a more mature status but forever clumsy and innocent and Julie Andrews’s royal upper-class demeanor with heart (she’s Mary Poppin for goodness sake. What could go wrong?), this harmless, recyclable comedy can't help but deliver the same old thing, in the same old way. Tiresomely plot-driven and unnecessarily drawn out, Royal Engagement is the prim and proper cousin to its predecessor. Scenes like the royal slumber party is so unbelievably redundant, just shows that this movie is obviously Disney-certified. As soon as Mia finds out the law which prevented her from taking her throne in the beginning fo the movie, the entire show simply writes itself.

Despite the movie being no more than dandelion fluff, who cares? Being surrounded by horror and revenge movies that seem to be popping around like a chicken pox epidemic, it’s rather a nice change to actually sit back and enjoy wholesome family entertainment. This sequel is grander and more romanticized because of the fantasy setting, but still maintains the original's heart and offers a strong message for little girls.

Movie Rating: C


Review by our columist/web designer, Lokman B.S.