What Parents Should Know
There are scenes of social embarrassment and manipulation.
Also, there are several kisses in this movie, including a
couple of the "foot-popping" variety. Mia does discuss with her
grandmother arranged marriages as a means to secure the throne,
and there are revelations both about loveless marriages and
marriage-less loves.
Families who watch this movie might wish to discuss how one's duty to oneself might conflict with another duty; for example, when Nicholas acts in such a way as to secure the best outcome for Genovia, in his view, but he does not act honorably. Also, they might want to discuss how perspectives on a tradition change for the better or worse. Finally, they might want to talk about the different relationships in the movie and what Mia might do in the months that follow the movie's end.
Common Sense Media Review
Another sweet lollipop of a movie,
Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement picks up five
years later than the first and, though missing some of the
original's spark and humor, is a fun enough romp for girls of
all ages. It's the movie equivalent of a sticker scrapbook
filled with rainbows and unicorns -- it features not only
guaranteed girl-pleasers like a princess and a romance, but
also manages to include a slumber party with Disney Channel
favorite Raven.
Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is no longer a shy teenager, but a polished young woman ready to follow in her deceased father's footsteps as the heir to the throne of Genovia, a fictional country perpetually sparkling in late afternoon sunshine. Having finished college with a degree in foreign affairs, she still dreams of a "foot-popping" kiss (a kiss so good that it makes your foot pop up) but between her studies and her friends she has not quite gotten around to relationships.
Mia and her exquisitely regal grandmother, Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews) have developed a deep understanding and respect for one another, and the Queen believes it is time for Mia to replace her on the throne. Their plans are hampered, however, when the scheming Viscount Mabrey (John Rhys-Davies) pushes Parliament to enforce an old law that requires that a princess be married before she can become a queen, as he positions his own nephew -- Mia's distant relative -- to become king. The result is that Princess Mia has thirty days to find a husband, to win over Genovia, and to learn how to be queen.
Within a week she is engaged to a sweet and slightly klutzy English duke, Andrew (Callum Blue), a thoughtful man who does not make her foot pop, but has an "I detest you" type bickering attraction to Viscount Mabrey's young nephew, Lord Nicholas (Chris Pine). While capturing headlines with her gaffes, Mia wins over hearts with her goodness and down-to-earth caring. Best friend, Lily (Heather Matarazzo), returns to help her gain her stride and to give Mia a piece of normality in the decidedly unreal palace life.
