Like many sequels, "Royal Engagement" loses some of the flavor of the first by trying too hard not to change a thing in the winning formula while telling a different story. The fantasy of being a princess is not the same as that of being a queen. This make-over is more subtle than taming hair and wearing make up. Mia must establish a connection to the people of Genovia, while maturing and calibrating her own moral compass. The love story is stilted and missing some the quirky subtlety Hathaway showed in Ella Enchanted, as she appears to fall for a sapphire-eyed suitor with attributes as lovely as but no deeper than nacre. Finally, there is a distracting deluge of overblown characters who labor too hard to keep the movie light, from the ladies' maids to the young guardsman bellowing out orders while wooing Lily.
The scenes between Hathaway and Andrews are lovely, though, as the two are complementary souls. Grandmother Clarisse shelters Mia under the umbrella of her poise and dignity, while Mia reawakens the Queen's sense of impish fun. With Andrews singing--albeit briefly--for the first time in years, the sleep-over scene alone is worth the price of admission.
Parents should know that 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.
Fans of this movie should see The Princess Diaries right now if they haven't already.
A Little Princess is a sweet movie based on the classic book, aimed at the younger viewers and picking up the theme of finding one's inner princess. Call Me Madam is a fun movie with great music that involves an unpolished American taking on a delicate role in diplomatic circles beyond her ken. Mature teens and adults will enjoy watching another young lady struggle deciding between a suitable marriage and one inspired by love in the classic A Room with a View.
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