User reviews

How refreshing to attend a non-animated, G-rated movie and enjoy it! As a 41-year-old woman attending with an 82-year-old friend, I expected a light, pretty, romantic fairy tale, and that's exactly what I got. Never saw the first movie, but the "catch-up" work at the beginning made that a non-issue.

Surely, no one would go to this movie expecting to find the meaning of life portrayed on the screen. Come on, folks, this is a Disney princess flick with Julie Andrews and a G-rating; is anybody expecting deep philosophy?

Chick flick? Of course! Especially appealing to young (under 18) chicks? Definitely! Enjoyable to other adult women and men who just want a happy trip to fantasy land with no worries about sex, blood, or blue language? Absolutely!

Take this film at face value and you'll enjoy it. If you can't do that, don't bother seeing it. There are plenty of other "profound" movies out there to inspire, teach, or depress you! Go for a good time and you'll have it.

I remember seeing the first movie not expecting much from it, but when I walked out I was pleasantly surprised! When I saw the previews to this movie I thought "Oh god! Another movie ruined by a sequel!" I was slightly wrong in my thinking, because this was in fact a cute, light-hearted, feel-good movie. Maybe it's not as good as the first, but I still thought it was rather enjoyable. Anne Hathaway is a great actress and I'm so glad her talent was discovered and recognized. Julie Andrews gave a great performance as the former Queen of Genovia. This movie may have been predictable and a big ball of fluff, but what do you expect to a sequel to a Disney movie where Pixar wasn't involved? I would recommend this movie to anyone, just as long as you go into it knowing it's different from the first. I'm just praying there won't be a third movie.

What does it mean to be a princess? Besides wearing tiaras and twin sets, dancing at balls…attracting fame and fortune simply for being beautiful? A princess is stuck forever in extended adolescence – she only has the trappings of power. Symbolically, at least, a queen has real power, and does not necessarily need to be beautiful.

For hundreds of years, fairy tales have filtered through our consciousness to involuntarily fuel our dreams. In the last century, what began as cautionary tales to lecture children have been sugar-spun into a Disneyfied notion of desire. But with Disney's latest, Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, the recent trend of recasting fairy tales to reflect modern ideals continues, albeit with a gentler hand than yesteryear's feminists.

Simply, it's not enough to be a princess anymore. Although ostensibly a conventional tween romantic comedy, Princess Diaries 2 features a heroine who is more independent than Drew Barrymore's character in Ever After (1998) and less frustrated than Julia Stiles' Mary Donaldson clone in the The Prince and Me (2004). And, even better, in Princess Diaries 2, there are no handsome princes, just boys on the side.

I'm not a fan of much of director Gary Marshall's work – although Pretty Woman's a classic, Runaway Bride, Raising Helen and the original Princess Diaries are very ordinary films. But in this enchanting sequel, he and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes give us a character who's not just beautiful, klutzy and funny. Mia Mignonette Thermopoulos Rinaldi is growing into her power.

Princess Diaries 2 begins five years after the original at Mia's 21st birthday party. After the schemings of John Rhys Davies triggers an ancient Genovian law, Mia has one month to marry, otherwise she will forfeit the throne. As two very different suitors court her, Mia relies on her now affectionate relationship with her grandmother, Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews), to guide her. Meanwhile security chief Joe (Hector Elizondo) woos the Queen.

There are hackneyed moments, the worst of which is a pajama party featuring dozens of little princesses who are designed to reflect their aspirant audience. Although enjoyable, this scene serves no dramatic function, except perhaps to showcase Julie Andrew's expertise in mattress surfing. The change in Queen Clarisse's character is also unexplained – she's transformed from being an acerbic biddy in the first film to being the dream grandmother. However, this film is entertaining, humorous and has a positive message. The cast and characters are also strong, particularly Anne Hathaway as Mia, and there's plenty of chemistry between her and Nicholas (Chris Pine). Heather Matarazzo and Fat Louie the cat also make brief appearances.

Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement improves on the original, and will be a particular hit with its target audience: tween and teen girls. But this film's got enough substance to appeal to an older audience…if you let it. ***/***** stars.

The sequel is still funny and it's worth watching to hear Julie Andrews sing again. The "mattress surfing scene is wonderful especially when the Queen (Andrews) pops in and everyone thinks OMG the party's over. But NO! Anne Hathaway is absolutely gorgeous, so guys will of course enjoy the "eye candy" and the ladies have some pretty hunky guys around too. The real story of this movie though is the fleshing out of the relationship between Joe (Hector Elizondo) and the Queen. That's the most interesting subplot in the story and the most enjoyable too. The ending is somewhat of a predictable surprise. I found it to be enjoyable. Not as witty as the original but still worth the watch.

Disney have proved yet again why they are a head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to producing movies that aren't admittedly brain food, but are "good clean fun", (if you'll forgive the cliché), for kids. For every little girl who ever dreamed of becoming a princess, this film is the perfect way to spend two hours.

True, it was grossly unfaithful to Meg Cabot's original novels, but still managed to convey the charm and slick veneer that has come to be associated with Disney, and the valuable message of independence for little princesses everywhere.

For the more mature audience, this is a happy chance to revisit childhood, or simply breathe a sigh of relief that what your child is watching is not in any way compromising or damaging, and will not have to be explained later.

Good message. Solid performances. Sweet (if bland and predictable at times) story line. Great movie!

Highly recommended for two hours of escapism on a summer's afternoon.

Good watch, could watch again, but can't recommend unless you just really liked the first one.

Of all the boring premises, a legal requirement is a really boring choice. Forcing a marriage is not only not relatable for America (Mia's country of origin), but also not exciting to watch Anne Hatheway reject guys and have to settle. And all the while they ignore the obvious solution.

There is a lot of fun with the idea of a American princess just having fun with a lot of resources, and touching bits with her using her power for good.

Sadly, again, the movie doesn't feel like it does anything special, despite all the "pizazz" they layer on.

Again, it's good, but it is weaker than the original, and unless you have the background of that movie, you're not missing anything by skipping this one.

Never ones to miss an opportunity Disney were very quick to make this sequel after the surprise success of the first. I assume they also wanted to make it before Anne Hathaway got too old to play the role too.

As with many a sequel, this one isn't as good as the original. That isn't to say it's not got it moments (Julie Andrews singing again is a huge one) but the plot feels a bit predictable. In fact it feels very similar to the plot of the earlier Disney film 'The Santa Clause 2', only with a Princess needing to find a husband rather than Santa finding a wife.

The main selling point of this and the original is Anne Hathaway. I don't think there was ever a doubt that she would go on to bigger and better things. Her performance more than makes up for the slower parts of this film.

Anyone who liked the first Princess Diaries movie will like this. It's sweet, it's funny, and there are gorgeous men and gorgeous clothes. My best friend and I are in our late 20's and although it was predictable as any chick flick is...it was well worth our 9 dollar admissions. We loved it, and left feeling happy.

Mia arrives back in Genovia only to discover that due to a old law still on the books, she has to marry in order to rule her country. Unfortunately there is another candidate. Mia proceeds to deal with her life with her usual mix of clumsiness and sarcasm, with best friend Lily along for the ride. Memorable scenes include the ball, the parade, the wooden leg, and the continuing romance between Joe and Queen Clarice.

The thing that disappointed me about this movie was the title. I have read most of the Princess Diaries books and I really like them. So the fact that the movie is called the same thing is annoying since it has absolutely nothing to do with the books. If you have read the books and want to see the movie just go in knowing that there is no relation between the two whatsoever. They are two completely different things. Once you know and accept this, you can enjoy the movie. It is pretty nice, with good acting. There is also a scene where we listen to Julie Andrews singing again! It is definitely a cute movie to watch and enjoy with the family!

Having read all the books in the series by Meg Cabot, I knew I was going to have high standards, and I was personally quite impressed! I mean, this movie? I can watch it again and again and again, and not get tired of it! It's magic seems to last forever! Anne Hathaway plays a wonderful portrayal of Princess Mia, and her performance is never unsatisfactory. I think, to quote the previous commenter,...the 'transition', was quite effective! The movie was intended to describe Mia's life after she graduates from college. It was not meant to continue where the books left off, and if that was the case, Meg Cabot, wouldn't have let the movie go into production!!! And yes, there may have been 'eye-candy', but what's a comedy-romance without it? Many congratulations on the movie's success, it was well-deserved!

The sequel to a quite charming predecessor, isn't too bad, but like the predecessor it does have a number of failings that let the film down considerably. I will say that there are some lovely locations, a nice soundtrack and very spirited performances from Anne Hathaway as Mia and Julie Andrews as Clarisse. Another big treat was hearing Andrews sing at the pyjama party. Even seven years of not being able to sing at all, her voice is not too bad, even if it lacks the angelic quality that made her so memorable in Mary Poppins and Sound of Music. However, had he had some better material to work with, John Rhys Davies could have been really entertaining. Because that wasn't to be, he was merely good, as we didn't learn very much from his character. Other failings include a rather contrived plot- then again the predecessor wasn't entirely successful at that either-, an underdeveloped romance and some uneven scripting. Overall, not bad at all, but could have been better. 6/10 Bethany Cox.

The sequel to the highly successful Princess Diaries has come. This time, Mia who is slowly but surely adapting in her life as a princess is faced with a dilemma wherein she has to according to an obscure law must marry before she can ascend to the throne of Genovia. She must no chose between her duty to her new homeland or the affairs of her heart. In the background, lurks characters that are to benefit should she choose not to take the crown.

My very first reaction after watching the film was that I did not really enjoy the humour that the film had. There were a lot of elements that was taken from the first film. Whereas in the first film, it proved to be funny and quite charming, in this film it was the complete opposite. It's just like you listening to a joke that you have already heard before; it just doesn't have the same effect on you unlike the first time. It really looked quite silly that Anne Hathaway, who obviously has matured since the last PD movie, would come up with the same clumsy moves. In the past she could have gotten away with it but not this time around. I sincerely hope this is the last time she goes and does a movie like this because she has definitely outgrown this type of roles.

The story I also thought was rather dull and boring. It's pretty much a run of the mill story, which is really one of the weaker points of this movie. Yes it was rather predictable.

Overall this movie was a weak sequel and rather one to forget. I really hope that this franchise be put to rest as I really think a third film would really harm the franchise in the end. Then again this movie did make almost $100 Million and Disney might just try to squeeze a little more from the film.

I am a frequent visitor to the cinema with my three daughters and I have to sit through films that are regularly panned by the critics. Despite that there is usually a source of escapism in most films that make a visit an enjoyable occasion.

Princess diaries 2 is ham fisted drivel with few redeeming qualities. The screenplay is full of grotesque amateurish caricatures that irritate from early in the film. The writer could not decide which country it was set in. Perhaps in attempt to be cosmopolitan there were a broad range of European nationalities represented united in being portrayed as idiots. Presumably because they aren't American and therefore don't understand the working of the real world.

A complete waste of the talents of Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews and the bald bloke.

More from Ms Hathaway and Ms Poppins as the newly crowned Princess Mia travels to Genovia to fulfill all the roles of royal domestication and to achieve every princess's dream - to get married! This is really an add-on to the 2001 film with more cake-icing sets, ravishing costume changes, and dilemmas of love and politics, all set to a funky dance soundtrack.

Mia's school sweetheart has been replaced by two dashing handsome men. One the heir and future prince of Genovia and the other, her irresistible love-to-hate nephew. The love triangle forms the main obstacle in the film for Mia and so this sequel plays more like a guilty pleasure for fans of the first film than the coming-of-age story it could have been.

The female leads are once again so much fun to be around and lovely to watch on screen. Even more charming than her male suiters, Hathaway is a knockout, and looks exquisitely ravishing in each scene. I was swept away by the sparking chateaus and glistening make-up, but must say the believability factor was definitely pushing the line in this episode.

I admit that despite my animosity at this puff-pastry of a sequel, I still had lots of fun with it, and it shouldn't stop you from having a really enjoyable daydream for a few hours. The sets, costumes and main star are all gorgeous to behold thanks to the high production values, For the most part, a pleasure for the eyes and a charming, enchanting yet predictable bubble-bath of a fairytale.

I liked the first movie well enough, but this one was another animal entirely. Predictable from the start, contrived, horrendous script, unrealistic sets; I'm surprised my eyes aren't permanently set in the back of my head, I must have rolled them every five minutes during the film. I cannot believe Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews (not to mention John Rhys-Davies and Hector Elizondo) deigned to be a part of this travesty.

I also don't like Chris Pine's hair and all-over-the-place accent. I am not even sure why Heather Matarazzo was even in the movie, since she had so few lines- she was more of an after-thought than a significant character. She always seemed to just be there in the background, even taking part in State meetings - for some unknown reason, not offering anything but a few soggy quips from time to time. It was also very annoying that there were so many American accents in Genovia. Mia and a few of her friends, sure, but the Genovians? Why did they have American accents? And what was up with the Scottish paparazzi lady? I don't get it.

I could go on and on about how crappy this movie is.

The ending was cheesy and predictable: just like the entire movie. I did laugh once, so I'll give it one star for that. If I was Meg Cabot I'd be pretty disgusted with the treatment of my stories.

I finally saw this movie on DVD with my granddaughter. What a delight! Julie Andrews is as wonderful as always, and Anne Hathaway is just pure joy to watch. I think that movie goers will be watching this young lady for many years to come. Watching the DVD allowed us to view the deleted scenes and I must say to Garry Marshall, "you left the best scene of the movie on the cutting room floor!" Mia and Nicholas in the kitchen is so funny!! Anne does her "Audrey Hepburn" role like a pro, and Chris Pine is excellent in all of his "various roles." It is really too bad that it didn't make it into the movie. The costume designer did a great job throughout the movie. The dress for Princess Mia to wear to the coronation was incredible! It was without a doubt made for Anne Hathaway! The "Princess Diaries" movies have introduced Julie Andrews to a whole new generation of little girls and Anne Hathaway has secured herself a role in movies that will be timeless. I dare say that she will one day enjoy them with her granddaughter.

The Princess Diaries 2 continues the journey of Mia Thermopolis, who's now about to become the queen of Genovia. The premise of the story is decent, and the execution is also alright. However it is definitely lacking when compared to the first film and what made it popular and enjoyable. The romantic subplot in this movie is a significant aspect, and it's also where the film stumbles a lot. While there's some chemistry I guess between Mia and her love interest, Nicholas, it feels rather forced. The girl falling for the bad guy theme is wayyy too predictable and the story could have been more engaging with a stronger romantic development, both between Mia and whoever her prospective suitors were, as well as between Queen Clarisse and bodyguard Joe.

Anne Hathaway is as beautiful as ever and does a brilliant job reprising her role as Mia. Mia's character has grown since the first movie, and it's refreshing to see her take on the responsibilities of a queen. She's still charming and relatable, which makes it easy to root for her. The supporting cast is solid, with Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse being a standout, as always (We also get to hear her sing which is awesome). The regal setting and costumes are visually pleasing, adding to the fairytale ambiance.

The humor in the film is hit or miss. Some jokes land well, while others fall flat. It's the kind of humor you'd expect from a family-friendly romantic comedy, but it just doesn't hit all the right notes.

The Princess Diaries 2 is a decent sequel that will likely please fans of the original. However, it falls short of reaching the same level of charm and magic. It's an enjoyable movie overall, but the predictable plot and forced romance hold it back from being truly exceptional.

Overall I'd rate it a 6/10. It's a pleasant watch, especially if you're a fan of the first film, but it unfortunately doesn't live up to its full potential.

A royal-heir coming from an expected place, not living up to the standards of the elite, who's more interested in kindness than in bureaucracy and laws, while connecting with the outcasts and shaming the authorities. Maybe my "Focus on the Family" upbringing is showing, but...is she...Jesus???? Seriously though, I would genuinely enjoy seeing a third Princess Diaries now. And this would make for an interesting double feature with Spencer.

I just recently viewed The Princess Diaries and over all liked it pretty much, so I figured I would see the sequel. I rented it yesterday and watched it this morning and it seemed to me like it was the same plot as before only with a couple different elements. The film also felt very rushed in some aspects, some of the plots or characters that took place seemed to come and go. Although I'm still not sure since I haven't read the books, but the movie itself was just predictable and a bit too silly at times, it just seemed like it could insult the audience it was aimed at.

Mia has graduated college and is off to Genovia to become queen and her grandmother, Clarrise is about to give up her title. But Genovia law is that before Mia is to become queen she must marry someone. She is falling for a young man, Nicolas, but he is also up for the throne as king, so his uncle is trying to set Mia up where she will loose her crown before she could even have it. Mia has to decide wither to go with her heart and let herself love Nicolas or have her duty for her country and marry for Genovia.

The Princess Diaries 2 has some cute and funny moments, I won't lie, I did laugh a little bit, but over all I have to say that it just could have been more, you know? The actors didn't seem to click as well as they did in the first film. Not to mention how quickly the character Michael went away and Lily just was there for 5 minutes to make like a semi quick cameo and just be out of the story. If you want too, feel free to watch this movie, it's harmless, but it's not a great movie if you're looking for one.

4/10