"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" (Walt Disney Pictures)
The folks at Disney had a hit on their hands back in 2001 with "The Princess Diaries." That comical film told a fascinating tale about a high school girl living in America who finds out she is the heir to the throne of a European country – Genovia. Newcomer Anne Hathaway played the part of Mia, the future queen, to the fullest, while Julie Andrews shone as Mia’s grandmother and the reigning queen.
Now three years later in actual time, but five years later in movie time, we have "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement." This sequel picks up with Mia having graduated from college and now on her way to Genovia to await her coronation. Queen Clarisse (Andrews) is ready to step aside and let her rule. But just as this is about to happen, the Parliament of the country announces Mia must be married in order to rule. They give her thirty days to find a husband.
Mia finds a proper suitor in Andrew Jacoby (Callum Blue), a blue blood with all the right manners and credentials. She really likes him but doesn’t love him. Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine) is more attractive to her but he happens to be the man who is trying to usurp her throne.
All of these romantic and non-romantic pairings grow dull as the movie progresses. Plus the "fish out of water" concept of Mia as Princess is no longer a factor. Mia is now polished and poised. And she wants to be queen, something the younger Mia never aspired to do.
Hathaway is okay this time around but she like the movie seems to be in a "sequel slump." Andrews is better as Clarisse though she too seems a little tired. Andrews’ voice is still raspy and when she tries a song it is kept to the lower registers. This "loss of voice" makes the audience uncomfortable and nostalgic for the old Julie Andrews who could make the rafters tremble with the power of her vocal chords.
Hector Elizondo is back as the Chief of Security and Clarisse’s love interest. Heather Matarazzo returns as Lily, Mia’s best friend, but is given nothing to do. Raven (Simone) is on hand to do a duet with Andrews, and Larry Miller makes a late screen appearance as the "hairdresser."
The film is rated G for all its goodness.
Small girls might get some enjoyment from this film but even they will be bored during some of its more lifeless stretches. Adults will need more than a spoonful of sugar to make this movie go down. "Princess Diaries 2" is another example of why sequels should not routinely be made. Sometimes the original should rest undisturbed.
I scored "The Princess Diaries2" a non-regal 4 out of 10.
