The Princess Diaries (2-Disc Collectors Set)

This movie is fantastic for all ages, especially for teenage girls. It is all about believing in yourself and going for what is best.

I think there should be series of the Princess. I enjoy these kind of movies.

I really enjoyed this movie. It may not be amazing, but it's funny and just deep enough to pull you in. It's one of those movies I like to watch when I'm sick because it just makes you feel good.

I just wanted to find out and please let me know dat is the A*Teens music video "Heartbreak Lullaby" which is part of the soundtrack for the movie on the Princess Diaries DVD ..lyke as in the Bonus Features or something?? ive been trying find out but i cant so plzz lemme know cuz I just wanna get the DVD for the music video!!!

One of the often repeated themes in recent movies is the story of the girl or woman who becomes a princess. In comparison to most of those other movies, this one succeeds. Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is in her gawky, geeky, teen years. Mia's reaction to not fitting in is to wish that she were invisible. She is an extreme type-B personality; introverted, shy, abhorrent of being the center of attention.

Mia's grandmother Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) interrupts Mia's attempt at making herself invisible by revealing to Mia that she is heir to the throne of Genovia. Mia is alternately fascinated and distressed by the opportunity that has been presented to her. Attempting to help her in this decision, either directly or indirectly, are an assorted variety of friends, relatives, and others with an interest in whether she will accept the responsibility of being the Princess of Genovia.

Perhaps two of the strongest influences in her life as she tries to make this decision are those of her grandmother and Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo), both type-A personalities. Her grandmother strongly encourages her to take up the mantle of princess, but ultimately backs off, realizing that the decision has to be Mia's own. Lilly, an ardent environmentalist, is alternately fascinated by the possibility that her friend might have a chance to influence the world in a very positive way, and yet concerned that her friend may become like the other A-crats (autocrats); concerned with power, status and style over substance. Lilly vocalizes Mia's fears in a way that Mia is unable, and is thus a very important (though frequently obnoxious) character.

Mia also has other, more subtle influences. Her mother (Caroline Goodall) wants Mia to choose for herself, and clearly show that she will stand by Mia's decision. Chauffeur and bodyguard Joe quietly watches Mia mature from an indecisive, geeky teenage girl to a beautiful, self-confident young woman, with minor assistance and perspective along the way. Joe is played perfectly by Hector Elizondo in a near reprise to a similar role in "Pretty Woman," though here he attempts to be more aloof from the activities, ultimately failing.

Thrown into this mix are the usual issues faced by maturing teenagers of every age. The guy Mia thinks she would like to have as a boyfriend (handsome, shallow and self-centered) versus the guy who will be truly supportive of her and who truly loves her (Robert Schwartzman). Her comparison to the stuck-up cheerleaders (Lana, Anna and Fontana, who make me ill remembering similar types from my own high school years) makes her secretly envious.

It would be easy to be critical of this movie. It does have a lot of cliche, it does present stereotypes, and it does retread material that has been done so many times before. However, it is the relatively straightforward story with a solid cast that makes this movie a winner. Anne Hathaway is perfect as the princess. She communicates her fear of being one of the "establishment," but is fascinated by the possibility of being accepted. Her ultimate choice brushes aside all the trivialities and focuses on being mature and responsible. Heather Matarazzo and Robert Schwartzman are excellent as a brother and sister, one a best friend, the other who loves her, both who support her. And best of all are Julie Andrews and Hector Elizondo in roles for which she they were perfectly cast. The combination of talent and the clever way in which Mia's character evolves make this movie a perfect family movie, most especially for all the special princesses in our lives.