THE PRINCESS DIARIES. Film adaptation. (Directed by Garry
Marshall. Starring Anne Hathaway. Based on the novel by Meg Cabot)
GENRE: Humor
HONORS: None
REVIEW: Awkward, geeky Mia Thermopolis meets her estranged grandmother and
finds out that she isthe heir apparent to the throne of a small European
country called Genovia. While most girls would be thrilled at the news, Mia is
dismayed. She can’t see herself leading anything, let alone a whole country.
What follows is Mia’s physical and emotional transformation as she learns to
accept her royal role. Though simplistic at times, Marshall’s adaptation of the
Cabot novel is charming, touching and funny by turns, while Hathaway’s Mia is a
heroine with substance and depth.
OPINION: Although The Princess Diaries sticks closely its Cinderella / Disney formula, Mia is a refreshing
take on the ugly duckling. She is intelligent, sensitive and self-possessed,
and while her physical make-over is fun, one gets the sense that this is a girl
with enough perspective to rise to the challenge of ruling.
IDEAS: The movie is a good introduction to the tween romance genre, as well as to fairy tale adaptations. If a girls
like it, recommend Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries series, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine and Robin
McKinley’s Rose Daughter (for slightly older tweens).
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