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Hello Cinephiles,

Today we’re talking about the 2004 film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

Story

An interesting, if very American, take on the forced marriage trope. I found the lack of chaperone and lack of uproar about her running off with Chris Pine to be strange. All this work to make her look unfaithful and there was no blowback.

Score: 0.5

Characters

The character was four years older but didn’t act that much more mature. She’s lovable and goofy but felt much younger than someone who would have spent the past four years under the media’s scrutiny.

Chris Pine’s character is very charming, but kind of a wet noodle and doesn’t grow a spine until the end.

Again the Queen and Joe are fabulous and John Rhys Davies is a great villain.

Score: 0.5

Dialogue

Lots of great lines and lots of great quips.

Score: 1

Visuals and Music

The stairway scene alone was pure genius. Their movements on the stairs combined with the dialogue is a great, and classic, way to show the power dynamic.

The music was nostalgic and the score perfect.

Score: 1

Fun

I think this one is more fun than the first because of the lower levels of angst. The whole family liked it, although my father-in-law agreed that the characters made some silly choices.

Score: 1

Overall

The sequel might not surpass the original but it does match it in quality, heart, and great acting.

Final Score: 4 Stars out of 5