Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Disaster

Title:
The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement (B-)
PH Release Date:
Aug. 25, 2004
Actors:
Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, John Rhys-Davies, Heather Matarazzo, Hector Elizondo
Director:
Gary Marshall
Story & Screenplay:
Based on Characters created by Meg Cabot; Story & Screenplay by Shonda Rhimes
Editor / Music:
Bruce Green / Tom Debney
Design / Photography:
Albert Brenner / Charles Minsky
Producer:
Debra Martin Chase, Whitney Houston, Mario Escovich
Studio:
Walt Disney

Just when I thought that good writers could now write good sequels, this movie comes parading on my face. This overly acted, predictably written, and boringly made film has once again proven that some movies are better left alone.
Princess Mia, the character we loved 3 years ago (but it was 6 years later in this film), has finally finished college, and is on her way to assume the crown as Queen of Genovia, but of course, it will not be easy, for a member of the parliament says that his nephew who’s a legitimate heir to the crown shall assume it, and it was decided that if Mia doesn’t get married in less than 30 days (who will survive), she forfeits her right to the crown, and our not so little Mia will find a way to get that crown, and will she get it? I’ll kill if you said no!
Gary Marshall is a good director, I’ve always admired his work and his ability to make the audience feel good when you watch his movies, but this time, I was upset and I couldn’t believe that I was really watching a Marshall flick, cuz it doesn’t seem like one.
But I think the main problem isn’t really the directing, but the dreadful writing. The humor was so years ago, the drama was so centuries ago, and the ending was so millenniums ago.
I can’t really tell you more about the story cuz I might spoil it for those who still plan to see the movie after reading this. I can tell you though that the editing in this movie sucks, and I can’t believe that Bruce Green did it. The photography was appalling, I’ve seen the boom mike more than thrice; and the music was unsatisfying. Technically, this movie sucks.
Julie Andrews, was still Julie Andrews, playing around like she’s still Mary Poppins, while Anne Hathaway is really such a refreshing face when on screen, I doubt that she’ll ever get out of the damsel-in-distress roles. Her acting was satisfactory and she’ll keep you going during the entire movie. The other actors, well, they did okay too, tolerable enough.
Even if I think this movie was bad, I have to say that the chemistry between Anne and John was pretty good. That’s the only time that this movie became a chick flick. They looked good together but I doubt whether they’ll be able to save this movie from disappointment when people see it.
In general, this movie won’t even pass us a chick-flick. It’s a kiddie movie. And it’s poisonous when seen by people above 18 years old. So if I were you better let this one go, the royal ain’t that regal at all. It’s a disaster for the eyes waiting to happen.