The Princess Diaries
Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: August 3, 2001
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 134 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
96
Mixed:
26
Negative:
12
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
Trev29Jun 26, 2013
Just a great movie that really shined all around. It was just funny and sweet. There isn't much more to say than it was pleasant and charming to watch. The cast was great!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
FilipeNetoMay 12, 2018
This film revolves around the problems of succession to the throne of a fictional European micro-state called Genovia, which was probably inspired by Andorra and Monaco, I guess. The country has been ruled by the Renaldi (almost Grimaldi)This film revolves around the problems of succession to the throne of a fictional European micro-state called Genovia, which was probably inspired by Andorra and Monaco, I guess. The country has been ruled by the Renaldi (almost Grimaldi) dynasty but the succession now depends on an American teenager, who does not know that she is a princess and was not raised for such.

The plot has been well thought out and has lots of fun situations. Obviously, a situation like that of the movie (a princess who does not know that is a princess) is impossible. They know that they are royals, even if they live in anonymity (very common in countries that were monarchies but they ceased to be, such Portugal or France). But its still humorous, and the way the situation is explained is almost convincing. Almost because I don't understand how Mia never discovered her true blood before her grandmother came to visit her. That seems quite illogical for me, but... The film puts emphasis on some things that correspond to real life. One of them is the need to prepare the future king, giving him the education and training indispensable to the position he will have. Mia makes a tremendous effort to learn, with successive mistakes that delight the public. Its to die for laughing but it also shows how difficult and demanding it really is. Another point that I saw and corresponds to real life is the public examination that is currently subject to the royal families through the mass media. If a king takes a false step, however small, this step is inflated by the media and quickly creates a crisis. But the central message of the film lies in never forgetting our origins, or the people who were part of our life before we reached the pinnacle. This morally edifying message lacks to many so-called "plebeians" who, attaining fame or fortune, soon forget where they came from.

This is, I think, the work that pushed Anne Hathaway on the path of fame, and justly. The actress showed talent and ability to explore the psychological dilemmas of her character. Julie Andrews also looked good in the role of queen, though she did not explore much of that division between the public figure and what she is in private. It would make her character more interesting. Hector Elizondo plays a curious part, I never realized what he really is. Driver? Security chief? Chief of Staff? Queen's lover? All mixed up? The support cast also did not look bad. The jokes were very well thought out and were well framed in the film.

This is a good example of what I call "fairytale movies". But, unlike other films where anyone can be a prince, Mia has always been a princess by right, she just didn't know it. The funny about this film is the teenager's difficulties in dealing with it. It's a good movie for the whole family, with good jokes and interesting moral messages.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
Movie3Jul 15, 2018
Hilarious teen flick, with welcome performances from newcomer Hathaway and return of Julie Andrews who is perfection as a queen. Lily is my favorite character. "No YOU, I don't even KNOW you!" XD
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
MovieLonely94Nov 4, 2010
Anne Hathaway's charm was very entertaining.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
llllllFeb 24, 2011
What a great movie for young girls and grown ups alike! Good clean comedy is very refreshing!!! I would recommend this movie to anyone wanting a good heartfelt comedy!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
beingryanjudeAug 25, 2014
A marvelous fairytale through and through. The Princess Diaries is a warm film, heralded by the memorable debut of Anne Hathaway accompanied by Hollywood-great, Julie Andrews.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
csw12Apr 3, 2012
The movie is good. Manages to wring some originality out of its fairy-tale plot. It is an ideal family entertainment that doesn't deserve to be viewed on a critical level.
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8
kgrussoNov 4, 2013
I thought I was highly entertaining and humorous! Wholesome family entertainment we shared by all! A wel thought out comedy romance that only Disney could do!
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7
kyle20ellisMar 31, 2022
I really liked this. Loosely based on the books by Meg Cabot, Princess Diaries is a charming, if somewhat uneven film, though it does boast a spirited and lovely-looking Anne Hathaway in the title role. Though the film does belong to JulieI really liked this. Loosely based on the books by Meg Cabot, Princess Diaries is a charming, if somewhat uneven film, though it does boast a spirited and lovely-looking Anne Hathaway in the title role. Though the film does belong to Julie Andrews as her grandmother, the wonderful actress who brought us classics such as Mary Poppins and Sound of Music. Hector Elizondo is also fun as Joe. The film has some lovely locations and costumes, and the two actresses are well supported by some very talented co-stars, such as the lady who played the **** Lana. The film also has a feel-good nature about it, that just adds to the film's appeal. However, the film isn't without its flaws. The story had an oft-tendency to become predictable, and the script while very funny on the most part, had some clichés here and there. There were some scenes that were a little, and that word I am putting a lot of emphasis on, slow and could have been developed a little more. On the whole, and I genuinely mean this, a charming, likable, if not entirely successful film. 7.5/10 Bethany Cox.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
meydianarizki21Apr 29, 2023
I loved this movie and although it may have been slightly cliché, the dialog was quite smart and it was quite a funny movie. I think that if you expect the movie to be Oscar worthy, it will obviously fall short. But as it only attempts to beI loved this movie and although it may have been slightly cliché, the dialog was quite smart and it was quite a funny movie. I think that if you expect the movie to be Oscar worthy, it will obviously fall short. But as it only attempts to be a sweet story about a misfit 15 year old turned princess, it completely lives up to it's potential. I think that Julie Andrews completely made the movie and that Anne Hathaway also did an excellent job. The movie is great for people of all ages because it has a simplistic plot yet has great one liners and great repartee between the characters of the Queen and Princess Mia. I also think that the minor characters are great also because they provide even more comic relief.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
Hi_How_RYahNov 20, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I wished it was true that Anne Hathaway was a princess. The trope was too cliché but it is better than princess movies released latter in 2000s decade. I vividly remember it all too well.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
LuissDtJun 7, 2022
Hathaway shines as a princess and although The Princess Diaries is not a complete wonder movie, more than one person will enjoy seeing Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews on screen.
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7
JJ2FAS4UJan 3, 2022
----------------------------------7.3/10-----------------------------------
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10
TherealregiNov 16, 2022
It´s a nice romantic-comedy movie. Keeping in mind that it´s a teen disney movie, we can expect a story with a happy ending. We can also live the dream of royalty. The character that Anne Hathaway plays is very attractive, possitive andIt´s a nice romantic-comedy movie. Keeping in mind that it´s a teen disney movie, we can expect a story with a happy ending. We can also live the dream of royalty. The character that Anne Hathaway plays is very attractive, possitive and genuin, and it also teach us about commitment and responsabilities. The story shows an unusual life of a princess and everything about finding love. i love it.… Expand
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