Glendale News Press
LATimes.com
Aug 18 2004

REEL CRITICS
‘Diaries’ sequel royally engaging

AMUSING EVENTS KEEP STORY ROLLING

Carin Kellzi, 13, of Glendale begins eighth grade in the fall at
Armenian Sisters’ Academy in Montrose.

It all started when shy, 15-year-old Mia Thermopolis’ (Anne Hathaway)
grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews) came to town and told Mia
she was a princess – heir to the throne of Genovia. Furious and
skeptical, Mia agreed to take princess lessons and make the biggest
decision of her life – to leave San Francisco and her wonderful
friends and family or to live in Genovia and make a difference in the
world. That was in part one – “Princess Diaries.”

Now five years later, Mia, a college graduate, returns and faces
bigger challenges than before. Not only does Mia have to get married
in 30 days, she has to win the hearts of all Genovians over the man
who is trying to take the throne away from her.

Before I divulge more of the movie, which has a good plot, constant
laughs and other witty events that keep the movie rolling fast, I
think “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” is an incredible movie.
It’s hip, hilarious, romantic and heartwarming. It’s a movie that the
entire family would enjoy. Andrews is a wonderful actress and
Hathaway is truly a princess. On a scale of one to 10, I would rate
this awesome movie a 10-plus.

OLD AND NEW CHARACTERS ARE ENDEARING

Sareen Kellzi, 16, of Glendale will be a senior in the fall at Clark
Magnet High School. She is the sister of fellow critic Carin Kellzi.

Mia Thermopolis is no longer the awkward 15-year-old from the first
movie. She is now 21 and ready to accept her responsibilities as
queen of Genovia. There’s just one little problem – she has to get
married. So as the search for the perfect husband begins, Mia has to
decide what’s more important to her, finding true love or her
obligation to the Genovian people.

Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews reprise their roles as Princess Mia
and Queen Clarisse. Much of the original cast has also returned, to
the audience’s delight, including Heather Matarazzo as Mia’s best
friend, Lily, and Hector Elizondo as Joseph, head of Genovian
security. There are also many new faces that only add to the humor,
overall appeal and charm of the film, such as Princess Mia’s two love
interests and the palace employees.

While it could have easily been cheesy and predictable, “Princess
Diaries 2” doesn’t fall into that trap and manages to be both funny
and fresh, mostly due to Hathaway’s charming performance and Andrews’
elegant allure.

The movie is full of nonstop laughs kids and parents will both enjoy.
While I think the movie will be more appealing and enjoyable for
girls, I think brothers or dads dragged along to see it won’t be
disappointed either. It’s a great summer movie and I guarantee you’ll
leave the theater smiling.

– “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” is rated G.