Whenever someone mentions Anne Hathaway, this is the only film that pops in my head. This is her first major film role and one of three chick flicks that’s on my guilty watch list. Directed by Garry Marshall, who’ve always been known to deliver great family movies such as, Mother’s Day 2016, New Year’s Eve 2011, and Valentine’s Day 2010. This one didn’t disappoint. The scriptwriting was great, nothing felt out of placed or forced, everything flowed smoothly. A very good portrayal of teen life, specially when you’re the one getting bullied.

Shy San Francisco teenager Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is thrown for a loop when, from out of the blue, she learns the astonishing news that she’s a real-life princess! As the heir apparent to the crown of the small European principality of Genovia, Mia begins a comical journey toward the throne when her strict and formidable grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews), shows up to give her “princess lessons.”

Characters

Casting was great, their chemistry was very natural, Anne Hathaway to her mom, her friends, her driver, to the Queen, and all the other characters that was involved. Mandy Moore also had a very memorable part here as the snooty-cheerleader. She and her “mean girls” group of friends terrorized Mia throughout her High School life. Mia’s friends played a major role and contributed hugely to the overall plot. The story wouldn’t have gone forward as brilliant as it did. Her bodyguard also played a vital role for her safety and provide some guidance whenever possible.

Hathaway’s glow-up and character development after her princess treatment was properly paced. They managed to stretch her progress throughout the whole film—from being a normal goofy girl in high school, to whom she were really meant to be. The process was well-thought out that I see no flaw in it. Even when she was under the direct supervision of the queen, she still makes childish mistakes that embarrasses her, but at the same time, lets her grow and mature into a princess she was meant to be. Everyone around her, whether it be the snooty-cheerleader, the ever charming Josh Bryant, or her friends, all of which contributed to her growth. There are things she learned in life through life, and not from a princess lesson from the queen.

Perfect music score

The music score was perfect, really gives off that zero to hero Princess vibes. When they shot the ending scene with the view of Genovia and then “Miracles Happen” by Myra started to play in the background, it was an icing on a cake; it captures the essence and emotion of the film and sums up the whole story.