The Princess Diaries 2001 -

1. Quick Facts

• Title: The Princess Diaries
• Release Year: 2001
• Director: Garry Marshall
• Rating: G (General Audiences)
• Genre: Comedy, Family, Romance
• Runtime: 111 minutes

Mia Thermopolis was a master of the art of being invisible. Living in a converted San Francisco firehouse with her eccentric artist mother, Helen, Mia’s daily existence was a delicate balancing act of avoiding public speaking, dodging the cruel taunts of the popular cheerleaders led by Lana Thomas, and nursing a massive crush on the golden boy, Josh Bryant. Her only anchors to reality were her fiercely loyal, activist best friend Lilly Moscovitz and Lilly's brother, Michael, who quietly watched Mia from behind his keyboard with eyes that saw far more than she realized. Then came the invitation to the Genovian consulate.

Genovian Lore: The fictional Kingdom of Genovia was fleshed out with unique details suggested by Julie Andrews, including its national obsession with pears and lace. the princess diaries 2001

The Soundtrack: A Time Capsule of 2001 Y2K Pop

No article about the princess diaries 2001 is complete without mentioning the soundtrack. It is a pristine time capsule of Y2K pop and R&B. The lead single, “Miracles Happen (When You Believe)” by Myra, was everywhere. The soundtrack also featured: Title: The Princess Diaries Release Year: 2001 Director:

However, the film cleverly subverts its own trope. Unlike Cinderella, Mia’s makeover doesn’t change her personality. She is still clumsy (she almost falls down the stairs at the ball). She still trips over her words. The makeover doesn’t grant her confidence; it merely removes the physical insecurity that allowed her to hide. The real transformation happens when she decides to speak up for herself at the Genovian ball, not when she walks in with straightened hair. As Queen Clarisse says, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Mia Thermopolis was a master of the art of being invisible

Verdict: *The Princess