Tagline: You are cordially invited to the royal event of the season. R.S.V.P. This Summer
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. “Dear Diary, So much has been going on. I finished college! I graduated from Princeton where I studied Political Science. Now I’m off to Genovia! This is just the latest, exciting change in my life, one of a bunch I’ve gone through in the last few years.” Princess Mia
Five years have passed since the smash hit “The Princess Diaries” ended, now the fun begins as Mia (Anne Hathaway) has matured into a stunning, young woman and is ready to assume her role as princess of Genovia. But no sooner has she moved into the Royal Palace with her beautiful, wise grandmother Queen Clarisse, (Julie Andrews) than she learns her days as a princess are numbered – Mia’s got to lose the tiara and immediately take the crown herself. As if getting ready to rule wasn’t enough, the stakes for Mia have never been higher – with Genovian law stating that princesses must be married before being crowned, Mia is in for a parade of suitors who’d all like to be her king.
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement is a 2004 American romantic comedy film and the sequel to 2001’s The Princess Diaries. Unlike the first film, this film is not based on any of the books. Most of the cast returned from the first film, including Julie Andrews, Anne Hathaway, Héctor Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, and Larry Miller. Garry Marshall returned to direct and Debra Martin Chase to produce. New characters include Viscount Mabrey (John Rhys-Davies), Lord Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine), and Andrew Jacoby (Callum Blue).
The film opened in 3,472 theaters in North America and grossed $22,956,453 in its opening weekend. It grossed $134,734,481 worldwide—$95,170,481 in North America and $39,564,000 in other territories.
About the Production
In the quest for a groom, comedy and complications rule the day as the cast and filmmakers behind the first film, including director Garry Marshall return for this hilarious comedy. “We were very proud of `The Princess Diaries,’ recalls Garry Marshall. “I felt strongly that there was a place for a G-rated picture with live action that was funny, and it became a success with kids and with parents. We had a kid’s story with a lot of adult humor floating through it, so everybody could enjoy it.”
“I think `The Princess Diaries’ struck a chord with audiences,” says producer Mario Iscovich. “It fulfills a bit of fantasy, fun and a fairy tale feeling, wrapped around some form of reality. It’s a departure from so many films out there today which are more violent or `edgy’- `The Princess Diaries’ offered heart and good values.”
“In addition to the wish fulfillment element, what set the film apart was the story of a young girl’s empowerment,” adds producer Debra Martin Chase. “It gave everyone the message that you have the power within yourself to be anything you want to be, to make your wildest dreams come true.”
“I think people respond to stories they can relate to, characters who remind them of themselves, or who give them hope and inspiration,” notes Anne Hathaway.
In “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” the filmmakers have incorporated the heart and humor from its predecessor in following the further adventures of Mia Thermopolis, the bright, slightly awkward San Francisco teenager and reluctant royal who gained poise and self-confidence under the tutelage of her grandmother, Queen Clarisse.
In the intervening years, Mia, now a self-assured young woman, has graduated from college and has grown to embrace her Genovian heritage. She is about to take the biggest journey of her life, leaving everything behind to move to Genovia, where her grandmother, Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews) awaits her at the royal palace.
“Mia is a lot more confident now, a very self-possessed young lady,” notes Hathaway. “In this film, Mia discovers she may be expected to compromise her beliefs and values in order to become Queen of Genovia, and she has to learn to define her own boundaries. Within that struggle, she gains a tremendous amount of self-esteem.”
Although she is already a college graduate, Mia has a lot of learning left to do, as she begins a crash course in Genovia’s customs, history and laws under the instruction of her loving grandmother and staunchest supporter, Queen Clarisse.
“In this film, Princess Mia takes the journey from young woman to adult,” says producer Debra Martin Chase. “She has to dig deep inside herself to realize that she can rule a country-this is real business, real responsibility, with a country full of people depending upon her-that’s daunting for a young woman of 21.
In the beginning of this film, we see the Genovian Parliament in session, and they treat the young American girl rather condescendingly, but when she returns armed with knowledge, she has power. I think if you’re going to make a difference, to be the best person you can be, it’s invaluable to learn that knowledge is your best weapon. In Mia’s case, there is much more to her royal role than beautiful dresses, jeweled tiaras and palaces.”
In “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” one of Mia’s biggest obstacles is a centuries-old Genovian law that states a princess must be married in order to become queen. With thirty days to find a groom, Mia must endure a seemingly endless parade of would-be suitors from all over the world.
“Mia faces the prospect of an arranged marriage in order for her to be queen,” explains Garry Marshall. “So they have to find some candidates, young men, who might be suitable to marry Princess Mia.”
Two young suitors, Andrew (Callum Blue) and Nicholas (Chris Pine) in particular, pique Mia’s interest: “She is fond of one of these boys; one of them could help her become queen and help her run the country; while the other one is an adversary who is trying to take over her job,” says Marshall. “It’s a conflict of story, and a conflict of the heart.
“We take you to a brand new world in this picture, with a great cast and a lot of laughs,” says Marshall. “And I think Princess Mia is a good example of how self-confidence, education, commitment, athletic ability, and not giving in to fear are all important for anyone. Being attractive doesn’t necessarily translate into being a good human being or a successful human being, but believing in yourself is invaluable.”
“Key to the success of the film,” declares Marshall, “… was the incredible talent of Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, and our wonderful supporting cast, so I’m very excited that they are back on this film.”
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Directed by: Garry Marshall
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, John Rhys-Davies, Callum Blue, Caroline Goodall, Kathleen Marshall, Raven-Symoné, Caroline Goodall
Screenplay by: Meg Cabot, Gina Wendkos
Production Design by: Albert Brenner
Cinematography by: Charles Minsky
Film Editing by: Bruce Green
Costume Design by: Gary Jones
Set Decoration by: Peg Cummings, Casey Hallenbeck
Art Direction by: Adrian Gorton, Jack G. Taylor Jr.
Music by: John Debney
MPAA Rating: G for general audiences.
Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures
Release Date: August 11, 2004
Box Office Totals
Domestic: $95,170,481 (70.6%)
Foreign: $39,564,000 (29.4%)
Total: $134,734,481 (Worldwide)
Views: 236
