The concept of a farm girl getting picked up by a handsome prince is
nothing new to the film industry. When I first read a synopsis of The
Prince and Me, I was thinking that this movie would be the standard
“girl is poor, meets prince, minor conflict ensues but eventually
there’s the happily ever after” plot. I was pleasantly surprised that
this movie better fits the anti-Cinderella guidelines, allowing a
modern spin on a universal storyline.
The story centers around Paige Morgan, (Julia Stiles) a farm girl from
Wisconsin, who has an ambitious drive to become a doctor helping those
in need around the world. On the other part of the world, Prince
Edvard of Denmark (Luke Mably) would rather spend his time attempting
to find himself while creating constant tabloid press from his
escapades. How does a Prince from Denmark meet a farm girl from
Wisconsin? Simple. Girls Gone Wild.
In an abrupt plot twist, Edvard comes across a commercial for “Girls
Gone Crazy in Wisconsin,” which, to be honest, isn’t that appealing to
most Americans, and decides to attend Wisconsin University in an
attempt to find these topless women. Most people can finally figure out
what’s going to happen from here. He drops the prince title, they meet,
she’s a bit cautious, he’s way too charismatic, and eventually they
fall in love.
The plot for The Prince and Me isn’t as stereotypical as they lived
happily ever after. Paige has to decide whether to become the future
queen of Denmark or to follow her dreams and hard work of becoming a
doctor without borders.
This is a very well done romantic comedy. Supporting cast members like
Ben Miller bring needed comic relief to a well acted movie. As Soren,
Eddie’s equerry or royal personal assistant, his character reminds you
of Joseph Marcell, the butler from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Witty,
proper, efficient and English (even though he’s suppose to be Danish).
Rounding off the cast are established actors James Fox and Miranda
Richardson who pay the king and queen of Denmark. Both actors have
impressive film careers, Fox appearing in over 50 movies and Richardson
being a two time academy award nominee. They both have a sense of
presence that’s easily mistakable for royalty.
The acting, as a whole, was wonderful. The chemistry between Stiles
and Mably is magical, giving a sense of depth in their characters. I
was especially impressed with Julia Stiles, who has done numerous
romantic comedies, but still manages to convince the audience that this
is the first time that she’s fallen in love.
The Prince and Me is not perfect though. There were a couple points in
the film where I thought the movie was over, but the transition just
jumped in and ...
