Corporate Line: Paige (Stiles), a free-spirited American college student (and motorcycling enthusiast) starting her education at an Indiana university, meets and falls in love with one of her classmates, but what she doesn’t know is that he’s actually a Danish prince, Frederick (Mably), spending his “gap year” (before having to perform his princely duties) by hiding in America disguised as a regular guy.
The Good: The Prince & Me is the fairytale for all little girls as the hunky prince comes to take them from their ordinary life and into royalty. Sound familiar? Disney has made a buck or two of the formula with Cinderella and others by throwing a few different plots but with the same ending inevitably. Not to mention Hollywood has taken this on many times before; this is different. What’s different?
The cast has chemistry and the writing isn’t forced or contrived, not to mention funny, and Martha Coolidge’s direction keeps you moving along.
Speaking of chemistry; Julia Stiles and Luke Mably seem destined to be together regardless of the script. It works and its Stiles no-nonsense, smart-as-a-whip character that works against Mably’s charm. Mably is one to watch, as we are all bored with Hugh Grant and in desperate need of an accent with charm and charisma.
And then there is Ben Miller who plays Soren the prince’s butler. What makes the character so much fun is how out of place he is in Wisconsin trying not to be his help while making him breakfast, taking his coat, and falling asleep in a bar while Fredrick works. He’s trying to be invisible while being anything but.
There are a good deal of fun scenes such as Frederick entering a lawnmower race, a sexy scene in the library, Fredrick doing chores, and Soren’s love of the Xbox. OfOF course there is the romantic ending with a few surprises.
The Bad: The title might put everyone off who will believe it to be the run-of-the-mill romantic comedy.
Frankly: The Prince & Me works for many reasons; it’s funny, cute, and entertaining. Guys hate romantic comedies and it’s always a surprise when I leave one like this and feel satisfied. Guys can take a date to see this, however it might make those who believe themselves romantic to feel a little inadequate. Tip for guys: brush up on your Shakespeare. The Prince & Me is a fairytale that keeps every girls dream alive.
+ Charlie Craine
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