Meet Prince Charming

"Meet Prince Charming" is a low cal romantic comedy which tells of a guy and gal NYC apartment dwelling next door neighbors who get on each other's nerves and, well, you can guess the rest. No biggie, but a cute and fun romp which avoids the usual romantic comedy pitfalls, "MPC" doesn't get too sappy or corny or hip, doesn't take itself too seriously, doesn't try too hard, and is fresh and fun. Hey, who could ask for more than that?

Tia Carrere and TriBeCa are nice to look at, but where was the tension? The viewer knows that just like its predecessors "Shop Around the Corner", "You've Got Mail" and how many others that the leads will realize that they've been meant for each other all along and will fall in love, but this show lacked any obstacles for them to overcome on their way.

Nor do we learn how these future lovers began to hate each other in the first place.

The final act seemed tacked on like a filler -- the film could have ended without it and been just as unsatisfying.

This is what I call a nice movie. It's not one of those overhyped lovestories with stars in each role (like Sleepless In Seattle), and the story isn't as stupid and exagerated as in some of those movies. While this is a strength of this movie, it also is it's weakness. It's not as exciting as it could be, perhaps because the movie is more a comedy than a lovestory. But then the jokes are too harmless to make this movie outstanding. I guess this is worth a watch if you want to watch a nice lovestory that isn't too kitschy (that probably means that you have to be older than 16 to enjoy this movie).

MEET PRINCE CHARMING is a slight romantic comedy, a variation on YOU'VE GOT MAIL that features two charmers (Carrere and Charvet) as fellow apartment dwellers who can't stand living next to each other but get along just fine as e-mail pals. It is only a matter of time before they finally really meet. The layup to their eventual meeting is sexy and intriguing. After they meet, the film quickly falls apart. I hate to say it, but Carrere is not getting any younger, and this film is a long way from WAYNE'S WORLD. Her shenanigans would look old on a woman 10 years her junior. Once they are in each other's arms, the film loses its way and sputers to a halt. Watch the first half and then turn it off. You will think you just saw a winner. Might have been better as a half-hour novelty.

Samantha (Tia Carrere) and Jack (David Charvet) are neighbors in New York City. But, they detest one another! Samantha's dog is always urinating on Jack's paper, Jack plays music too loudly late at night, etc. By happenstance, they both sign up for a dating service that allows clients to email potential matches. Naturally, Jack and Samantha begin corresponding with each other and find they enjoy many of the same things. But, what will happen when the two meet face to face?

This romantic take-off from You've Got Mail can stand quietly on its own. Carrere is a beauty and gives an attractive performance, even though she pouts a bit too much. Charvet, who resembles the cute Matthew Broderick, also offers a sweet yet seductive portrayal of a young businessman with romantic aspirations. Anyone who enjoys the NYC environs will find the setting itself sports charm. The writing, too, is fairly humorous and holds the viewer's interest. Recommended for those who are forever on the lookout for a new, feel-good romance with humor.