Princesse

This film is refreshing, original, intriguing, romantic, and fun for all ages. What initially seem to be familiar "princess and castle" scenarios soon reveal the most unusual and original writing. The viewer cannot look away for a moment, so entertaining and intriguing is every scene. And the film proves a production can be clean and decent and still fascinate. There is also a positive, altruistic cause being worked toward, reflecting the good in us all.

"Princess" stars Nora Zehetner and Kip Pardue in a modern day fairy tale with a few cute twists. I've never been much of a fan of TV movies, but this one really touched my heart.

Mysterious and self-titled Princess Ithaca is making her annual appearance at a fund raising ball where jack-of-all-trades William Humphrey just happens to be attending with his friend. He banks what's left of his meager savings in order to secure a date with the enigmatic princess.

It's a simple enough premise for kids, but even I as an older teen enjoyed it. The chemistry between Zehetner and Pardue makes you smile and I have to say Zehetner especially did a fun job of portraying the innocent but spirited princess. Co-stars include a rough around the edges nanny, a settled married couple who is very near their due date and a multitude of colorful, other worldly characters.

The story may have been done before, and the CGI is not as top notch as that seen in the box office, but the characters win over your heart in no time. And of course, the traditional fairy tale ending is always a nice enticer for kids. The musical score is also appropriately enchanting.

8 out of 10 for me!

Underacheiving William Humphries (Kip Pardue) is near the end of his trust fund after his many failed careers. His successful friends take him in. They are invited to an endangered animals benefit hosted by a strange princess. Princess Ithaca (Nora Zehetner) is holed up in her castle with mostly old ladies. There are some strange creatures swimming in the pond and giant footprint in the garden. She auctions herself off to raise the needed money and William wins with his last $50k only if she has the dinner out in the city. After half of his cheesy line, she cuts him off and mistakenly believes that he is her long-awaited savior, the searcher. For her, she is running out of time.

The male lead Kip has limited charisma. His looks is passable and only good in comparison to the sloppy best friend character who is also a terrible jerk. Kip has little to no screen presence. His character is an idiot. He should probably dress up a bit also. Next to the princess, he is horribly under dressed. Nora Zehetner is certainly pretty and she has more charm than her male lead. Their chemistry is awkward at best. The production is cheaper than usual TV movie. There are some pretty princess gowns. The creatures are either older style CGI or costumes. The directing from Mark Rosman is weak even for him. This is mostly boring and not for most audience.

There is a change in tone for the last third of the movie. It turns darker and more intense. It's like somebody turned on a switch in the movie. It would have been better to start the movie in that direction. It's like watching a double bill. The first part is a princess movie for little girls. The second part is more action thriller and not for the little kiddies.

RELEASED TO TV IN 2008 and directed by Mark Rosman, "Princess: A Modern Fairytale" is a family flick about an amicable down-on-his-luck Princeton graduate (Kip Pardue) who impulsively bids his last capital on a date with a reclusive "princess" of an odd local chateau (Nora Zehetner). As he falls for her innocent charms he discerns that something decidedly peculiar is going on.

The protagonist has the agreeable appeal of Richard Thomas (aka John Boy in The Waltons), albeit taller. But I found it odd how he just rolled with the weird lingo and other things while dating the princess, like the perpetual talk of some mysterious "searcher." If you can get past that, this is a mildly enjoyable TV fantasy flick with some magic.

The noble manner in which William (Pardue) courts the princess is beautiful and heartwarming - the express opposite of picking up a dubious chick at some sleaze joint. Zehetner is certainly winsome, but doesn't do much for me personally, but there are worthy females on the periphery. The film's decent, but limited by its TV budget and inferior to "Prince Charming" (2001).

THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hours & 28 minutes and was shot in Toronto. WRITERS: Heidi Ferrer.

GRADE: C+

I didn't expect much from this movie but it entailed everything you want in a romantic movie... I simply loved it