Princess For A Day movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: Princess for a Day

Now playing in theaters!

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RATING: G

LENGTH: 1 hour 58 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

Featured Product About This Movie:

A classic princess crown or tiara for dress-up fun!

I found this adorable princess dress, cape, and tutu set on Amazon!

IN A NUTSHELL: In this heartwarming family romance, a wealthy widower who is desperate to help his young daughter navigate grief and loneliness after losing her mother hires a small-town woman to stay in his guesthouse. Her job? To pose as his daughter’s favorite cartoon princess to bring joy back into her life! What starts out as pure make-believe quickly turns into real connection as light, warmth, and love return to the home.

I met writer/producer/director Spanky Ward many years ago at a writers’ conference we both spoke at.  He adopted the nickname “Spanky” when he was just 13, based on a character in a TV show he watched as a kid. The name even earned him a sponsor when he began his BMX racing hobby.

He has written, produced, and directed many feature films, including over 70 short films and commercials, working with legends like Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Liddell, Danny Glover, and Denise Richards. He even turned some of his screenplays into novels. What a talented guy, eh? One of his recent hits was The Santa Box, which earned 7 awards, including “Audience Choice”, “Best Made in Utah Feature”, “Best Actress Under 18”, and “2nd Place Best Feature Film.” I’m so happy for him and his successes!

This movie just might be his best one yet. I truly loved it.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

• Very clean and family-friendly with no profanity, violence, or inappropriate content. Yay! Thank you, Spanky!

• The film deals with themes of bereavement, maternal loss, and emotional recovery after losing a parent or spouse.

• Ideal for those who love fairy tales, royalty dress-up, and gentle family stories.

THEMES:

• Overcoming grief and finding hope again after loss

• The power of imagination, playfulness, and emotional connection

• Family healing and second chances at love

• Authenticity vs. pretend roles

• Taking advantage of opportunities for adventure
• Family

THINGS I LIKED:

• I met the lovely Monica Moore Smith many years ago when she was just beginning her career. In fact, I think it was at that same conference Spanky and I attended! I’m so happy she got this role! She’s perfect in it and completely adorable, lighting up the room in every scene. Even covered in dirt in some scenes, she always looks so beautiful. She gives a sweet, enchanting performance that brings plenty of warmth and sunshine to the screen.

• It’s a wholesome, uplifting narrative that provides clean family entertainment. That’s such a refreshing change of pace from the profanity-filled, vulgar films Hollywood has been pumping out lately.

• The story offers high emotional payoff with a heartwarming resolution centered on love and family.

• There is a lot of cute physical humor. Loved it.
• The soundtrack includes a lot of fun music. It may not reach Frozen status, but I can definitely imagine that little girls all over the world would want to sing some of these songs. The messages are sweet and the melodies are catchy.
• I’ve always loved movies that start with an animation and cleverly transition to live action. Hey, Spanky…how about making a feature animation next? You’ve got the magic touch!
• I love all of the movie references and quotes!!! For example, Emilia tells workaholic Lucas Holt about The Princess Bride (I love that movie so much!) and explains that it’s a “kissing book.” (Those of you who love the movie will catch that wink to the audience.) Lucas says, “I can’t imagine not liking a movie about a kissing book.” She coyly says, “Yeah, that would be…inconceivable.” YES! Classic.
• One thing that makes this movie extra special is the wide target audience. Obviously, little girls will love it, but so will adults, car lovers, romantics, and gal pals.
• The acting flows naturally, nothing forced. The entire cast did a great job.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The plot follows a predictable romance formula, so you will likely guess where the story is headed early on.

• Some of the side characters and comedic subplots feel a bit goofy or over-the-top.

• Even though I enjoyed every minute, the length is a bit too long for the rom-com industry standard.

FUNNY LINES:

• “On my honor, there’ll be no mention of Jello.” – Lucas Holt  (Jeff Dickamore)
• “He loves to laugh as much as we do.” –  Claire (Jill Adler) talking about God

INTERESTING LINES:

• “When life gives you a choice, always choose adventure.” –  Emilia and Chuck Pratt  (Monica Moore Smith & Adam Johnson)
• “When you feel it, you’ll know it’s time.” –   Emilia (Monica Moore Smith)

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• The Princess Diaries

• Barbie: Princess Charm School

• Cinderella

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MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@MovieReviewMom @TrinaBoice

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Dr. Trina Boice is a university professor, author of 36 books, professional author coach, YouTuber, podcaster, film critic, and mom of 4 awesome sons.