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The Prince & Me
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMartha Coolidge
Screenplay byJack Amiel
Michael Begler
Katherine Fugate
Story byMark Amin
Produced byMark Amin
StarringJulia Stiles
Luke Mably
Ben Miller
James Fox
Miranda Richardson
CinematographyAlex Nepomniaschy
Edited bySteven Cohen
Music byJennie Muskett
Production
companies
Lions Gate Films
Sobini Films
Distributed byParamount Pictures (United States, Canada and France)
Lions Gate Films (International)[1]
Release date
  • April 2, 2004 (2004-04-02)
Running time
106 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$22 million[2]
Box office$37.6 million [2]

The Prince & Me is a 2004 American romantic comedy film directed by Martha Coolidge, and starring Julia Stiles, Luke Mably and Ben Miller, with Miranda Richardson, James Fox and Alberta Watson. The film focuses on Paige Morgan, a pre-med college student in Wisconsin, who is pursued by a Danish prince posing as an ordinary college student. The film had 3 direct-to-video sequels created under different writers and a new director, with Kam Heskin replacing Julia Stiles in the role of Paige Morgan: The Prince & Me 2: The Royal Wedding (2006), The Prince & Me: A Royal Honeymoon (2008), and The Prince & Me: The Elephant Adventure (2010).

Plot

[edit]

Paige Morgan is an ambitious pre-medical student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Denmark's Crown Prince Edvard prefers to live the life of a playboy, and often ignores or marginalizes his royal responsibilities when with his family.

Inspired by a television commercial showing Wisconsin students flashing their breasts, Edvard meets with his parents, King Haraald and Queen Rosalind, and announces his intention to attend college in America—specifically, Wisconsin, and to do so anonymously. The Queen then dispatches Edvard's majordomo, Søren, to chaperone the trip. Arriving at the university, Edvard orders him to keep his identity a secret and to call him 'Eddie'.

Later at a bar, Eddie sees Paige serving and asks her to take off her shirt, like on television. She angrily drenches him with the drink hose and bouncers escort Eddie from the bar. Eddie later apologizes to Paige, but she is annoyed when they are assigned as lab partners for an organic chemistry class. Since the class is important for Paige's medical school ambitions, she warns Eddie to not get in her way and reprimands him after he sleeps in through one of their lab experiments.

Running out of money, Eddie gets a job in the deli section of the bar. Paige reluctantly helps him during his first day, and the two start to mend fences. Paige does well in science, but she struggles in an English literature class. Eddie uses his earlier education to help her gain a better understanding of William Shakespeare, and Paige instructs him in common household chores like laundry.

Since Eddie is away from his family and unfamiliar with American holidays, Paige invites him to her parents’ dairy farm for Thanksgiving. Paige's father explains how he struggles to keep the small farm afloat, and Eddie uses his mechanical skills to fine-tune a riding mower for a race, which he wins. Keith Kopetsky, a rival racer reveals to be a sore loser and punches Eddie. After the fight that follows, Paige treats his grazes and they kiss for the first time.

Back at school, Eddie and Paige study for final exams. They sneak off to the library stacks to pursue a romantic encounter, where they kiss and take off his jacket and shirt. They are shortly ambushed by members of the Danish tabloid press. Once away from the mayhem, Paige learns his real identity and walks away from him through the rain. Just then, Eddie is notified by his mother that his father is very ill and she asks him to return home.

While Paige is questioned at a viva voce panel about Shakespeare, she realizes that she loves Edvard and runs to find him, but his roommate Scotty tells her that he has already left for Denmark. She follows him there and while being driven round Copenhagen is delayed by a royal parade. Paige leaves her taxi and is recognized from the papers by the crowd, who call Edvard's attention to her. He mounts her behind him on his horse, hurriedly opens a parliamentary session and takes her to the castle.

The queen objects to Edvard's choice, but the king tells him that if he loves Paige, he should marry her. Edvard proposes and she accepts. After witnessing him reconcile workers and employers in a parliamentary committee, the queen realizes that Paige has helped him grow up at last and will make a good queen. However, during Eddie's coronation ball, Paige remembers that she is betraying her ambition to become a doctor working in Third World countries, breaks off her engagement and returns home.

King Haraald abdicates and the newly crowned Edvard realizes that he too has responsibilities to shoulder. However, he arrives after Paige's graduation and tells her that she is his choice and he is willing to wait for however long it takes to achieve her dreams.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

In December 2002, it was reported that Paramount Pictures and Lionsgate Films would co-produce The Prince and the Freshman, a romantic comedy set to be directed by Martha Coolidge and star Julia Stiles.[3] The film was the first project from Sobini Films, founded by Mark Amin following his sale of Trimark Pictures to Lionsgate, and was developed from an idea by Amin with Katherine Fugate writing the initial script.[3] Susan Sarandon was initially in talks to play Rosalind, Queen consort of Denmark.[3]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The composer was Jennie Muskett.[4] The film's soundtrack was released on March 30, 2004, in the United States by Hollywood Records.[5]

Track listing

[edit]
  1. "Everybody Wants You" - Josh Kelley
  2. "Just a Ride" - Jem
  3. "Fire Escape" - Fastball
  4. "Man of the World" - Marc Cohn
  5. "Calling" - Leona Naess
  6. "Good Intentions" - Jennifer Stills
  7. "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You" - Marc Cohn
  8. "Symphony" - Jessica Riddle
  9. "It Doesn’t Get Better Than This" - Katy Fitzgerald
  10. "Freeway" - Scapegoat Wax
  11. "Presidente" - Kinky
  12. "Drift" - Forty Foot Echo
  13. "Party" - The D4
  14. "Bloodsweet" - Scapegoat Wax
  15. "Separate Worlds" - Jennie Muskett[4]

Reception

[edit]

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports an aggregate score of 29% based on 121 reviews, with an average rating of 4.8/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "A bland, fluffy, and predictable bit of wish fulfillment."[6] On Metacritic, the film holds a weighted average score of 47 out of 100, based on 31 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[7] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[8]

The Christian Science Monitor's David Sterritt gave the film a positive review, calling it "quite appealing, thanks to good-humored acting and to Martha Coolidge's quiet directing style." Meanwhile, Manohla Dargis of the Los Angeles Times gave the film a negative review, calling it "a blandly diverting, chastely conceived and grammatically challenged fairy tale"[9] USA Today said that The Prince & Me was overall "well-meaning, cute, sweet" but that the film could have been improved with "a bit more quirkiness and a little less formula."[10]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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The Prince & Me

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Prince & Me is a American romantic comedy film directed by and starring as Paige Morgan, a driven student from , and as Edvard, the Crown Prince of who enrolls in her university incognito to experience a normal life. The story centers on their budding romance, which is complicated by class differences and royal obligations, blending elements of fairy tales with college humor. Released theatrically by on April 2, , the film grossed $28.2 million at the North American against a $22 million budget. The screenplay was written by Katherine Fugate, , and Michael Begler, inspired by classic tales of and forbidden love, and produced by under the banner of Sobini Films. Supporting roles include as Edvard's valet Soren, as Queen Rosalind, and as King Harald, with the film shot in , (for American scenes), and the Czech Republic (for Danish locales). Running 111 minutes and rated PG for mild sexual references, it emphasizes themes of personal growth, cultural clash, and the pursuit of true love over tradition. Critically, The Prince & Me received mixed reviews, earning a 28% approval rating on based on 120 reviews, with critics praising the leads' chemistry but critiquing predictable plotting and formulaic tropes. It has since gained a for its lighthearted escapism and Stiles' charismatic performance. The film's success led to three sequels—The Prince & Me 2: The Royal Wedding (2006), The Prince & Me 3: A Royal Honeymoon (2008), and The Prince & Me 4: The Elephant Adventure (2010)—featuring Kam Heskin replacing Stiles as Paige, while Mably reprised his role as Edvard in the first sequel, with taking over in the later two.

Narrative Elements

Plot

Paige Morgan, a dedicated pre-med student at the University of , hails from a hardworking background in and dreams of attending to pursue a career in humanitarian medicine, such as with Doctors Without Borders. Her independent and focused personality leaves little room for distractions like romance, as she balances rigorous studies with a at a local . Meanwhile, Crown Prince Edvard of , traveling incognito under the name Eddie, enrolls at the same in pursuit of an ordinary college life away from his royal obligations. Initially overwhelmed by American campus culture, Eddie clashes with everyday norms—such as struggling with a —and indulges in carefree partying, drawing attention with his charming but irresponsible antics. Paige and Eddie's paths cross when they are paired as lab partners in a class, where her disciplined approach contrasts sharply with his laid-back attitude, leading to initial friction. Over time, their interactions deepen through shared academic challenges, including a memorable encounter in the where Eddie's true background nearly surfaces amid media scrutiny. Their budding romance blossoms during lighthearted moments, such as a competitive cow-milking contest at a that ends in their first kiss, and a thrilling ride through the countryside that strengthens their bond. For spring break, Eddie invites Paige to , where he finally reveals his royal identity, shocking her but also highlighting his genuine affection beyond his title. The revelation ignites central conflicts as Eddie's father falls gravely ill, summoning him back to to prepare for ascension to the and compelling him to confront his duties. Paige accompanies him briefly, experiencing the opulent yet restrictive world of royal protocol, but grapples with the sacrifices required—abandoning her career ambitions and adapting to the expectations of the Danish court and Eddie's family, particularly the queen's disapproval of their union. Torn between and , Paige returns to to complete her degree, prompting Eddie to temporarily set aside his royal responsibilities and follow her, declaring his willingness to renounce the if needed to be with her. In the resolution, Paige graduates from the University of and reaffirms her commitment to her medical career aspirations. Eddie, now embracing his role as after his father's , proposes to her during a poignant moment amid preparations, and they become engaged, symbolizing a harmonious blend of personal sacrifice, enduring love, and cultural adaptation.

Cast

Julia Stiles portrays Paige Morgan, the film's lead female protagonist, depicted as a strong-willed American college student pursuing pre-med studies. Stiles, an established young actress at the time, brought her experience from teen-oriented films, including her breakout role in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999). Luke Mably stars as Edvard, Crown Prince of (also known as Eddie), the charming royal who enrolls incognito at an American university. This marked Mably's first major film role, with his British upbringing contributing to the character's refined, aristocratic poise. The supporting cast features several notable performers in key roles that enrich the film's exploration of cultural clashes and family dynamics:
ActorRoleNotes on Character or Actor Background
Miranda RichardsonQueen RosalindEddie's mother, embodying a stern and tradition-bound royal figure; Richardson, a veteran British actress known for versatile dramatic roles, adds gravitas to the monarchy's expectations.
Ben MillerSørenEddie's loyal valet, serving as a source of comic relief through his exasperated attempts to maintain protocol; Miller, a British comedian and actor, leverages his timing from TV series like The Worst Week of My Life.
James FoxKing HaraldEddie's father, representing the archetype of a duty-focused traditional monarch; Fox, from a prominent acting family, had prior experience in period dramas like A Passage to India (1984).
Alberta WatsonPaige's motherContributes to the portrayal of Paige's grounded, farm-based family life; Watson was a Canadian actress with a history of supporting roles in films and TV, including My Name Is Kate (1994).
John BourgeoisPaige's fatherReinforces the rural, hardworking family dynamic; Bourgeois, a Canadian character actor, appeared in numerous films and series, often in authoritative paternal figures.
Among the minor roles, plays Scotty, one of Paige's college friends, adding levity to campus scenes; Ratray was recognized from his childhood role as Buzz in (1990). appears as Amanda, Paige's roommate, highlighting the supportive friendships in the story; King, a Canadian actress and singer, had early career roles in teen dramas. Peter Skagen portrays the professor, a figure of academic authority in Paige's university environment.

Production

Development

The development of The Prince & Me originated with producer , who conceived the story as a merging classic elements with contemporary college romance, drawing inspiration from real-life royal adventures. The project marked the inaugural production for Amin's newly founded Sobini Films. The story was credited to and Katherine Fugate, with the screenplay by Katherine Fugate, , and Michael Begler. Initially set up at , the film moved forward as a co-production with Lions Gate Films, which handled international distribution. In 2002, director was attached to helm the project, selected for her prior work on coming-of-age narratives such as (1983) and Rambling Rose (1991). was announced as the lead, signing on to play Paige Morgan that same year. The production budget was $22 million, primarily funded by , Films, and Sobini Films.

Filming

Principal photography for The Prince & Me commenced on June 11, 2003, and principal filming wrapped in August 2003, with beginning in October 2003. The production primarily shot in , , , which stood in for the University of Wisconsin; key sites included the E.J. Pratt Library at the University of Toronto's Victoria University for campus scenes, as well as local farms to depict rural American settings. For sequences set in , filming took place in the , utilizing Prague's Square for urban royal exteriors and Castle in South Moravia as the exterior of the royal palace. Additional Danish exteriors were captured at Frederiksborg Slot in and various locations. Cinematographer Alex Nepomniaschy captured the film's vibrant, youthful aesthetic, emphasizing the contrast between pastoral American life and opulent European royalty. Editor Steven Cohen managed the initial assembly of footage, with no major reshoots required during production. Logistical aspects included coordinating shoots on grounds, which presented general challenges for crews in maintaining campus operations.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack album for The Prince & Me was released by on March 30, 2004, just prior to the film's theatrical debut, and features a collection of contemporary pop and rock songs that capture the movie's themes of young and personal discovery. The original score was composed by Jennie Muskett, who incorporated a mix of orchestral arrangements to evoke the grandeur of Danish royalty and more intimate, acoustic elements to reflect the informal college environment, including a central theme with subtle folk-inspired motifs. Licensed songs were carefully selected to align with key narrative moments, such as upbeat pop tracks for lively social scenes and introspective ballads for romantic developments. The album's music was supervised by Robin Urdang, with a total runtime of 52:56, targeting a teenage audience through contributions from emerging artists including and Jem. In the film, the music underscores cultural transitions between modern and European , contrasting energetic pop selections with classical pieces during royal sequences to highlight the clash and eventual harmony between the two worlds.

Track listing

The official for The Prince & Me, titled The Prince & Me: Music from the Motion Picture, consists of 15 tracks with a total running time of 52:56. None of the singles from the achieved significant success, though they were promoted through tie-ins with the film's theatrical release and marketing campaigns. The track listing is as follows:
No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1"Everybody Wants You"3:51
2"Just a Ride"Jem3:19
3"Fire Escape"3:22
4"Man of the World"2:02
5"Calling"3:43
6"Good Intentions"Jennifer Stills3:40
7"I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You"3:08
8"Symphony"Jessica Riddle3:55
9"It Doesn't Get Better Than This"Katy Fitzgerald3:34
10"Freeway"Scapegoat Wax4:20
11"Presidente"Kinky3:23
12"Drift"Forty Foot Echo3:07
13"Party"the D42:40
14"Bloodsweet"Scapegoat Wax3:36
15"Separate Worlds" (original score)Jennie Muskett4:16
"" by opens the album, capturing themes of desire and youth. "Just a Ride" by Jem reflects the film's lighthearted adventure. "" by adds an energetic vibe to social scenes. The closing track, "Separate Worlds" by Jennie Muskett, compiles cues that support the film's emotional and adventurous elements throughout.

Release

Theatrical release

The film had its U.S. premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in on March 28, 2004. It received a wide theatrical release in the United States on April 2, 2004, distributed domestically by . Internationally, Lions Gate Films handled distribution outside the U.S., , and , with releases rolling out across more than 20 countries throughout 2004, including on April 2, the on July 16, on June 24, and various European markets featuring dubbed versions in local languages. The Motion Picture Association of America rated the PG for some sex-related material and language, with a running time of 110 minutes. Marketed as a lighthearted , the campaign targeted teenage girls and young adults through trailers that highlighted ' appeal as the ambitious student protagonist, alongside fairy-tale romance elements evoking classic stories like . Promotional efforts included royal-themed and tie-ins with college campuses to resonate with the film's university setting, emphasizing themes of unexpected love and personal growth. The theatrical presentation utilized standard 35mm prints, with no enhanced formats such as .

Home media

The Prince & Me was first released on in the United States on DVD and by on August 10, 2004. The DVD editions included both and full screen versions, with special features such as an track by director , the "The Lawn Mower Race of The Prince & Me," the behind-the-scenes piece "Inside the Fairy Tale: The Prince & Me," and seven deleted or extended scenes. A limited edition was also issued on the same date but was soon discontinued as the format declined in popularity. In 2010, Lionsgate released a Blu-ray pairing the film with its sequel The Prince & Me 2: The Royal Wedding, presented in . A standalone Blu-ray edition followed from Paramount on October 1, 2024, remastered in with the original special features retained. Digital download and streaming options became available starting in the late 2000s on platforms including and Amazon, with ongoing accessibility on services like Paramount+, , and Prime Video as of 2025. Bundled DVD and Blu-ray sets incorporating the original film with its sequels were issued beginning in 2006. In , the DVD was distributed in PAL format as a Region 2 release, featuring subtitles in multiple languages such as English, French, Spanish, Hungarian, Czech, Polish, and Greek. No 4K UHD edition has been released as of November 2025.

Reception

Critical reception

The film received mixed reviews upon its release. On , The Prince & Me holds a 28% approval rating based on 120 critic reviews, with an average score of 4.7/10. On , it has a score of 47 out of 100, based on 31 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. Critics praised the chemistry between leads and , as well as the film's lighthearted charm and feel-good romance. gave it 2.5 out of 4 stars, calling it "an efficient, sweet, sometimes charming PG-rated version of the story, ideal for girls of a certain age." of described it as "a smart piece of revisionist fluff that dares to question what happens after the royal honeymoon is over." Some reviewers appreciated the humor derived from cultural clashes between the American and European royalty. However, the film faced criticism for its predictable plot, reliance on clichéd tropes, and underdeveloped supporting characters. Variety's Todd McCarthy labeled it "a bland, not particularly heartfelt romantic fantasy" that rehashes the Roman Holiday premise without innovation. Neil Smith of the BBC noted its "mildly diverting" nature but faulted the formulaic scripting and lack of depth. Julia Stiles received a nomination for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress – Drama/Action Adventure. While initial reviews were largely mixed, the film has since garnered a nostalgic , with retrospective pieces highlighting its empowering take on romance and ahead-of-its-time subversion of fairy-tale conventions.

Box office

The Prince & Me was produced on a of $22 million. The film opened in 2,682 theaters across the and on April 2, 2004, during the spring break season, where it competed with family-oriented releases such as and . Its opening weekend earned $9.4 million, securing sixth place at the domestic with a per-screen average of $3,507. In its second weekend, the film grossed $5.4 million, reflecting a 43% drop from the debut, as new wide releases like Kill Bill: Vol. 2 drew audiences. Domestically, The Prince & Me accumulated $28.2 million over its theatrical run in the U.S. and . Internationally, it generated $9.5 million, with the strongest performances in the ($2.6 million) and ($2.1 million). The worldwide total reached $37.7 million, allowing the film to recover its production budget and achieve modest profitability, particularly after accounting for marketing expenses estimated at around $10-15 million for similar mid-budget releases. The film's theatrical performance provided a solid foundation, supplemented by ancillary revenue streams that ensured break-even status by late 2004, including strong sales that popularized the title among younger audiences.

Sequels

The Prince & Me 2: The Royal Wedding

The Prince & Me 2: The Royal Wedding is a 2006 American film serving as the sequel to the 2004 theatrical release The Prince & Me. Set shortly after the events of the original, the story centers on Paige Morgan and Prince Edvard as they prepare for their , only to encounter a when an ancient Danish is invoked, mandating that the heir to the must marry a person of royal blood to preserve the , or the crown will pass to another royal house. This revelation, pushed by the scheming Norwegian Prince Albert to advance his family's interests, forces Edvard to consider marrying his cousin, the duplicitous Princess Kirsten, while Paige grapples with her status as a . The narrative explores tensions between rigid royal traditions and contemporary values, with Paige attending a finishing school to master courtly etiquette and protocol, highlighting her ongoing pursuit of a medical career alongside her royal duties. Edvard faces pressure from his family and the court, particularly the more conservative Queen Rosalind, leading to romantic and political complications involving Princess Kirsten's hidden affections. The couple's relationship is tested through these conflicts, ultimately culminating in a resolution that allows their union while addressing the legal and cultural challenges. The cast saw significant changes from the original film, with taking over the role of Paige Morgan from , a recasting attributed to scheduling conflicts that altered the character's portrayal to emphasize maturity and poise. returned as Prince Edvard, providing continuity, while reprised her role as Queen Rosalind. New additions included as the ambitious Princess Kirsten and as the antagonistic Prince Albert, with supporting roles filled by actors such as Jim Holt as King Christian. Production was helmed by director Catherine Cyran in her feature debut, with the written by Allison Robinson, alongside contributions from and Katherine Fugate. Filming occurred primarily in the , including locations like Château Dobrís, during June and July 2005, shifting the visual focus to opulent European palaces compared to the original's American college settings. Produced by Sobini Films on a modest , the film was distributed by on February 21, 2006, with a runtime of 96 minutes. Unlike the first film's emphasis on humor in a environment, this pivots to intrigue, wedding preparations, and dynastic , reducing collegiate in favor of romantic drama within the Danish court. The direct-to-DVD model enabled a streamlined production but resulted in a more contained scope, with less emphasis on expansive location shoots. Reception was generally unfavorable, earning a 4.9 out of 10 rating on from 3,732 user votes (as of November 2024), where critics and audiences frequently highlighted the recasting of Paige as a detracting factor that diminished chemistry and authenticity. However, some viewers appreciated its escapist charm and feel-good resolution, noting it as undemanding family entertainment despite formulaic plotting. On , it holds a 0% critics approval rating based on 5 reviews and 38% audience score (as of November 2024), underscoring mixed sentiments toward its lightweight tone.

The Prince & Me 3: The Royal Honeymoon

The Prince & Me 3: A Royal Honeymoon is a 2008 American serving as the third installment in the The Prince & Me franchise. Directed by Catherine Cyran and written by , it continues the story of the royal couple following their marriage depicted in the second sequel. The film explores themes of marital adjustment and royal intrigue during the protagonists' honeymoon, blending light adventure with romantic elements. The plot centers on newly crowned King Edvard (Chris Geere) and Queen Paige Morgan (Kam Heskin), who, six months after their wedding, attempt to escape media attention by diverting their honeymoon from a planned destination to the fictional crown protectorate of . Upon arrival, the couple becomes unwittingly involved in a political conspiracy to overthrow the local government, forcing them to navigate , local alliances, and personal challenges while strengthening their relationship. The narrative highlights their efforts to balance royal responsibilities with private life, incorporating elements of humor and mild action amid the exotic setting. Kam Heskin reprises her role as Paige Morgan, the American veterinarian-turned-queen, while portrays King Edvard, replacing from earlier entries due to scheduling conflicts. Supporting cast includes as Soren, Edvard's advisor; as , the prime minister; as Scott, a royal staff member; and Valentin Ganev as Prince Georgiev, a key figure in the intrigue. Maryam d'Abo, who played Queen Rosalind in the second film, does not appear, with guest appearances by actors such as Joshua Rubin as Oliver adding to the ensemble. Production took place in 2007, primarily in Sofia, Bulgaria, which stood in for the fictional Belavia to provide an exotic backdrop for the adventure sequences. The film was produced by Millennium Films and Sobini Films, with a runtime of 92 minutes. It premiered direct-to-video in the United States on October 28, 2008, emphasizing themes of travel and romance in its marketing. The use of international locations contributed to the film's visual appeal, showcasing lush landscapes and cultural elements. Reception was generally unfavorable, with the film earning a 4.4 out of 10 rating on from 2,202 user votes (as of November 2024). On , it received a 36% audience score (as of November 2024), reflecting criticism of its formulaic storyline. Reviewers praised the scenic visuals but faulted the weak script and lack of depth in character development and romance. rated it 2 out of 5 stars, noting its fluffy, fairy-tale nature suitable for younger audiences despite the thin plot.

The Prince & Me 4: The Elephant Adventure

The Prince & Me 4: The Elephant Adventure is a 2010 American directed by Catherine Cyran and serving as the fourth and final installment in the series. The story follows King Edvard and Queen Paige as they navigate royal obligations abroad while confronting threats to endangered . Released , the film emphasizes themes of environmental conservation and the balance between personal relationships and public duties within a context.

Plot

One year after their wedding, King Edvard and Queen Paige of Denmark receive an invitation to the arranged marriage of Princess Myra of the fictional kingdom of Sangyoon. Upon arriving in Sangyoon, set against lush Thai landscapes, the ceremony is disrupted when the kingdom's sacred royal elephant, Kayla, goes missing, halting proceedings as elephants hold cultural significance. Paige, leveraging her veterinary background from earlier adventures, joins Edvard, royal aide Søren, and local guide Rayen in a jungle quest to locate Kayla, uncovering a poaching ring targeting endangered elephants for ivory. Along the way, they aid Princess Myra in pursuing her true love, a humble stable boy named Alu, challenging traditional royal expectations. The narrative intertwines action sequences, romantic moments, and an eco-message advocating for wildlife protection, culminating in the elephant's rescue and the affirmation of love over arranged unions.

Cast and Production

Kam Heskin reprises her role as Queen Paige Morgan, portraying the compassionate veterinarian-turned-queen who drives the conservation efforts. stars as King Edvard, depicting the young monarch balancing diplomacy with adventure, marking his second appearance in the role following The Prince & Me 3: A Royal Honeymoon. Supporting cast includes as the loyal aide Søren, as the resourceful guide Rayen, and Ase Wang as Princess Myra, with additional roles filled by actors like Prinya Intachai as Kah. The screenplay was written by , who crafted a story highlighting family bonds and ecological awareness. Production occurred primarily in during 2009, with key filming locations in , including Prommitr Film Studios and , to authentically capture the jungle setting. The film was produced on a modest budget by companies such as M1 Films, Nu Image, and Sobini Films. With a runtime of 93 minutes, it premiered in the on February 15, 2010, followed by a U.S. release on March 23, 2010, distributed by (also known as in some markets). This entry stands out for its focus on real-world issues like elephant poaching, using practical locations to underscore the urgency of conservation without relying on extensive .

Reception

The film received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 10 on based on 1,514 user votes (as of November 2024), slightly outperforming its predecessors in fan appreciation for its lighter tone. On , it holds a 20% approval rating from 5 critics and 42% audience score (as of November 2024), praised for engaging sequences and but criticized for a predictable, formulaic storyline. noted its blend of romance, action, and positive messages on true love and animal protection, rating it suitable for ages 8 and up despite some peril in poacher confrontations. Viewers highlighted the fun, escapist elements and Cyran's direction in delivering a wholesome conclusion to the franchise, though some found the recasting and low-stakes plot less compelling than the original theatrical release.

References

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  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337697/releaseinfo/
  30. https://www.screendaily.com/the-prince-and-me/4018056.article
  31. https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-prince-and-me/
  32. http://www.dvdmg.com/princeandme.shtml
  33. https://www.popmatters.com/prince-and-me-dvd-2496253813.html
  34. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Prince-and-Me-and-The-Prince-and-Me-2-The-Royal-Wedding-Blu-ray/14198/
  35. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Prince-and-Me-Blu-ray/120705/
  36. https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-prince--me/umc.cmc.5kuoi6jcxeeb11z4k50k9krzr
  37. https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Me-Julia-Stiles/dp/B074P4BGW4
  38. https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Me-Widescreen-Julia-Stiles/dp/B00029NLGO
  39. https://www.amazon.com/hercegem-HUNGARIAN-Hungarian-Subtitles-European/dp/B01M638L3F
  40. https://usedrecords.gr/product/the-prince-me-2004-dvd-region-2-comedy-169-widescreen-1-781-stiles-mably/
  41. https://www.paramountmovies.com/movies/the-prince-and-me
  42. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-prince-and-me
  43. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-prince-and-me/critic-reviews/
  44. https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2004/07/05/the_prince_and_me_2004_review.shtml
  45. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337697/awards/
  46. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/12/8958074/prince-and-me-2004-movie-review-julia-stiles
  47. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4117464577/
  48. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/chart/smallest_second_weekend_gross_drop/?by_release_scale=saturated&offset=600
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477072/
  50. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_prince_and_me_2
  51. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/15590-the-prince-me-2-the-royal-wedding
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477072/plotsummary/
  53. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/15590-the-prince-me-2-the-royal-wedding/cast
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1094198/
  55. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-prince-and-me-3-a-royal-honeymoon
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1094198/plotsummary/
  57. https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-prince-and-me-3-a-royal-honeymoon/umc.cmc.dudg3i3sseywu2szuzif6tl1
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1094198/fullcredits/
  59. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_prince_and_me_a_royal_honeymoon
  60. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_prince_and_me_4
  61. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1340161/
  62. https://dove.org/review/8156-prince-and-me-4-the-elephant-adventure/
  63. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-prince-me-4-the-elephant-adventure
  64. https://plotsnippets.com/summary/the-prince-&-me-4:-the-elephant-adventure?depth=1
  65. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-prince-and-me-the-elephant-adventure/cast/2030016398/
  66. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/36515-the-prince-me-4-the-elephant-adventure?language=en-US
  67. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1340161/locations/
  68. https://thechickflickandli.wixsite.com/reviews/single-post/2018/10/12/review-the-prince-and-me-4-the-elephant-adventure-2010
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