"The Prince & Me" is actually two movies in one. At times it's a fairy tale, "Cinderella"-style romance. But it's also a fish-out-of-water, culture-clash comedy.
The film's many pointless digressions might not be so glaringly apparent if either of these mini-movies were particularly interesting, or if they were approached in a fresh fashion. Instead, there's quite a bit of the seen-it, done-it syndrome here.
Also, the film's snail pace makes it feel as long as two features. And though the film carries a PG rating, there are a couple of moments that really push that rating.
Add to that the perpetually dour and scowling Julia Stiles as the star, and it's just one more problem.
Stiles plays Paige Morgan, a Wisconsin college student so organized that she has a "life plan." In fact, Paige is so busy with her pre-med studies that she has no time for such complications as romance. That is, until she meets Eddie (Luke Mably), a charming foreign-exchange student from Denmark.
Their relationship gets off on the wrong foot when he believes her to be a rowdy co-ed, a la, the "Girls Gone Wild" videos. However, soon enough, they're spending all their time together.
But as it turns out, there's a complication: "Eddie" is actually Edvard Valdemar Dangaard, Denmark's crown prince. And when his father, King Haraald (James Fox), falls seriously ill, it's time for Eddie to ascend the throne and lead his country.
Veteran director Martha Coolidge has some charming films to her credit, including "Valley Girl" and "Real Genius." But this plodding piece of fluff doesn't rank with her best work, and the by-committee script never really decides on a focus or tone.
Neither of the lead players is particularly watchable. Stiles never generates any real warmth and Mably looks bored. That leaves it up to the supporting cast to perform a salvage operation. But even such talents as Ben Miller and Miranda Richardson aren't able to do anything with this material.
"The Prince & Me" is rated PG for vulgarity, brief violence (vehicular, as well as some fisticuffs), and scattered use of profanity. Running time: 109 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com