With the air getting colder and Fall in full swing, it’s time to break out some movies, popcorn and your favorite sweet treat. What better way to kick off a movie night with friends than with an old school classic barbie movie?
“Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper” is a timeless classic inspired by Mark Twain’s “The Prince and the Pauper” and one that I have had the privilege to watch for the first time. Being made back in late 2004, Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper has the poor graphics of early 3d animation, and pacing that leaves much to be desired. However, it makes up for it with a plot full of twists and turns, romance, enchanting characters and iconic music. The movie starts off with Princess Annelise and the pauper Erika, both girls born at the same time. Many years later the kingdom is bankrupt and the queen arranges to marry off Annelise to the neighboring king, Dominic. Though she accepts her duty to marry the king, she is secretly in love with another, her tutor Julian.
The queen’s decision, however, disrupts a plan long in the making, by none other than her trusted “loyal” advisor Primiger. With the help of his lackeys, Primiger has been stealing the gold from the royal gold mine in order to force the princess to marry him. But with this new development he comes up with a new plan, to kidnap Annelise and make it seem like she has run away, breaking off the engagement. But there is one problem that Primiger didn’t account for: Erika. Erika is the spitting image of Princess Annelise, with the only difference being the color of her hair, and the lack of a crown birthmark on her shoulder. With her temporarily replacing the princess with the help of Julian, the wedding is back on. But Primiger is not one to be easily fooled or defeated, and comes up with another plan.
Though I won’t spoil the rest of it, this movie kept me on the edge of my seat. There were plot twists and creative solutions to every problem, and the scenes, though somewhat predictable, kept me guessing what crazy turn would happen next.
It was silly and cheesy, and frequently so bad it was good. The movie was obviously made for kids, and visually the animation and design were lacking, but it was a fun experience and one I believe people of all ages would love.
For the hopeless romantic, Julian and King Dominic, the two male leads of the movie, are a highlight. Julian was the princess’s friend and tutor, destined to never be together due to status, and the prince was falling head over heels for Erika, disguised as the princess. Their relationships were cute, and the moments the couples had together on screen had me smiling the entire time. Primiger was also a delight to watch, he was the typical devious royal advisor, but I loved almost every moment he was on screen. He is eccentric and flamboyant with an ego big enough to fill a kingdom. He had some of the funniest quotes, and arguably one of the best songs of the whole movie, complete with backup dancers and an evil montage.
He was also driven by power, going to great lengths to try to attain it. From bankrupting the kingdom to marry princess Annelise, to plotting to kill her to marry the queen. Primiger is full of surprises and dramatic flair that almost can excuse his terrible morals and poor life choices. The music enhanced the scenes and the animation as well, and the storyboarding accompanying them made me laugh.
I absolutely recommend “Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper” to anyone looking for a group movie night as It is best watched with a group of friends. I had a blast joking around with mine as we experienced this wild ride of a movie together.
