Princess

Princess is a romantic comedy-drama produced by ABC Family in 2008. This feel-good fairy tale themed movie is directed by Mark Rosman, known for popular films like "A Cinderella Story". The script for Princess was written by Heidi Ferrer, who skillfully combines elements of romance, comedy, and fantasy.

The film’s central character, William Humphrey, portrayed by Kip Pardue, is a young, handsome, and successful European business consultant. His life seems to be in perfect order, but he’s haunted by a mysterious compulsion to regularly visit a quaint bookshop. In this hobbyist bookstore, a mysterious little girl sells "Once Upon a Time" books which feature princesses from various fairy tales. William feels a strange and strong connection with these books despite not knowing why.

One day, William's usual dull routine takes a turn for the extraordinary when he comes across Princess Ithaca, played by enchanting Nora Zehetner. Ithaca's character is presented as a mystical character who has suddenly appeared in the real world. She retains the character's original charm, innocence, and old-world elegance as she transitions from her fairy tale existence into reality. The character of Princess Ithaca brings to life the timeless beauty and grace associated with a princess while maintaining a quirky but adorable confusion when dealing with the ways of the modern world.

William finds himself inexplicably drawn to Princess Ithaca. He takes it upon himself to help her make sense of the real world, and as a result, ends up embarking on a humorous, whimsical, and inevitably romantic journey. The two of them together produce several comic moments reminding audiences of classic fish-out-of-water scenarios. As the story unfolds, their budding relationship poses challenges to William's orderly lifestyle, creating amusing and sometimes awkward situations that leave audiences entertained and sympathetically involved.

The role of the mysterious girl in the bookstore is portrayed by Nicole Gale Anderson. She is presented as an endearing child who loves her story books and effectively acts as a catalyst for the unfolding storyline, spurring on the changes that occur in William's life by introducing him to the world of fairy tales.

The pacing of the film is perfect for its narrative, allowing viewers to get fully absorbed in Princess Ithaca's struggles to adapt to reality and William's growing affections for her. The blend of magic, romance, and light humor creates a pleasant atmosphere that shimmers with the alluring charm of fairy tales we all have loved growing up.

Visual storytelling, costume designing, and the film's set add depth to the narrative. The transitions between the real and fairy tale worlds are depicted through excellent cinematography that seamlessly intertwines these two realms, while the art direction and set design effectively evoke the age-old charm of classic fairy tales. The costume designs cleverly blend period elements with modern aesthetics, emphasizing the contrast and connection between the two worlds.

In all, "Princess" is enchanting offering from ABC Family, a fairy tale brought to life in the midst of reality. It is particularly recommended for those who enjoy a light-hearted, whimsical narrative, without the need for high-octane action or heavy drama. The film retains the gentle grace of a fairy tale while managing to keep viewers engaged with its blend of comedy, romance, and the exploration of worlds - both real and fantastical. With its entertaining plot, beautiful visuals, and satisfying romantic storyline, "Princess" provides a delightful viewing experience for fans of this genre.