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Ever since the first High School Musical became an instant success, Disney Channel’s original movies have taken on a higher profile, drawing record-breaking audiences with each new premiere—and the latest, Princess Protection Program, is no exception. Unfortunately, though, PPP doesn’t really offer anything new, either.
Selena Gomez (of Wizards of Waverly Place) and Demi Lovato (of Sonny with a Chance and last summer’s Disney Channel original Camp Rock) star as two very different teens from very different worlds who are forced to adjust to life together.
Princess Rosalinda (Lovato) was about to become queen of the small country of Costa Luna when a coup by the wild and wacky General Kane (Johnny Ray) put her—and her country—in danger. Fortunately, though, Major Mason (Tom Verica) of the International Princess Protection Program was there to rescue her. And after she’s transformed from a princess to plain old Rosie Gonzales, she’s taken to Mason’s Louisiana home, which he shares with his teenage daughter, Carter (Gomez).
Tomboy Carter is less than thrilled about having to share her room with a displaced princess—and it only gets worse when she takes “Cousin Rosie” to school—but Rosie’s life (and her country) depends on it. So Carter reluctantly agrees to help Rosie fit in—and she might end up learning a lesson or two of her own in the process.
Like most Disney Channel movies, Princess Protection Program is silly and overdone, with plenty of unlikely situations, some questionable acting, and a warm, fuzzy fairy tale ending. And, as with most Disney Channel movies, that’s both a good thing and a bad thing.
On one hand, the kooky supporting characters (like the absolutely ridiculous General Kane, as well as Rosalinda’s trusted dressmaker, Mr. Elegante, played by Ricardo Alvarez) will keep kids entertained with their over-the-top antics. At the same time, the fairy tale story (and those pretty princess gowns) will spark imagination, and the fluffy ending will teach tween viewers a lesson about being a princess, no matter who you really are.
On the other hand, though, the movie’s silliness might be just a bit…much. Even my seven-year-old niece admitted that the beginning of the movie is “kinda weird” (while my 11-year-old nephew is pretty sure that the whole movie is, in fact, “kinda weird”). And Disney-loving grown-ups might find themselves rolling their eyes from time to time at the wackiness and the predictability of it all.
Of course, the movie’s big attraction is its stars. Disney Channel sweethearts (and real-life best friends) Gomez and Lovato make the movie a no-brainer for die-hard Disney Channel fans—though they could have been better. Gomez is cute as “bait girl” Carter, but her character is actually pretty mean. Then again, you can’t really blame her, since Lovato’s character is awkward and overdone and even the slightest bit irritating—not nearly as lovable as Camp Rock’s Mitchie.
Disney Channel regulars will probably enjoy this fluffy original movie—but, despite its star power and its record-breaking premiere, it isn’t destined to become Disney Channel movie royalty.
DVD Review:
The Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition DVD release of Disney Channel’s Princess Protection Program also includes a few short extras. In Royal & Loyal BFFs, real-life best friends Gomez and Lovato giggle their way through on-set stories and other making-of insights. The two also costar in the music video for their song, “One and the Same.” And, finally, A Royal Reality features real-life teen princess India Oxenberg, who discusses princess stereotypes and responsibilities and shows off a few of her favorite jewels.
I think it’s pretty safe to say that the majority of PPP DVDs will go to fans of Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez—so they’ll definitely want to check out the teen actresses’ feature and video. For princesses in training, though, A Royal Reality is an interesting feature, too. It doesn’t give nearly as much insight as I would have liked, but it’s a short and simple look at the life of a pretty down-to-earth princess.
