The Prince and Me

I greatly anticipated the release of this film, touted by Paramount as a modern-day fairy tale, highlighting the classic story of Prince-meets-girl. Unfortunately, I left the theater disappointed as I reflected on the messages this movie will send to the many children who view it. The story begins with a character sketch of the title roles.

Paige, played by Julia Styles, is portrayed as a typical college student with an unique sense of ambition. Presumably, the audience is meant to admire Styles’ character and root for her throughout the film. I was nonplussed to watch her consuming alcohol several times, and working as a bar tender. She also used filthy language on occasion.

Luke Mably assumed the role of Prince Edward (“Eddie”)—an irresponsible, womanizing playboy who causes his parents no small amount of anguish as they wonder how he will ever fill his father’s shoes as the King of Denmark. Papparazi gathers with bulbs flashing as Eddie is caught in one scandal after another, brazenly posing for the checkout-line cover stories.

His impulsive decision to visit America is made after viewing an advertisement on television for pornographic material involving female American college students “getting drunk” and “taking off their shirts.” Eddie takes in the commercial as we, the audience, watch photo after photo of obviously nude girls with the centers of their chests blocked by narrow black bars. With the goal of encountering these sorts of women, our Prince Charming hops on a plane for America.

It grieves me to think of the young people who will view these characters as “prince” and “princess” to be emulated.

The hero and heroine of this story first meet at the bar where Paige works, and coincidentally end up paired as lab partners at the college they both attend in Wisconsin. After some initial personality clashes, the two are drawn together by physical attraction, and seem to be willing to let nothing stand in the way of their relationship. Paige’s roommate is continually egging on the connection, pointing out that Eddie is “so hot,” and encouraging Paige to pursue a physical relationship with him, in spite of his offensive behavior.

Morality Issues

There is quite a bit of blatant or near-blatant sexual content in this movie (for PG-rated rating). When Eddie first introduces himself to Paige, he asks her to “take your shirt off.” (Paige replies by spraying him with soda water from the tap at the bar.) There is a scene in the college library in which Paige and Eddie engage in some foreplay while Paige’s roommate looks on, writing a note to Paige encouraging her to take Eddie upstairs. The two end up going off to a secluded area, where they begin to disrobe one another, but are interrupted by photographers bursting in after only their shirts are removed. (Paige was still wearing an undershirt.) There are several scenes of passionate kissing. There are a few curse words and religious profanities scattered throughout the script. Eddie, his assistant, Paige, her friends, and her brothers are all shown consuming alcohol.

Spiritual Issues

The moral of this story is, “Lust conquers all.” We are meant to sympathize with a couple who is apparently bound only by the common bond of being physically attracted to one another. This is so far from God’s plan for how we should treat one another.

“…intreat… the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity” I Timothy 5:1-2.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” I John 2:16-17.

My recommendation is, if you would like to spend a couple of hours with your family in good, quality, character-building entertainment, skip this film, save your money, and watch Les Miserables or Cinderella.

Violence: Mild | Profanity: Moderate | Sex/Nudity: Moderate