In this episode of Magic, Movies & Melanin, EB and TT head back to Genovia to revisit the 2001 Disney favorite The Princess Diaries. This movie lived on repeat growing up, and watching it now hits with pure early-2000s nostalgia.

We talk about why the film still works, Mia Thermopolis’ awkward but relatable glow up, and how this role put Anne Hathaway on the map. Julie Andrews brings the heart and authority only she can, and Mandy Moore’s early mean girl era definitely left a mark.

We jump from favorite scenes and MVP picks to a real conversation about the film’s lack of racial diversity, we balance love for the movie with grown perspective. Then we have some fun reimagining The Princess Diaries with a 2001 cast of color and ask the big question. Does it still hold up?

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Timestamps

00:23 Introduction to The Princess Diaries

03:32 Plot Overview and Characters

06:15 Identity, Transformation, and the Glow Up

09:07 Cast and Performances

12:13 Culture and Representation

15:09 Character Dynamics

22:28 Audacity Awards and MVPs

28:23 Our 2001 Recasting

47:14 Trivia Time

57:27 Does It Still Hold Up?