« 3 Questions | Main | The Final Countdown »
August 18, 2004
Beneath the Surface
Today I went to see Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement. I'm not a huge fan of the teeny-bopper chick flick genre, but they are therapeutic when taken in small doses, and I thought that the original, The Princess Diaries, was a quality movie. Plus, in high school I was told that I looked like the main character, Mia Thermopolis (played by
I don't want to ruin the movie for anyone, so if you haven't seen it and plan to, stop reading now. A central theme of the plot is the dilemma between opting for a guy who can offer security and seems like the rational option (Andrew) versus a guy who the girl hardly knows, but for whom she has strong feelings (Nicholas). Generally, the better-looking actor plays the part of the latter guy.
During the movie, I found myself subconsciously hoping that Mia would end up with Nicholas. But when I realized that I was hoping for that, I started hating Hollywood for setting me up. Indeed, in the end, Mia and Nicholas ended up together while Andrew actually thanked Mia for using him and then leaving him at the altar.
This left me wondering what life will be like for Mia and Nicholas. Once the romance wears off in a year, what will they do? Princess Diaries 3: Reality Royalty would most likely feature an affair and subsequent divorce. But what would life have been like for Mia and Andrew? Perhaps they would have found that they really had nothing in common. But perhaps, after spending more time getting to know each other, they would have fallen in love with who the other person is rather than what they look like or how they act on the surface.
Maybe I'm being too idealistic here. Too be embarrassingly honest, I haven't had a boyfriend since my sophomore year in high school. But I can't help but hope for the day when I find the person who I love, faults and all, because of his heart and soul -- who he is -- and who loves me the same way.
------
Quote of the Day:
You've seen me at my weakest but you take me as I am
And when you fall you offer me a softer place to land.
Sarah McLachlan, Push
Posted by Megan at August 18, 2004 09:17 PM
Comments
"Princess Diaries 3: Reality Royalty would most likely feature an affair and subsequent divorce."
Really? I don't think love or marriage are that predictable. Yes, Hollywood romantic comedies and "teeny bopper" movies have set unrealistic expectations in the minds of many, particularly young women, which instill unrealistic expectations toward their romantic interests. But I don't think a quick marriage from a quick feeling of "connection" is any less doomed or blessed than a well-anticipated and -planned marriage of "stability."
My apologies for the many cliché terms.
I hate clichés regarding relationships.
Posted by: Laura at August 18, 2004 09:40 PM
Laura,
I guess we disagree on that point.
Posted by: Megan at August 18, 2004 11:17 PM
As the unfortunate one of the three of us who HAS suffered through boyfriends since high school, I think I have the liberty to say that you find things in unexpected places. This goes for Mia, me, you, and most of America. Don't sell yourself short on what you are now; would you, if you had the chance, go back to your high school years? If so, call me and we'll chat. In fact, do so anyway. And keep in mind that teen movies are for people with less brain activity and rational thought than you obtain. Great life lessons will most likely not be pulled from them.
Posted by: Kristin at August 19, 2004 12:11 AM
I was skinnier and prettier in High School too. ;P
Posted by: Matt at August 19, 2004 03:01 PM
I, too, take you to task for the skinnier and prettier comment. You are lovely.
As a woman of a certain age, with some experience with marriage, I can confidently say that looks and romance have very little to do with a happy marriage. (although hygiene and personality and a sesne of humor matter a lot!!!) When God draws you to someone, love take on a dimension that Hollywood can never understand. You find what you have in common and you feel secure and cherished, and you can blossom there.
I highly recommend it.
Posted by: Kathy at August 19, 2004 08:37 PM
Kathy,
That was one of the most useful things I've ever heard. Thank you for the insight.
Posted by: Kristin at August 19, 2004 11:52 PM
Hygiene? Aw, crap...
Posted by: Pat at August 20, 2004 04:24 PM