The animated musical film Proud Princess is entertaining and a true delight.
It is time for fun-loving, kind, and handsome King Benjamin (voiced by William Attenborough) to chose a bride. After all, the Sun Kingdom is in need of a queen to rule with their beloved king.
When presented with a portrait of Princess Carolina (voiced by Georgia Lowe), he is immediately taken with her beauty and her look of sweetness. He sends her his own portrait, which she immediately rebuffs, and sends it back. That’s exactly what the advisors want. They, led by the evil Maximus, want the princess to marry a different prince who is ultimately brought to the palace, along with a great deal of money. Maximus is a scoundrel and only wants the money – and to rule the kingdom his own way. He could care less about the princess’ own feelings and desires.
Benjamin, still taken by the princess, travels to the Midnight Kingdom to persuade her to reconsider. He fell in love with her and wants her for his queen. Along the way King Benjamin decides to ingratiate himself to her by posing as a gardener.
While using his charms, as well as his ability to transform her garden into a magnificent spectacle of color and beauty, the two form a tenuous friendship. The thing about Princess Carolina is that she is a snob. She is rude, pompous, and self centered. The only thing she cares about, other than herself, is her adorable dog Bijou, who is not only her companion, but also her protector.
Carolina was once a fun and sweet girl, however after her mother died, her whole life changed, as well as her personality. Benjamin knows there is still kindness and love inside her.
Thanks to some magical flowers and music, Carolina begins to change back to the lovely girl she once was. Little by little she and Benjamin grow closer, however Maximus is determined to keep them apart and bring back the wealthy prince. Everyone is unaware that the gardener is in fact King Benjamin.
Benjamin saw the kindness that was inside Carolina from the first time he set eyes on her portrait. He knows he can bring it out again, and indeed he does. The hidden kindness that was pushed away when her mother died comes forth, as well as her ability to love another.
Maximus is determined to marry her off to the wealthy prince, so Carolina flees with the gardener, who leads them on a treacherous journey heading back to his Sun Kingdom. Along the way there is plenty of danger as Maximus and his men are in hot pursuit. This is an escape rife with peril, and a scene reminiscent of a dangerous log ride at a theme park, but in true fairy tale form, there is a happy ending.
The movie is peppered with musical numbers (sung by the actors who voiced the characters) as the story unfolds with wonderful animation.
It premieres in a few select theaters February 20, 2026. If it is not playing in your area, don’t worry. It will be available on demand beginning April 7, 2026, when you can gather your family for a fun adventure.
Proud Princess is rated G and is an entertaining movie for the whole family. It is truly a delightful movie for everyone.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
Images supplied courtesy Proud Princess/Level 33 Entertainment