"The Princess" unfolds as a fantasy-action film with a female empowerment theme, but its execution leaves much to be desired. The villain, Julius, played by Dominic Cooper, articulates the film's basic theme overtly, and the script, written by Ben Lustig and Jake Thornton, tends to spell out its messages with on-the-nose dialogue that borders on parody. The girl power message, delivered by male characters telling the titular character (played by Joey King) to "know her place," feels manipulative rather than empowering. There's a sense of skepticism about the authenticity of the film's feminist angle, especially given its male-dominated creative team.
Directed by Le-Van Kiet, the action scenes are reasonably entertaining, featuring a scenario where the protagonist faces off against evil forces in a blend reminiscent of "The Raid," "Game of Thrones," and "Charlie’s Angels." However, despite the promising premise, the film falls short of the expected fun. The overall narrative feels thin, relying on a skeletal structure of a woman fighting underestimated foes.
The plot revolves around the princess, played by Joey King, waking up chained in a tower and descending while dispatching enemies in a brutal manner. Flashbacks reveal her initial plan to wed Julius, driven by his desire for control over a kingdom lacking a male heir. The princess rebels upon realizing she would be a mere pawn in Julius's power-hungry ambitions. The King, Queen, and citizens are held captive, setting the stage for the princess's violent retaliation.
A critical flaw in the film is the decision to intercut between the princess's present-day rampage and flashbacks explaining her transformation into a skilled warrior. This approach, attempting to add depth to characters, proves self-defeating as it disrupts the momentum of the action. Comparisons to "The Raid" highlight the structural mistake, as backstory interrupts the flow, failing to contribute significantly to character development.
While the combat sequences, such as the one down a spiral staircase, showcase Joey King's talent and offer moments of excitement, the film struggles to maintain consistency. The narrative bursts to life in isolated instances but retreats without sustaining momentum. Le-Van Kiet's direction falters, and the script lacks the creativity to bridge the gaps effectively.
Joey King's performance stands out as a redeeming factor in an otherwise lackluster film. The actress, known for her versatility, embraces the challenge, but the film doesn't fully capitalize on her potential. "The Princess" falls short of providing a confident and empowering platform for its lead, leaving audiences with a mix of entertaining action and a narrative that fails to deliver on its promising premise.
5.6