‘What a Girl Wants’ (2003)

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Every once in a while, I review a film that I “grew up” on, and it gives me #AllTheFeels. One such movie is What a Girl Wants. I first saw this one years ago during my teen years, and continue to love it to this day. My mother and I recently enjoyed a re-watch (after years of none) of it, and I think I speak for the both of us when I say, we’re still enamored with its contemporized version of a fairytale.

‘What a Girl Wants’ (2003). Review of the film with Amanda Bynes as a teen who tracks down her politician father, Colin Firth. All text is © Rissi JC

There’s something about this movie that continues to outlast those that have come since (within its pool of peers). From the heartwarming antics and complexities of the father/daughter relationship to the journey of “finding” oneself (and of course, the sweet romance doesn’t hurt), this one is pure sunshine from beginning to end. Plus, I know many of us consider this one a favorite simply for Colin Firth.

‘What a Girl Wants’ (2003) with #ColinFirth! #Moviearchives Click To Tweet

Naturally, since I had a review due with Silver Petticoat today, I thought it the perfect avenue and chance to share some timeless fangirl feels. If you experience some of the same opinions as I of this one, comment down below with your thoughts. I’ve love to read them all.

‘What a Girl Wants’ (2003). Review of the film with Amanda Bynes as a teen who tracks down her politician father, Colin Firth. All text is © Rissi JC

What a Girl Wants (2003): A Contemporary Fairytale with Colin Firth

Regardless of being part of the millennium era of filmmaking, some films earn their place as a “classic.” What a Girl Wants is one such film (for me). Though it’s been many years since it came out (it released in the middle of my teen years making any re-watch of this a trip down memory lane), What a Girl Wants has resolutely weathered the storm. Some of the movies I once loved I’ve since grown out of; this isn’t one of them. What a Girl Wants has a staying power akin to that of The Princess Diaries. Fortunately, that’s not the only similarities to be drawn between these two films.

What a Girl Wants introduces us to 17-year-old Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes), a native New Yorker who grew up in Chinatown. Since she was born, it’s always been Daphne and her mom, Libby (Kelly Preston), a childhood Daphne has documented through a collection of photos. But that doesn’t mean Daphne has stopped dreaming of the day her father (growing up she repeatedly heard the romantic story of how her parents met) might find her. Daphne somehow believes that if she meets her father, she will finally know who she is. Continue Reading ➡

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

8 comments

  1. I also watched this movie as a teenager. I haven't watched this movie in a long time. It was a favourite of mine. It's a pity that Amanda Bynes had her mental health issues, she was a talented actress with great comedic timing.

    1. Ditto, Carlyn. It's always sad to see the teenage stars whose films we grew up watching spiral out of control. I do hope she's doing better though, and maybe someday we'll see in at the cinema again because, yes, she does have a great sense of comedy. :)

  2. This is such a fun movie! I watched it some as a teenager, but a year or so ago I caught most of it on TV and was surprised by how much I still enjoyed it. :)

    1. Right!? That's always my reaction too, Kristin. I hadn't seen this one in a long time, but I loved it just as much this rewatch as I did the first time I saw it. :)

  3. Love this movie! Colin Firth is brilliant. I watched it again about a year ago and enjoyed it just as much as when I was a teenager.

    1. Right!? I love this one too, Katy. Such a cute and fun film – and I agree. It's as good today as it was back when we first saw it. :)

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