What A Girl Wants is a movie based on the play, ‘The Reluctant Debutante’ by William Douglas-Home as an American girl (Bynes) travels to London to meet her estranged father (Firth), who happens to be a wealthy politician running for office. The film has some parallels with Cinderella, and even makes several references to the fairy tale. The movie has a similar feel to The Princess Diaries, and welcomes another young star to the fray.

Amanda Bynes is quite the find, and is like Jennifer Aniston’s mini-me, championing girl power with the greatest of ease. She’s spunky, fun, cheeky, cute, funny and super-confident. Best of all, she gets away with it. While her performance seems quite natural like she’s tapping into her own source of endless confidence. Colin Firth is Lord Dashwood, the long-lost father, who begins to get nostalgic about the love of his life and his own roots. While Kelly Preston is convincing as Libby. The movie explores differences between American and British culture, and makes fun of the class hierarchy in England. What A Girl Wants is a happy-go-lucky jaunt that is full of heart and works as a modern day Cinderella.

What A Girl Wants is packed with tourist guide scenes, and some recognisable music. The movie retains a fairy tale quality yet doesn’t stray too far from reality. This is a great family film, especially if you enjoyed Freaky Friday, Bend It Like Beckham and The Princess Diaries. It’s is a wonderful escape from the daily grind, and the sterling performances from Firth and Bynes give it warmth and a whole lot of laughs.

If you can tolerate a good, clean movie charged with sweet, slightly clichéd scenarios then you’ll enjoy What A Girl Wants. It works as a fish-out-of-water comedy and has enough romantic moments to make the grade as a “romcom”. If you’re a hopeless romantic, you’ll want to have a box of tissues nearby.

The bottom line: Sweet.