New On Video: 'What A Girl Wants'

'What A Girl Wants' (PG) Sure, its clash of cultures storyline doesn't make "What a Girl Wants" the most original film to come down the pike, but that's hardly reason to write off an otherwise charming movie that's sure to give fans of Nickelodeon television star Amanda Bynes everything they want.

Bynes stars as Daphne Reynolds, a free-spirited American teen who has celebrated each of 17 birthdays in heartbreak. She has her loving, yet unconventional mother, Libby (Kelly Preston), always by her side, but Daphne's father is never there to accompany her -- so she feels incomplete.

At least Daphne knows who he is -- Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), a wealthy British aristocrat who lives in London. He and Libby are an ocean apart thanks to the deception of Henry's snobbish family, who didn't feel she was suitable for their high-class society.

So when Daphne impulsively hops a flight to London in order to find her father, there are several surprises in store. First of all, Henry, now a politician facing a crucial election, didn't know he had a daughter, and second, that daughter -- who's just like her mother -- causes an uproar with the British aristocracy. But unlike mom, will Libby change to please her pompous patriarchy?

"What a Girl Wants" has a "Princess Diaries" fish-out-water sort of feel to it, where a reluctant heir is suddenly thrust into a world opposite of hers. It's a tried and true comedy formula, and the success of that formula usually relies on whether its actors can deliver the goods or not.

With "What a Girl Wants," the responsibility rests almost squarely on the shoulders of Bynes, who succeeds with a magnetic screen personality. It's easy to see why she has been a mainstay the past 10 years on cable's Nickelodeon network -- she has a wonderful sense of timing, and a great handle on physical comedy, to boot. Plus, she gets to show a tender side with the movie, which is sure to give her fans a welcome surprise.

There are no doubt shots on the way from film snobs out there who'll be quick to complain that, like "Bringing Down the House," "What a Girl Wants" has an all-too-familiar narrative and stereotypical characters. And, apart from any snide descriptions they'll use to criticize the movie, they're probably right.

But that's not going to matter to the film's intended audience. What they'll get is a sweet and funny coming-of-age tale that teaches some important lessons about being yourself -- and kids, especially teens, can never get enough of that.

DVD Features: Commentary by writers Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler; deleted scenes; Fashion Etiquette 101 featurette -- a light-hearted look at what it takes to be the belle of the ball; "What's a Girl To Wear?" game, which is a mix-and-match interactive challenge; special "Easter Egg" hidden content and more.