When I first heard about the latest made for television flick, ‘Princess Protection Program’ I have to admit I had more than a modicum of trepidation. I felt it would be little more than tween oriented fluff. Well, I was correct I realized that there was a little more than you might think; there was a strong level of entertainment even if you aren’t part of the target demographic. There are several contributing reasons for this but the most important is the fact that this is a Disney Studio production. If there is one thing those people know it is how to tell a story about a princess in peril. After all they practically invented the modern incarnation of the princess tale. Looking back at Disney princesses over the course of some six decades is a study of strong women in literature. While this particular flick will never be counted among the classic Disney princess movies it was a lot of family appropriate fun. In short I discovered that I liked it and I am certain that tween girls will go for it big time. This is good old fashion clean fun that the entire family can enjoy together. Sure the basic premise would be ridiculous if attempted by anyone other than Disney but for anything princess related they are the undisputed best. Each of the last three or four generations of women have grown up with one generation or another. Typical of the latest Disney made for television movies this one was premiered on cable’s Disney network. It was then followed the next Tuesday on DVD. Of course they do sweeten the deal with entertaining extras.

Providing the screenplay was Allison Liddi who had considerable scripting experience mostly in series television. Within that context she has accumulated amazing diversity in the numerous genres covered. Liddi has provided scripts for popular TV series ranging from ‘Bones’ to ‘Chuck’ and ‘Grey's Anatomy’. This certainly demonstrates an adaptability to ease into any type of situation and work with an assortment of character types. This versatility helps to elevate the story here slightly above what you might initially expect; in other words adult watching will not flee screaming from the room. Of course, there are the mandatory moral lessons included in this case the importance of friendship and remaining true to yourself. Yes, nothing new there but the presentation is upbeat and of youthful talent and enthusiasm. That is also something that can always be expected from the house that Mickey built. Over the last couple of decades Disney has restored the golden age of Hollywood’s studio system. This was when the big studios would give contracts to promising young actors and actresses. The young folk would receive training in singing, dancing and acting in return for appearing exclusively in roles for the studios. If you keep your eyes open in Disney productions you will see the same kids over and over again. Here the roles are cast with teens that started with bit parts on one of their TV shows, moved on to their own series and then to featured movies like this. This system develops their potential and gives the audience professionals even with the youngest roles. Of course if the young star fails to maintain the high standards of Disney or their popularity starts to fade someone is always next in line.

The underlying premise here is admittedly preposterous. Around the world there are hundreds of princesses in danger. Their kingdoms are under some attack or about to be overthrown by some nefarious rebel group or another. The Princess Protection Program is a secret, extremely well funded and organized organization that swoops in, grabs up the princess and relocates to a place of safety until the political problems are resolved. There are several pre-established phases the princess must go through ranging from extraction to lessons on how to fit in with her new environment. While the program strives to accommodate the young lady in exile some time a princess from the tropics will wind up in a frozen location.

The story starts out in s semi rural part of Louisiana where 16 year old Carter Mason (Selena Gomez) lives with her father (Tom Verica). After school Carter helps out with the family owed bait shop but Dad is also a field operative for the Princess Protection Program. His current assignment is to get young Princess Rosalinda (Demi Lovato) out of Costa Luna where General Magnus Kane (Johnny Ray) is about to overthrow the royal family and take control himself. This has to be done before Rosalinda’s mother Princess Margaret (Talia Rothenberg) passes the crown to her daughter. The director of the agency (Molly Hagan) has Mason bring the girl home and pass her off as his niece Rosy. This is where predictability kicks into overdrive. As the general is searching for Rosy the girl encounters the usual teenage girl problems. Rosy is not used to being surrounded by servants but she does come across as friendly and pleasant. Carter is accustomed to being an only child and develops a few issues with sharing. Outside the home at school Rosy quickly becomes popular and is nominated along with Carter for homecoming Princess. This makes them both targets of the school’s local mean girls, Chelsea (Jamie Chung). Of course mayhem quickly ensues as the numerous plot devices roll on towards the conclusion.

What truly makes this pleasant little flick work is the cast. Gomez is the latest Disney tween darling best known for her sit-com, ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. As it turns out she and Lovato (‘Camp Rock’) have been real life best friends since they were both in ‘Barney together as very young kids. One of the extras features a song from the pair and it has to be said they are both multi talented. Frequent visitors to the Disney Channel will recognize Ms Chung as one of the group of kids with between programming featurettes. In all this makes for an enjoyable family movie night.