The Prince and the Surfer (1999)

This thoroughly enjoyable update of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper draws its prince from the fictional kingdom of Gelfland and its "pauper" from the beaches of Palm Bay (a.k.a. Santa Monica). The pair, ably played by film newcomer Sean Kellman, meet when the prince travels to a Southern California resort to help negotiate a better trade agreement. Anxious for opportunity and adventure, skateboarder Cash rolls onto the estate only to meet the frustrated prince chafing from the shackles of royal obligation. Inevitably, they arrange a trade agreement of their own. Although Cash's street-smart friends and the prince's minions, mom, and arranged fiancée (Katie Johnson) are puzzled by the changes they see in the boys, they have distractions of their own. Queen Mom (Jennifer O'Neill) is bothered by the peremptory manner of her government official Minister Kratski (Robert Englund of Freddy Krueger fame) and sidetracked by the new security guard, a former cop who just happens to be Cash's dad (Timothy Bottoms). The malevolent Kratski learns of the switch and attempts to use it to his advantage to turn a part of Gelfland into Golfland, but the boys and friends have other plans. This pleasant mix of film veterans and newcomers is helmed by Arye Gross, in his directorial debut. Gregory Poppen's script is infused with a sly sense of humor and has enough realism to keep kids through their mid-teens interested. Although rated PG, there is amazingly little violence and no sexual content. The story may not interest the very young, but this film is safe for family viewing. --Kimberly Heinrichs Amazon.com

Thoroughly Entertaining

I had never heard of this film,but I'm so glad that I got to see it the other night( library's copy),and I really enjoyed it. Good acting,all around,and a fun story.
Much better than so much called 'family-fare' that's available today! Nothing offensive,not even innuendo!

Will be ordering this one for my granddaughter to see. June 2, 2008

Way cool fun!

I rented this movie for my whole family to watch, because there aren't too many opportunities for some wholesome family fun anymore in this crazy, violent world. I gotta say, it was hilarious! Mark Twain would be prouder than a peach! My two little girls thought the star was quite a hunk, and little Donnie talked like a prince for a week. I hope the star takes up a modern send-up of "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" next! In two words, this movie was "Toooootally rad!" Surfers definitely rule! June 23, 2000

Real California Teens, with a touch of classic

As the guardian of a California Teen Age Boy, I found this movie fun with a lot of positive overtones. Arye Gross is listed as director in the actual movie 'credits' and I saw him directing on the beach scenes I am curious how Gregory Gieras came to be listed, as director, here on Amazon? January 8, 2000

A wickedly entertaining update of Twain's classic story!!!

Went to a screening of the movie with my two kids (my daughter(age 7) and my son (age 11) and we all loved it!!! It is funny, touching and reminded me of the kind of movies I loved as a child. Robert Englund is excellent as the bad guy and former screen icon, Jennifer O'Neal is touching as a queen from a magical country. After the movie, I told my children about the original Twain classic and they immediately wanted to read it themselves. Let me say that anytime a movie makes children want to read the source material, it makes a movie worth watching. Go see it!!! October 30, 1999

Fantastic entertainment for the whole family!

For those who are looking for classy family entertainment that still includes fun, adventure, and a healthy dose of romance, this is the movie for you! This is so much more than a simple "remake" of the Twain classic. In this story, the expected switch between the Prince (a teenaged visitor from the country of Gelfland) and the Surfer (Cash Canty, a rambunctious yet thoroughly modern Southern California kid) is just the beginning. Director Arye Gross and writer Gregory Poppen then thrust our heroes even deeper into the other's world by adding two key characters: Lady Galina, the spoiled young woman betrothed to Prince Edward, and Melissa "Mel" Hendon, Cash Canty's beautiful but tough-as-nails friend on the boardwalk. In addition, there is a "Roman Holiday"-like romance that blossoms between Cash Canty's father Johnny (Timothy Bottoms), and Edward's mother Queen Albertina (Jennifer O'Neill). And finally, an insidious traitor (Minister Kratski, played with manipulative glee by Robert Englund) throws even more turmoil and confusion into the mix.

Whatever you do... don't miss this movie! October 25, 1999

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