A Modern Twain Story: The Prince and the Pauper (2007)

Score: 4/10

Like its name, this movie is the modern version of the Prince and the Pauper. You should know that the original story is about twins where one is a prince and the other is a pauper. Someday they meet each other and decide to switch places. In this one, the prince is Eddie Tudor (Cole Sprouse), an extremely famous kid actor, while the pauper is Tom Canty (Dylan Sprouse), a common boy who dreams to be an actor.

Tom is raised by his grandfather who owns a small landscape business. He wants Tom to follow his step and help him with this business. He does not approve Tom’s dream to be an actor. Eddie, on the other hand, is burnt out by his career. His mom as a single parent is strict and only cares about Eddie’s career as a child star.

One day, Eddie is shooting a movie in Palm Beach near Tom’s house. Tom sneaks into the studio lot and at last the boys meet. Tom tries to wear Eddie’s clothes and they realize that they look alike. Eddie is the first one who initiates the idea to switch places and enjoy the freedom of a regular kid. Now the adventure begins until both boys meet each other again (in a different city) and back to their proper places.

This movie is direct to DVD and I can see why. It has a lot of potentials, but nobody was digging deep enough to uncover them. The script could do with some major improvements since everything is so flat. There is no drama and no emotion. The musical score cannot support the movie and it even sounds non-existent. The acting is just ok, the Sprouse bros should be able to do better than this. The biggest flaw is the topic itself. I cannot understand how those people, who say that they have known each boy for a long period of time, cannot recognize the differences between the two. It is just too bizarre and unrealistic.

If you are a fan of Cole and Dylan Sprouse or if you enjoy their sitcom the Suite Life of Zack and Cody as well as the Suite Life on Deck, then you should watch this movie. At least you will enjoy the twins beautifying the screen in many occasions.

Further information about the movie and Sprouse bros can be found from:
- IMDB: A Modern Twain Story: The Prince and the Pauper
- Sprouse bros official site
- The biggest Sprouse bros forum


"(They will never fool me)"