Ella Enchanted
Ella Enchanted

Movie spotlight

Ella Enchanted

2004
Movie
96 min
English

Ella lives in a magical world in which each child, at the moment of their birth, is given a virtuous "gift" from a fairy godmother. Ella's so-called gift, however, is obedience. This birthright proves itself to be quite the curse once Ella finds herself in the hands of several unscrupulous characters whom she quite literally cannot disobey. Determined to gain control of her life and decisions, Ella sets off on a journey to find her fairy godmother who she hopes will lift the curse. The path, however, isn't easy -- Ella must outwit a slew of unpleasant obstacles including ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, elves and Prince Charmont's evil uncle, who wants to take over the crown and rule the kingdom.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes51%
Metacritic53/100
Google Users82%
Director: Tommy O'HaverGenres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Romance

Plot Summary

Ella is given the "gift" of obedience by a fairy at birth, which she cannot break. After her mother's death, her father remarries and Ella finds herself under the thumb of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Determined to break the curse, Ella embarks on a journey to find the fairy who cursed her, encountering ogres, elves, and charming princes along the way.

Critical Reception

Ella Enchanted was met with generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its charming performances, whimsical take on fairy tales, and its blend of humor and heart, though some found its plot somewhat predictable.

What Reviewers Say

  • A delightful and imaginative twist on classic fairy tales.

  • Anne Hathaway shines as the spirited protagonist.

  • Offers a good balance of humor, romance, and fantasy adventure.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the film's fun and quirky approach to a familiar story, with many appreciating Anne Hathaway's energetic performance and the movie's lighthearted entertainment value. Some viewers found the plot to be a bit too simplistic, but overall it was considered a charming and enjoyable watch for families.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Gail Carson Levine, which won the John Newbery Medal in 1998.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
RalphRahal

RalphRahal

Ella Enchanted is a whimsical fairy tale that manages to stand out, even if it doesn’t quite reach perfection. The first act does a great job introducing the characters, setting up the plot, and establishing the unique charm of this world. ...