Ella Enchanted (2004)

The only thing that this movie really has going for it is that its a bit funny, though a lot of the humor is pretty cheap and unoriginal. The story is poorly executed, partially due to the random bits of narration and the over reliance of characters being dumb. The acting is ok. Some of the actors are terrible, a lot of them are pretty bad. There are a lot of obvious green screens in this movie. The set designs and costumes and effects aren't that great. Its a fun movie, but overall I wouldn't recommend it.

First off, this movie was disastrously bad for raising my children and saving my failing marriage. The themes are god-awful, and promote an Orwellian existential nightmare. Honestly, the acting is wooden all throughout. They utilized a literal wooden puppet for Anne Hathaway(or at least they had to, because her acting was so stiff and robotic). The story was moody and depressing, and honestly, a little insensitive to African Americans. This is the sort of film that gives us Americans a bad name. I'd give it a 0/10 if I could because it's so bad, but I'd rather just go watch Grey's Anatomy. Grey's Anatomy is a show that succeeds on all fronts and delivers exactly what this movie is lacking in...substance.

I wanted to like this movie, but it was too anachronistic. At the end Anne Hathaway is wearing go-go boots and a 60's style dress as she dances the night away to "Don't Go Breaking My Heart." It was just too weird and sideways. I have to say that Anne was just beautiful and it's a shame that she didn't have a better script. The chemistry between her and the prince was truly "enchanting" and sweet. They are the only reason that I'm not giving this one star. Perhaps the author of the book was taken over by her own spell, where she was "too obedient" and let Hollywood do whatever the heck they wanted with her beautiful book, turning it into a big hot mess. Too bad the people who worked on Malificent weren't available to help on the script for this picture.

One of those films with a little something for everything, it is Shrek-like in its satirical depiction of fairytale life but also doesn't forget to weave an interesting enough tale to keep us captivated. Anne Hathaway is luminous in the lead role, and this is ably supported by a mostly British cast of thespians who all add something to what is a rich and varied tale. Whether its the musical intermissions, the subtle jokes or the many funny ways Ella's curse is utilised, it just all works... And it is indeed an 'enchanting' film. It is also very different from the book on which its based, which is a nice change. So you can indulge in both!!