Ella Enchanted Reviews
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. The second act keeps a solid pace, building on the adventure and humor, and it all leads to a satisfying climax in the final act. While the cinematography and editing aren't flawless, they don't detract from the experience either, they're just there, doing their job without standing out. What really sets this movie apart is its message about consent, autonomy, and freedom. These themes hit differently today than they did in 2004. Sure, the whimsical elements might feel over-the-top or gimmicky at times, but they also give the movie a unique personality. It's a fun watch that knows exactly what it's trying to say and follows through on that. For a film directed by Tommy O'Haver, who doesn't have a big name or portfolio, it's a respectable effort.
Simple but at the same time charming in it's way.
"Ella Enchanted" is a film featuring Anne Hathaway in the titular role, presenting a unique twist on the classic Cinderella story. In this version, a fairy godmother, played by Vivica Fox, casts a spell on Ella as a baby, compelling her to be obedient and follow orders. This leads to some outlandish scenarios, such as when she encounters ridiculous trolls who, in a bizarre turn of events, attempt to cook and eat her after telling her to stay still. The narrative takes numerous twists and turns, showcasing the burdens of Ella's "gift," which almost puts the prince's life in jeopardy when she nearly stabs him with a knife. The film retains key elements of the traditional fairy tale—like the fairy godmother, the evil stepsisters, and the wicked stepmother—but adds a fresh perspective that could have been relatable and enjoyable. However, I found the film lacking in several areas, particularly in its costuming and character development. The fairies, despite being life-sized, didn’t have much creativity in their design, and the portrayal of characters who were supposed to be small felt inconsistent. For example, when Ella meets giants, everyone else suddenly appears tiny, which was confusing and detracted from the film's world-building. Instead of showcasing diverse characters working together for a common goal, it felt like the same journey was repeated without a clear message or growth. While I hadn't seen the film before, I was familiar with its reputation and even own the soundtrack, primarily for Kelly Clarkson’s contributions, as I’ve always appreciated how her music fits into movies. Unfortunately, I found that "Ella Enchanted" didn’t live up to the hype surrounding it. I might have enjoyed it more if I had watched it as a child, but as an adult, it felt somewhat underwhelming.
I loved watching this movie growing up. It became a classic for us. Now as adults every few years we come back to this film as it brings nostalgia. I find it odd many grown men criticized this film. It was never meant for y'all. This movie is for young girls and teens. This movie would have been scored much higher if it wasn't for all these grown men leaving their unnecessarily bad ratings. Many don't know that this is actually based on a children's book published in 1997 that won the Newbery award, "The most distinguished contribution to American literature for children", the following year. Key word "literature for children". It's a fun entertaining retelling of cinderella.
So painfully boring and unfunny
It’s no princess diaries but close, a bit irreverent and random at times, entertaining overall. I saw it on tv and had to stay up late to finish it!
This movie does not do the book justice. It would have been better if they had not claimed that this was a book adaptation. Overall, it is very cheesy, but not in a good way.
Wonderful movie, especially for adolescent girls. Nice story. Anne Hathaway was amazing.
It would be misleading to say that this film was released before its time, as its positive messages for children are timeless, but it certainly came out before mainstream audiences could fully embrace its wit and whimsical satire. Instead, it is remembered by many with nostalgic adoration, and perhaps that is the highest award any film can have.
So boring 😴 this could of had so much more something.
Uf, this was really hard to watch and almost impossible to finish it, by far the worst movie I watched in a long long time, I wish I could unwatching this.
Ella Enchanted has its moments, some nice-looking, if rather obvious, sets and a terrific performance from Anne Hathaway doing a good job bring funny, quirky, charming and selling serious scenes (not to mention some decent pantomiming given how her character does most things against her will) but the corny special effects, not especially immersive world-building, just coming off as a more fantasy-heavy version of The Princess Bride, predictable narrative beats and a climactic solution to our heroine's lifelong dilemma ending up spawning questions among the lines of "you mean to tell me, she never once in her life tried doing that, even out of curiosity?" make this fairytale film forgettable and likely to make you assume that this film was only greenlit because Shrek was a huge success, a pre-existing book be damned. Probably more worthwhile than Princess Diaries 2, however.
Constantly watched this movie when I was younger and it holds up as lighthearted fun.
I hoped for the quality of The Princess Diaries. It's okay but weak. Gags are thrown in to try and give it substance. I don't know that those improve it. There are so many better ways to spend your viewing time.
Fun movie. Silly and magical. Anne is good in this movie. Don't go breaking my heart is a good musical number.
Prince Char is extremely hot.
If I had her curse I'd tell myself to rid this movie from my memory.
Ella Enchanted, starring Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Minnie Driver, and Eric Idle, is a contemporary epic fairy tale, sitting on the top shelf with such classics as The Wizard of Oz, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. A deeply telling and romantic tale, set in the land of magic, with many important messages, ranging from personal freedom, self empowerment, truth, and equality, to the simple pleasures that create the beautiful contrast of fairy tales, humor, song, beauty, friendship. A family movie, Ella Enchanted will be enjoyed by adults and children, and is sure to bring a warmth to your heart. Anne Hathaway steals your heart with her charm, personality, and ability to carry the movie no matter where it leads, with great beauty and skill. The supporting roles are cute, witty, and fill out the movie in all the right places. This is one for the vaults, and the DVD collection