Publisher: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Ages: five and up
Parental
Advisory:
Mild violence
and language
A true fractured fairy
tale, Disney's Ella
Enchanted offers offbeat, but fun family
entertainment. It's a light-hearted variation
on the old Cinderella ("Ella, get it?) tale.
On the day of her birth, Ella (Anne Hathaway of the Princess Diaries) is given a gift from her Fairy Godmother (Vivica A. Fox) -- the gift of obedience, which is also a curse. Under no circumstances can Ella refuse anything she is asked to do. Tired of being taken advantage of and getting into trouble, Ella, with a talking book as her companion, leaves home to find her Fairy Godmother and end the curse. The errand turns into an amazing journey filled with ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, elves, and the plotting of Prince Charmont's evil uncle (Cary Elwes in a delicious turn) who wants to take over the crown and rule the kingdom.
The movie serves entertaining musical numbers, many of which are based on well known pop tunes, hilarious gags and situations and fun special effects. There's little questionable content beyond a few words and fight scenes. DVD extras include a music video and deleted and extended scenes. Most fun is the "Magical World of Ella Enchanted" mini-documentary that talks about the making of the film.
The film mixes good moments with some strange ones, but in the end, Ella Enchanted offers good family fun.
8/26/04 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
