Despite the fact that "Ella Enchanted" is a children's novel, I really enjoyed it. It was clever, entertaining, and impressively original for having been based on the age-old story of Cinderella.
The movie is a lot better if you've never read the book.
There are a ton of discrepancies between book and film. Now, I realize that whenever you translate a book to the big screen, some things are going to change, or be lost, or be added. I also realize that not all film adaptations can be Lord of the Rings. But for some reason, the makers of THIS film didn't seem to feel that Ella's original predicament -- receiving the "gift" of obedience as a baby which forced her to do anything anyone told her to do -- was enough for a movie. They swapped out Prince Charmont's very nice parents for an evil regent who tries to force Ella to clear his path to the crown, and added a few moderately amusing but altogether bizarre song-and- dance routines. Most of those scenes had me outright cringing. They also took away Ella's position as the protagonist-narrator and inserted an additional character to tell her story.
That's not to say the movie is entirely without merit. The casting is excellent; Cary Elwes is a delicious villain, Eric Idle is a delight as the narrator, and Anne Hathaway sparkles as Ella. And I was pleased to see that the film does remain true to the source material's underlying message -- that in spite of whatever happens in your life, you have the power to make your own happy ending.
All in all, it's a good film for the kids. But the book is better.
Ella Enchanted
2004
Action / Comedy / Family / Fantasy / Romance
Ella Enchanted
2004
Action / Comedy / Family / Fantasy / Romance
51%
TOMATOMETER
· 116 reviews
57%
AUDIENCE
· 250K ratings
6.3/10
75.5K
Plot summary
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.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
October 04, 2019 at 03:59 PM
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Not bad, but could have been better
How can you not love it
If you don't get the snark disguised as cheesiness, I feel for you. A great soundtrack and fun performances with caricatures for all the parts makes it unique while still keeping the fairytale ending
Wonderful "fairytale "
This movie is beautifully written, cast and put together. I've seen this many times, and every time I find something new to smile and laugh at. This movie is great for all ages. No matter how old you are, it appeals to the child within. The biggest surprise is how great Anne Hathaway sings.