Barnes & Noble

Viewers will be forgiven if they get a sense of déjà Shrek with this otherwise enchanting comedy based on Gail Carson Levine's popular young-adult novel. Aggressively hip, this fairy-tale romance is set to contemporary music with anachronistic dialogue and featuring Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries) as Ella from Frell. At birth, Ella is given the gift/curse of obedience by a self-absorbed Fairy Godmother (Vivica A. Fox) -- which compels her to literally obey every command like Hymie the robot from Get Smart (she obliges when a mean classmate says, "Bite me"). Ella possesses a good heart and a strong mind, which she will need when she finds herself at the mercy of her wicked stepsisters and embroiled in royal intrigue against medieval teen dream and true love, Prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy). Ella could have benefited with a little help from her costars, including underused Minnie Driver as a bumbling household fairy and Carey Elwes (The Princess Bride) as the good prince's evil uncle. But former Python Eric Idle is always welcome as the film's narrator and muse, and the assorted ogres, giants, elves, talking books, and scheming hench-snakes help the film to cast a whimsical spell. Be sure to check out the deleted scenes included on the DVD, where a satisfying extended ending gives some of the nastier characters their just deserts. Donald Liebenson

All Movie Guide

Adapted from author Gail Carson Levine's award-winning children's book of the same name, the Miramax-financed modern fantasy Ella Enchanted is directed by Tommy O'Haver and stars The Princess Diaries alumna Anne Hathaway. Ella (Hathaway) 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 she hopes will end with the lifting of the curse in question. The path, however, isn't easy -- Ella must outwit a slew of unpleasant magical creatures ranging from ogres to talking books with evil plots. Though perilous, Ella's adventures turn out to be necessary obstacles in the path toward finding herself, and maybe even true love along the way. Ella Enchanted also features Cary Elwes, who has starred in a fantasy feature himself (the widely acclaimed The Princess Bride), Hugh Dancy, and Patrick Bergin, among others. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide

Product Details

• UPC: 786936252606
• Source: MIRAMAX
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Pan & Scan
• Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Language: Français
• Time: 1:36:00
• Sales Rank: 5,659

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