83
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
The hoot and giggle of a girl-power fairy tale blended from potions of ''Monty Python,'' ''Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,'' and ''Shrek.''
Ella Enchanted
Critic Rating
(read reviews)User Rating
- Ireland,
- United Kingdom
- 2004
- · 96m
Director
Tommy O'Haver
Cast
Anne Hathaway,
Hugh Dancy,
Cary Elwes,
Aidan McArdle,
Joanna Lumley,
Lucy Punch,
Jennifer Higham,
Minnie Driver,
Eric Idle,
Steve Coogan
Genre
Family,
Fantasy,
Comedy
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.
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What are critics saying?
75
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
As an alternative to the slick, instantly forgettable fare usually made for kids and preteens, Ella Enchanted brings a little bit of magic to the multiplex.
60
Dallas Observer by Gregory Weinkauf
Offers considerable charm and an obvious desire to please.
50
Variety by David Rooney
The glue that holds the sweet teen-fantasy together is star Anne Hathaway, who continues to evolve into a luminous young lead.
50
Village Voice by Ed Park
Transpires in a somewhat chintzy fantasy kingdom lousy with more cameos than your typical Love Boat season.
50
L.A. Weekly
While the lovers here are sweetly believable, the film's murky giants-alongside-man effects shots are strictly Darby O’Gill and the Little People.
50
Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas
Likely to cast its spell primarily on adolescent girls, while their elders might well find it more than a little tedious in its familiarity and artificiality.
50
New York Post by Lou Lumenick
An ugly-looking mismash of a fairytale.
40
The Hollywood Reporter by Kirk Honeycutt
Nothing un-beguiles a fairy tale more than forced whimsy and labored magic, which is precisely what plagues Ella Enchanted.
38
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
The result is an unappealing mess, made less bearable by uniformly lackluster performances and the cheesy special effects.
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