ELLA ENCHANTED

2004, Miramax Films

Live action

Rating: PG

Approx. 95 mins.

THE STORY:

Baby Ella is given a very questionable 'gift' by her fairy godmother: complete obedience to any and every order. As she grows up, Ella (Anne Hathaway) loses her mother and watches her father marry a harpy (Joanna Lumley) with two very unappealing daughters. 

At her mother's request, Ella tries to conceal her 'gift' in order to protect herself from those who would exploit the situation. Her secret does come out, however, and she sets off to locate her fairy godmother and ask her to reverse the spell. Along the way she runs into Prince Char-- aka Price Charmont-- (Hugh Dancey), and the two fall in love. She helps him see the devastation his uncle's (Cary Elwes) rule has wreaked on the kingdom Char is to inherit. Ella also comes to recognize the strength and character that lies within her, and overcome her curse by activating her own free will.

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• stupid
• shut up

VIOLENCE:

• nothing significant

TEACHING POINTS:

• lots of messaging about gender equality
• lots and lots of messaging about the dangers of racism and stereotypes

THE UPSHOT:

There is a lot in Ella Enchanted to entertain kids of various ages and plenty to keep the grown ups in the room amused. The grown up loved its humour, its originality and the way it presents (but not forces) opportunities for discussion of big social issues such as racism, sexism and principles of democracy. I also loved the positive presentation of female protagonists. 

The 5 year-old in the room loved the princess/ fairy tale aspect of the story. And the music.

4/5