Starring: Anne Hathaway, Joanna Lumley, Cary Elwes, Minnie Driver, Steve Coogan
Directed by: Tommy O’Haver
Produced by: Jane Startz

Ella (Anne Hathaway of “The Princess Diaries”) lives in a fanciful and magical world where all children are given a “gift” from a fairy Godmother at the moment of their birth. Little Ella’s birthright is the gift – and curse – of obedience. As a result of this unfortunate circumstance, Ella cannot refuse any command, and is often left at the mercy of unscrupulous personalities. In a bid to regain control of her life, Ella goes on a quest to free herself from this mysterious curse. Ella must outwit a kingdom filled with ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, talking books and evil plots. And, if she’s lucky, she may find love along the way.

While the story line is off the wall and random, Hathaway and several other cast members manage to save the movie and actually make it enjoyable.

What was good: Anne Hathaway is again a charming crowd pleaser. Ella is independent, even given her circumstances and is spunky and sweet, enough to turn the head of any prince. Hathaway is a gifted actress and should be around for a long time. There is a sweetness to her acting that really makes you sympathize with her.

Hugh Dancy is a perfect prince charming. Prince Char is swoon-worthy, sweet tempered, down to earth, and knows exactly what to look for in a girl and isn’t afraid to say it. Dancy gives the prince a normalicy and levelheadedness that makes him one of the best fairy tale princes on film in a long time. He genuinely is a nice guy and completely in love with Ella from the beginning and you desperately want him to get Ella as much as you want Ella to get him. I highly anticipate his performance in King Arthur now.

Cary Eweles is obviously having a blast playing the over the top evil uncle. Dressed in black with an evil pet snake, there is one point in the movie where he actually tiptoes into a room intent on evil and then rubs his hands in glee. It was hilarious to watch.

The movie has a randomness to it and a whacky humor that has to be gotten used to, but is really comical on the whole. Thirty year old “evil stepsisters” who dress like teeny boppers are just one of the suble random jokes in this film. Don’t expect a movie like Everafter, this movie is more of a fractured fairy tale.

What didn’t work: If you come into the movie expecting it to be like the book, you’re going to be in for a rude awakening. This movie is like the book in name and very basic plot only. It seems like ten minutes into the movie, the scriptwriters just decided to do their own thing. While this works in its own way, those who love the book and expect to see that are in for a rather unpleasant surprise.

Vivica Fox is also a horrible fairy godmother, which while she’s supposed to be comic relief, isn’t really comic at all, she’s just annoying. There are also Ella’s sidekicks running around who have a tendency to become obnoxious as well. They are there for obvious comic relief only.

Conclusion: While it is completely different from the book, Ella Enchanted actually is a quite enjoyable movie for parents and adults. The humor is whacky and the acting for the most part captures that mood.