Ella Enchanted (2004): Dir: Tommy O'Haver / Cast: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Vivica A. Fox, Minnie Driver: Magical family adventure about individuality set in the fairy tale setting of castles, elves, ogres, giants, and fairies. Ella is born and given the gift of obedient by a wayward fairy. After her mother passes she is informed of her gift but suddenly her father is set to remarry a selfish woman with two nasty daughters who learn of her gift. She is cursed to do everything she is told lest she can find the fairy godmother who distributed the gift. Along the way she is assisted by a Prince who doesn't realize the scheme set by his uncle the King. Imaginative plotting that goes astray in its concluding action. Inventive work by director Tommy O'Haver with a hilarious performance by Anne Hathaway as Ella. She must master her gift particularly when others attempt to use it for tragedy but her breaking of the curse is clever. Hugh Dancy as the good Prince is standard issue. He falls in love with her and is nearly assassinated. Cary Elwes plays the sadistic King in the film's second standard role. Vivica A. Fox excels in the limited role of fairy godmother who reverses gifts. Minnie Driver is limited as a house fairy who was kind to Ella. Elements of Shrek combine with moderation prove effective. Wondrous visual effects render this film truly enchanting. Score: 6 / 10
Review of Ella Enchanted
