Ella Enchanted

I'm not sure who rates these movies, but this movie has a zero rating for "sexy stuff" but Ella and the prince kiss MULTIPLE times...and not just a peck, but real kissing. I could have dealt with once, but it was at least three times or more. I think this at least deserves mentioning! My 7 year old girl doesn't need to be seeing that and had the ratings mentioned it, I wouldn't have chosen to watch the movie. There are also tons of screaming, boy crazy girls who swoon and chase after the prince every time they see him. They even kiss the ground where he walks and someone says, "stop tonguing the foyer, girls." Call me prude, but I just thought it was a little inappropriate for young girls, or at least those who are still innocent. The story was cute and we enjoyed it, I just wish this aspect would have been at least mentioned.

Ella Enchanted, starring Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Minnie Driver, and Eric Idle, is a contemporary epic fairy tale, sitting on the top shelf with such classics as The Wizard of Oz, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. A deeply telling and romantic tale, set in the land of magic, with many important messages, ranging from personal freedom, self empowerment, truth, and equality, to the simple pleasures that create the beautiful contrast of fairy tales, humor, song, beauty, friendship. A family movie, Ella Enchanted will be enjoyed by adults and children, and is sure to bring a warmth to your heart. Anne Hathaway steals your heart with her charm, personality, and ability to carry the movie no matter where it leads, with great beauty and skill. The supporting roles are cute, witty, and fill out the movie in all the right places. This is one for the vaults, and the DVD collection

Ella is able to break her own curse, showing that we are in control of our own minds. There is a fair few kisses with her and the Prince. The ogres may be frightening to young kids. Stepmother and stepsisters are cruel to Ella.

I was worried that this would be too much of a tween movie with adult content (aka jaded, cynical..) and I had trepidation about watching a young woman under the spell of obedience. But this was an innocent characterization and did not tow the line for me at any point the way Hollywood usually does. The only thing I found to be odd was the normalizing humor about intoxication, and for no benefit as it was not funny or help the plot. But I thought that was pretty mild. There is a lot of 'teen crush' depicted, but it didn't seem to exclude my young boys, 6 & 8. They normally hate romance, but they loved this movie, as did my husband. I think that is because it is innocent, with child-like humor and with broad themes that all ages care about - love, generosity, caring, discrimination, choices, power, greed, superficiality. Great family movie. Probably ideal for 9+

Not recommended

This movie is AWFUL. Skip the movie and read/listen to the book. The book is endearing and delightful; the movie has turned the story into an evil, despicable, inappropriate nightmare. I could not wait for it to be over.

Quick note: we had not read the book when we watched this movie. If you do watch it, keep in mind that it is not going to be like the book. We initially watched this for my daughter, who was 6 at the time, but to my surprise my 9 year old son actually got caught up in the story, too. Nothing objectionable, really, though there are scary moments. There is violence, but nothing truly terrible. Good story, good acting, and nice to see a strong heroine overcoming her own "curse" to become who she wants and needs to be. Also a good story about tolerance of differences and how different people working together, each using their own strengths, can make a difference.

My twelve-year old daughter, my wife and I saw this film - none of us knew the book so came at it fresh. It was great to see so many good British actors - Eric Idle, Joanna Lumley - as well as the dazzlingly beautiful (ahem) Anne Hathaway. The story is a great twist on Cinderella, where the fairy godmother gives the baby Ella a "gift" of obedience. This soon turns into a curse when the evil stepsisters arrive. The setting is medieval with modern touches (like wooden escalators etc). The characters are well drawn with very clever plots and subplots and Ella is a spunky, independent, likeable person. Thoroughly recommended, although maybe not suitable for very young children (the villainous King is VERY nasty) Anne Hathaway plays the part of Ella delightfully.

Visually interesting and with songs that seem selected to entertain the parents (Respect, Don't Go Breaking My Heart, etc.). One of the 5-year-olds with me got scared but after climbing into my lap watched and enjoyed the rest. Anne Hathaway, as in The Princess Diaries, is luminous and terrific.