Common Sense Media Review
Endearing, enduring, with just a few bits of crude humor.
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Ella Enchanted
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Parents say that the movie is a fun and heartwarming adventure, featuring a strong heroine who embarks on a journey to break a curse of obedience, marked by humor and action. While it brings important messages of personal empowerment and love, some parents raised concerns about the romantic elements and a few more mature themes that might not be suitable for very young viewers.
- strong heroine
- family-friendly
- romantic elements
- mixed reviews
- important messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 47 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In this version of the Cinderella story, well-meaning but careless fairy Lucinda (Vivica A. Fox) tries to give a gift to newborn Ella (Anne Hathaway) by casting a spell that renders her forever obedient. But that meant that Ella must do whatever she's told. Literally. This becomes downright dangerous when Ella's mother dies and her father marries nasty Dame Olga (Joanna Lumley). And it becomes downright deadly when an evil usurper orders Ella to commit murder. Ella's journey to find a way to break the spell has its own dangers as she meets up with elves, ogres, giants, fairies, and of course a very charming prince (Hugh Dancy).
Is It Any Good?
If you want to experience the real pleasures of Ella Enchanted, do not expect a faithful re-creation of Gail Carson Levine's book. The plot, the characters, even the tone are very different, but the book's theme and lessons are all there, and in its own way, the film is endearing, enduring, and lots of fun.
Like Shrek, this is a fairy tale with some broad (and occasionally crude) humor and winking references to modern times. The movie works so hard to entertain that it feels a little hypercharged at times, cluttered with too many talented performers with too little to do. But the production design helps maintain the sense of magic. Hathaway is radiantly lovable and, as the prince, Dancy is more than the usual arm candy/swordsman. The way they learn to trust and respect each other enough to stop fighting the attraction they feel is unexpectedly tender.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it was that made it possible for Ella to break the curse. What did she have to learn or feel to make that happen?
Talk about the theme of discrimination and segregation in the story. What creates prejudice?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 9, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : August 24, 2004
- Cast : Anne Hathaway , Cary Elwes , Hugh Dancy
- Director : Tommy O'Haver
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Book Characters
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some crude humor and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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