🎬 Ella Enchanted (2004)


Trailer provided by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers  via YouTube.


Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Release Date: April 9, 2004

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Musical, Adventure

Director: Tommy O’Haver

Writers: Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith

Based On: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Platform: Available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Production Companies: Miramax Films, Spyglass Entertainment

Cast:


  • Anne Hathaway as Ella of Frell
  • Hugh Dancy as Prince Charmont
  • Cary Elwes as Sir Edgar
  • Minnie Driver as Mandy
  • Vivica A. Fox as Lucinda
  • Eric Idle as the Narrator
  • Joanna Lumley as Dame Olga
  • Lucy Punch as Hattie
  • Parminder Nagra as Areida






A Fairy Tale With a Twist—and a Soundtrack



Imagine a classic fairy tale world—but instead of the usual damsels-in-distress, you have an empowered heroine with a curse that makes her obedient to every command. Throw in some pop music, a little satire, and Anne Hathaway in peak early 2000s charm, and you’ve got Ella Enchanted—a whimsical, energetic romp through a fairy tale land that doesn’t take itself too seriously.


Released in 2004, Ella Enchanted is a light-hearted adaptation of Gail Carson Levine’s beloved novel, infused with modern flair and a satirical edge. Directed by Tommy O’Haver and penned by the writers of Legally Blonde, the film offers a fresh, feminist-leaning take on traditional fantasy tropes—all set to a bouncy jukebox soundtrack.





Plot Summary: Cursed with Obedience



From birth, Ella of Frell (Anne Hathaway) is cursed by the fairy Lucinda (Vivica A. Fox) with the “gift” of obedience. Whatever anyone tells her to do—she must do it. It’s a dangerous and exhausting existence, especially as she grows up and realizes how easily people can take advantage of her.


After her father remarries the haughty Dame Olga (Joanna Lumley), Ella gains two obnoxious stepsisters, Hattie and Olive, who quickly discover her curse and begin to exploit it. Meanwhile, Prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy), the kingdom’s reluctant heartthrob, is about to be crowned king—though his scheming uncle Sir Edgar (Cary Elwes) has sinister plans of his own.


Determined to break her curse, Ella embarks on a quest to find Lucinda and demand that she reverse the spell. Along the way, she encounters elves, ogres, talking books, and a string of comedic dangers. Her path eventually intertwines with Prince Charmont’s, and romance, rebellion, and sword fights follow.





Anne Hathaway Shines in a Role Built for Her



Hot off the success of The Princess Diaries, Anne Hathaway was the perfect choice to lead Ella Enchanted. Her natural charisma, comedic timing, and ability to switch between vulnerability and fierceness make Ella an instantly lovable protagonist. Hathaway delivers physical comedy with ease but never lets the character’s emotional arc get lost in the jokes.


Ella is no typical fairy tale heroine. She’s intelligent, determined, and far more capable than the people trying to control her. Even when literally bound to obey, she finds creative ways to subvert commands and protect those she cares about. It’s a performance full of heart and humor.


Hugh Dancy, as Prince Charmont, adds just the right amount of swoon-worthy charm. Char is sweet, sensitive, and refreshingly respectful—a prince who listens, learns, and grows. Their chemistry is natural and light, grounded in mutual admiration rather than cliché.





Supporting Cast Brings the Laughs (and the Villainy)



Cary Elwes chews scenery with gleeful glee as Sir Edgar, giving major Princess Bride vibes with his theatrical villainy. Joanna Lumley and Lucy Punch, as Ella’s cruel stepmother and stepsister, are delightfully over-the-top, and their scenes are a masterclass in campy comedy.


Minnie Driver, as the fairy godmother-turned-housemaid Mandy, adds a grounding presence and warm maternal energy, while Vivica A. Fox’s brief turn as Lucinda is both hilarious and infuriating—perfectly capturing the idea of a fairy with too much power and too little responsibility.





A Jukebox Soundtrack With Personality



One of the film’s most divisive elements is its use of modern pop songs in a medieval fantasy setting—but for many viewers, it’s a huge part of its charm. The musical numbers, including renditions of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “Respect,” and “Somebody to Love,” are playful and full of life.


The standout moment is Hathaway’s performance of “Somebody to Love” in the film’s climactic scene. It’s joyful, empowering, and gives the heroine a moment to shine—not just emotionally, but vocally and heroically. It might feel cheesy, but it’s the kind of cheese you want on your popcorn.





A Satire That Doesn’t Lose Its Heart



While Ella Enchanted is playful in tone and clearly poking fun at fairy tale tropes, it never becomes cynical. It walks a fine line between parody and homage, managing to both lampoon and celebrate the genre. The script is clever without being overly snarky, and it keeps the emotional stakes grounded.


Themes of autonomy, consent, and rebellion are woven throughout the story, adding depth to Ella’s journey. The film may be geared toward younger audiences, but it has plenty of smart commentary for adults to appreciate, particularly in how it questions traditional gender roles and power dynamics.





Visual Style and World-Building



The production design of Ella Enchanted is vibrant and fun, if not particularly groundbreaking. The world of Frell is a whimsical mishmash of Renaissance fair meets pop concert, with colorful costumes, CGI creatures, and plenty of glittering scenery.


While the effects haven’t aged perfectly (some of the CGI creatures feel a little dated), the energy and creativity behind the world-building make up for it. The storybook aesthetic fits the film’s tone, and there’s an intentional silliness to the visuals that embraces fantasy in its most theatrical form.





Final Thoughts



Ella Enchanted is a delightfully offbeat fairy tale that dares to do something different. By combining modern pop culture with classic fantasy, it crafts a unique identity that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. While fans of Gail Carson Levine’s novel may note the significant differences in plot and tone, the film stands on its own as a spirited, feel-good adventure.


Anne Hathaway’s star power carries the film with grace, and the supporting cast leans into the fun. Add a killer soundtrack, a meaningful message, and a dash of rebellion, and you have a fairy tale worth revisiting—especially when you need a reminder that being true to yourself is the most magical gift of all.




Verdict: Funny, fierce, and fabulously quirky, Ella Enchanted is a fantasy adventure that’s as empowering as it is entertaining. A modern classic with a fairy tale heart.


Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)