Ella Enchanted (2004)
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50% of critics liked it
(114 reviews) -
62% of users liked it
(318,196 ratings)
Adapted from author Gail Carson Levine's award-winning children's book of the same name, the Miramax-financed modern fantasy Ella Enchanted is directed by Tommy O'Haver and stars The Princess Diaries alumna Anne Hathaway. Ella (Hathaway) lives in a magical world in which each child, at… More Adapted from author Gail Carson Levine's award-winning children's book of the same name, the Miramax-financed modern fantasy Ella Enchanted is directed by Tommy O'Haver and stars The Princess Diaries alumna Anne Hathaway. Ella (Hathaway) lives in a magical world in which each child, at the moment of their birth, is given a virtuous "gift" from a fairy godmother. Ella's so-called gift, however, is obedience. This birthright proves itself to be quite the curse once Ella finds herself in the hands of several unscrupulous characters whom she quite literally cannot disobey. Determined to gain control of her life and decisions, Ella sets off on a journey she hopes will end with the lifting of the curse in question. The path, however, isn't easy -- Ella must outwit a slew of unpleasant magical creatures ranging from ogres to talking books with evil plots. Though perilous, Ella's adventures turn out to be necessary obstacles in the path toward finding herself, and maybe even true love along the way. Ella Enchanted also features Cary Elwes, who has starred in a fantasy feature himself (the widely acclaimed The Princess Bride), Hugh Dancy, and Patrick Bergin, among others. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
- Directed By
- Tommy O'Haver
- Written By
- Laurie Craig, Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith, Michele J. Wolf, Jennifer Heath
- Genres
- Kids & Family, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Apr 9, 2004 Wide
- Studio
- Miramax Films
Critic Reviews
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David Rooney, Variety
A thoroughly charming performer with a bracing freshness about her that carries the film, [Hathaway] establishes credible chemistry with Brit thesp Dancy.
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Ty Burr, Boston Globe
An overcalculated fusion of Shrek and The Princess Bride with all the smarts replaced by smartass.
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
It had some creative touches, but I thought the special effects were kind of cheesy.
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Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
In its innocence, sweet heart and abundant wit, it has more going for it, by my accounting, than a dozen more expensive-looking films.
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Teresa Wiltz, Washington Post
This all makes for good and entertaining fun, from the musical numbers of 1980s pop tunes to the flamboyant fight scenes. For a while. But you've seen this all before.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Anne Hathaway
as Ella of Frell
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Hugh Dancy
as Prince Charmont
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Cary Elwes
as Prince Regent Edgar
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Patrick Bergin
as Sir Peter
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Vivica A. Fox
as Lucinda Perriweather
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Steve Coogan
as Heston
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Jennifer Higham
as Olive
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Eric Idle
as Narrator
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Minnie Driver
as Mandy
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Joanna Lumley
as Dame Olga
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Aidan McArdle
as Slannen the Elf
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Jimi Mistry
as Benny
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Parminder Nagra
as Areida
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Lucy Punch
as Hattie




