Ella Enchanted

Name: Ella Enchanted
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Family
Released: April 9, 2004
Duration: 96 min
Rating: 53
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, Hugh Dancy, Joanna Lumley

2004

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 30 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 109 Ratings

See All

7.9

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7.9	Your Score
7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 109 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Ella Enchanted

Now Playing: Ella Enchanted

Movie Details & Credits

Miramax Films | Release Date: April 9, 2004 | PG

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, Hugh Dancy, Joanna Lumley

Summary: A fairy Godmother granted Ella (Hathaway) the gift -- and curse -- of obedience at her birth. As a result of this unfortunate circumstance, Ella cannot refuse any command, and is often left at the mercy of unscrupulous personalities. In a bid to regain control of her life, Ella goes on a quest to free herself from this mysterious curse.A fairy Godmother granted Ella (Hathaway) the gift -- and curse -- of obedience at her birth. As a result of this unfortunate circumstance, Ella cannot refuse any command, and is often left at the mercy of unscrupulous personalities. In a bid to regain control of her life, Ella goes on a quest to free herself from this mysterious curse. (Miramax)… Expand

Director: Tommy O'Haver

Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 96 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert

A high-spirited charmer, a fantasy that sparkles with delights. Read full review

Ruthe Stein

The movie doesn't aspire to be art, merely to entertain adolescent girls, which is practically guaranteed by the luminous presence of Anne Hathaway. Read full review

Scott Tobias

None of it would work without Hathaway, whose self-possession and lack of irony represents a throwback to old-fashioned Hollywood wholesomeness and glamour. Read full review

Carrie Rickey

Too bad the filmmakers didn't trust the material. For Ella doesn't need music and references to other, better, movies to cast its unique spell. Read full review

Ed Park

Transpires in a somewhat chintzy fantasy kingdom lousy with more cameos than your typical Love Boat season. Read full review

Lou Lumenick

An ugly-looking mismash of a fairytale. Read full review

Marc Savlov

This might not matter so much to the youngest members of the audience, but for anyone over the age of 10, it’s strictly a colorful bore. Read full review

SEE ALL 30 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

MaddieS.

Sep 27, 2005

I agree with Julia R. Hugh Dancy is Definitely on my top 5!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

MovieMadness

Jun 1, 2011

A real Crowd pleaser, really enjoyed this one and say that you will too! An amazing piece of work that 100% guarantees a family fun adventure and with a comedy touch and lots of twists and turns! Amazing!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

kat267

Aug 6, 2015

I remember reading this book in elementary school so when I discovered there was a movie, I jumped at the chance to see it and I am so glad I did. Anne Hathaway brings Ella to life with a classic teen-girl personality, not always in line with the book but still very well done. Hugh DancyI remember reading this book in elementary school so when I discovered there was a movie, I jumped at the chance to see it and I am so glad I did. Anne Hathaway brings Ella to life with a classic teen-girl personality, not always in line with the book but still very well done. Hugh Dancy is the perfect Prince Char-ming, who helps Ella learn about love while she teaches him some character lessons. Ella and Char are such a cute romantic pair and they made me believe in the magic of fairytales all over again!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

FilipeNeto

Oct 5, 2018

There are films that are meant to be great. Others, however, are just meant to be fun. This film belongs certainly to the second group, having been thought of as a family comedy. The plot is clearly based on Cinderella's tale, but here she is cursed to obey because of a bad-taste gift givenThere are films that are meant to be great. Others, however, are just meant to be fun. This film belongs certainly to the second group, having been thought of as a family comedy. The plot is clearly based on Cinderella's tale, but here she is cursed to obey because of a bad-taste gift given by an unconventional fairy godmother. The whole story then develops in her effort to free herself from this gift and the way people take advantage of it to manipulate her. Gradually, everything becomes more predictable and my interest has diminished but never disappeared because it remained funny enough. The way Ella and the Prince know each other is, in my perspective, the poorer solution the script could have created to cross them. The idea of that talking book sounded kind of stupid too. Dialogues and even some jokes are sometimes common and boring. Throughout the film, medieval elements and things from our time (miniskirts, fan clubs, automatic ladders etc.) intentionally intersect and blend. The film also tried to introduce some Disney- style musical moments, but I have some doubts about whether or not it was a good idea.

Anne Hathaway, still very young here, excels in her character, adorable and yet full of personality. Hugh Dancy was a satisfactory Prince, the same could be said of Aidan McArdle and Joanna Lumley, who played supporting characters. Cary Elwes was a predictable, weak and rather risible villain, but I think it's the bad idealization of the character and not the actor himself.

Overall, this movie is worth it if you just want to laugh a little or spend an hour and a half with family in a nice way. However, if you are looking for a cinematographic work of art, this film is not for you.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

beeanadou

Apr 30, 2018

Plain and winding story, conversations are so-so, great customs and settings though.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

lukechristiansc

Mar 15, 2014

what is the point to see girly movies like tangled and alll that **** now this . i did like the ending with the singing elton jhon ' s do'nt go breaking my heart .

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

DannyL.

Apr 16, 2004

Worst film I have paid to see at the movies since The Shadow, way back when. There is not one iota of originality in this sad, FoxFamily channel style tale. I thought murderous, angry thoughts the ENTIRE movie - and I almost always give a movie a chance, especially when I'm in the Worst film I have paid to see at the movies since The Shadow, way back when. There is not one iota of originality in this sad, FoxFamily channel style tale. I thought murderous, angry thoughts the ENTIRE movie - and I almost always give a movie a chance, especially when I'm in the movie theater. There are no special effects - other than a CGI talking python and a talking face trapped in a book. The story can be summed up using an example from the movie itself - in the very beginning, Ella is cursed to do everything anybody commands her to do. So, when someone says to her a statement like, "Bring me that pair of scissors" or similar, Ella stops whatever she is doing, stands bolt upright (the "magic sound" is played), and then she walks swiftly over to the scissors. It is absolutely the worst gimmick I have ever seen in a movie that received such ridiculously good ratings. I usually depend on this site and always scan it before seeing a movie. Ebert's review of this movie so repulsed me, however, that I felt inclined to comment. At the very least, wait till video to prove me wrong. Then you can at least turn it off when I'm right. danny. … Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

SEE ALL 10 REVIEWS