In the
magical land of Frell, Ella (Anne Hathaway) is given the gift of
obedience from an inept fairy and it turns out to be a curse. With
the arrival of a horrid stepfamily, Ella sets out to get the curse
taken away. On the way, she meets Prince Char (Hugh Dancy) with
whom she falls in love. She must stop his evil Uncle Edgar (Cary
Elwes) from taking the throne.
CRITIQUE
One of the
brightest spots of the spring film season, this film was part of a
recent trend toward fairy tale-influenced films and emerged as one of
the best of them. Ella Enchanted is a charming mix of a funny,
romantic, female-empowerment script, good production values, and
outstanding performances.
Though many
writers are credited on the script, too many cooks didn’t spoil it but
instead came up with something solidly entertaining. The irreverent,
postmodern fairy tale tone is never neglected. The comedy ranges from
sight gags, to physical stunts, to high brow references and it usually
works. Ella’s curse provides plenty of material. He stepfamily is a
genuine hoot, with the greedy stepmother (the priceless Joanna
Lumley), the just mean stepsister Hattie (Sally Punch), and the
kleptomaniac stepsister Olive (Jennifer Higham).
The love story
is a highlight for me. There is attention paid to establishing how
Ella’s initial dislike of Char slowly fades and how this relates to
the development of his feelings. The romantic scenes are effective,
particularly the wrenching proposal scene where their love is declared
but… well, just watch the film. Of course, the happy ending does
nothing but satisfy. O’Haver is a director who is improving his skill.
He’s done striking effects work here and corralled some exceptional
production values (love the costumes!). One thing he truly shines at,
though, is musical scenes. There are two in this film, one where
Hathaway sings the Queen classic “Somebody to Love” and the final song
of celebration “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” They benefit from nice
choreography, too.
A central treat
of this film is the lead performances, though. Anne Hathaway, quite a
singer, is honing her comedic skills to perfection and she does the
emotional stuff well, too. Dancy feels at ease in a romantic leading
man role and he couldn’t have been better cast. Together, Hathaway and
Dancy have chemistry that is palpable. I always like Elwes and of the
rest, Vivica A. Fox is funny as the incompetent fairy who gives Ella
her gift, more impressed with herself than anyone else is.
THE VIDEO
This disc is
presented in 16 by 9 widescreen format, perfect for maintaining those
good visuals of John de Borman’s cinematography.
THE AUDIO
The soundtrack
of this film is preserved with the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
presentation. Also included is a French language track and Spanish
subtitles.
THE EXTRAS
Commentary—Director
O’Haver, and actors Hathaway and Dancy provide a commentary track that
is worth a listen. They are clearly having fun together and they offer
interesting tidbits about the filmmaking process mostly and they are
sometimes laugh out loud funny. This also offers insight into what
these people are like, such as Hathaway’s perfectionism.
Deleted Scenes—There
are seven of these and they come with optional commentary from O’Haver
and Dancy. These scenes are overall entertaining and in fitting with
the tone of the film. One in particular is lit very well. It is clear
that they weren’t necessary for the storyline, though.
Extended Scenes—Four
of these, also with the same commentary as above. The added bits are
brief but amount to a lot more than similar extended scenes on some
discs.
Prince Charmont
Fan Club—This
feature is a set-top game narrated by Dancy as Char that is obviously
a family feature. Fun for the younger ones.
The Magical
World of Ella Enchanted—This
studio featurette is a half hour that is better than similar features
on other DVDs. Film clips and interviews combine with Hathaway and
Dancy hosting. Most emphasis is given to the cast, the music, and the
visual effects.
Ella Enchanted
Red Carpet Premiere Special—Another
half hour studio featurette, sometimes rehashing footage from the
above featurette, but hosted by two of the singers on the film’s
soundtrack. The footage here on the red carpet and at the after party
is the attraction here.
Music Video—Kari
Kimmel’s “It’s Not Just Make Believe.” It’s an okay song, fitting for
the film, and the video is fine.
Happily Ever
After DVD ROM Feature—You
can create your own fairy tale with this feature, another one mostly
for the young ones.
Sneak Peeks—4
here for other Disney Company releases, and Ella Enchanted is
not one of them, which is unfortunate.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ella Enchanted
is a
film that’s appeal will reach further than adolescent girls by virtue
of its script and performances. The DVD itself is worthy, with extras
that mostly add to the viewing experience. A fun time all around.
