Ella Enchanted

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Ella Enchanted ★★★ 2004 (PG)

Enchanting modern Cinderella story is a fresh and funny mix of fantasy, romance, and pop culture. Hathaway appealingly plays the title's Ella of Frell, cursed by her fairy godmother Lucinda (Fox) with the spell of obedience, which forces the budding teen to obey every command she is given. She hooks up with the ogres, elves, and giants and begins a crusade for their equal rights. Her quest leads her to the total hottie Prince Charmont (Dancy) who is the intended victim of a coup planned by the throne-seeking Prince Edgar. Updated fairy tale sports top-notch special effects, a cool 70s soundtrack, and fun modern anachronisms. Based on the novel by Gail Carson Levine. 101m/C DVD . Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Vivica A. Fox, Joanna Lumley, Minnie Driver, Patrick Bergin, Parminder K. Nagra, Jimi Mistry, Heidi Klum; D: Tommy O'Haver; W: Laurie Craig, Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith, Jennifer Heath, Michele J. Wolff; C: John de Borman; M: Shaun Davey; V: Steve Coogan; Nar: Eric Idle.