In Defense of Ella Enchanted: Fairytale Taken to the Silly Extreme
advertisement
VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Beca Dalimonte
Dive into the whimsical world of "Ella Enchanted," a fairytale musical that took the classic Cinderella story to delightfully silly extremes. Join us as we explore why this quirky film deserves more love and appreciation than it originally received! From Anne Hathaway's charming performance to the film's progressive themes and memorable musical moments, we break down what makes this movie a unique gem in the early 2000s teen comedy landscape.
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be discussing the criminally underrated fairytale musical, “Ella Enchanted.”
While it may not be entirely faithful to Gail Carson Levine’s original text, its unique spin on the story is part of its charm. Director Tommy O’Haver, star Anne Hathaway, and the rest of the film’s cast and crew came together to bring us a teen movie unlike anything audiences had seen before — and likely would ever see again.
Like the novel of the same name, “Ella Enchanted” is based on the classic tale of Cinderella. Ella herself takes on the title role. She’s forced to carry out the bidding of her stepmother and stepsisters after the death of her biological mother. But this version has its twists. Char is a far more developed version of Prince Charming, while Lucinda is more complicated than Cinderella’s typically benevolent fairy godmother. While the “Ella Enchanted” book takes place in a setting similar to that of the original story, the film takes a different approach. With its song and dance numbers, contemporary conveniences, and cheeky background references, the more anachronistic kingdom of Lamia may have been designed to appeal to a generation of tweens growing up alongside characters like Lizzie McGuire and Raven Baxter. We’re definitely talking about a new generation of Disney princesses.
In truth, “Ella Enchanted” didn’t really need any modern flair to appeal to kids and preteens. While it certainly is as an added bonus, the film’s basic narrative does the heavy lifting by telling a relatable story. Ella is “gifted” obedience, meaning she must do everything she’s told — sometimes to a literal extreme. For many kids, this kind of unquestioning compliance can be a daily expectation, both at home and at school. Ella’s defiant streak and unshakeable spirit are all the more admirable because she has to fight so much harder to exercise her free will. In spite of her unfortunate curse, she stands up for herself and others in a way many kids dream they could.
While Ella’s take-charge attitude does exist in Levine’s original novel, it is amped up in the film. It was a good time to be a strong female protagonist in children’s media. Shows like “The Powerpuff Girls” and “Kim Possible” were in the midst of multi-year runs. Ella fits right in with those heroes. Like those shows, the film’s feminist angle doesn’t begin and end with fight scenes. Its plot also challenged the gender dynamics present in “Cinderella” with a compelling ‘enemies to lovers’ romance. The prince is no longer a one-note pretty boy, but a flawed ruler whose uncle’s old-fashioned ideals are challenged by the protagonist. Ella is the one to take charge in the relationship, and even ends up saving the prince at the end of the day. It’s a refreshing break from the typical Disney fairy tale formula.
One cue “Ella Enchanted” does take from Disney is the importance of a good musical moment. The most memorable is Ella’s passionate performance of “Somebody to Love.” The scene was apparently originally written with Cole Porter’s “You Do Something to Me” in mind. We’re thankful they eventually settled on the Queen classic, as the choice would go on to influence the rest of the film’s iconic soundtrack choices. Of course we can’t not mention the finale number, when the cast comes together to sing “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” at Ella and Char’s wedding. Sure, it’s a bit silly, but it’s hard to imagine ending “Ella Enchanted” any other way.
All of these elements come together to create a fun film, but there’s no denying that one of the primary reasons “Ella Enchanted” works as well as it does is its cast. Anne Hathaway was hot off the success of “The Princess Diaries.” And even in 2004, it was clear Hugh Dancy already had the acting chops he would later refine in “Hannibal.” Meanwhile, Cary Elwes went from the dashing hero of “The Princess Bride” to Char’s evil Uncle Edgar, while British comedy legend Joanna Lumley added a dark levity to Dame Olga. Aidan McArdle did his part as Slannen the elf as well, heightening the comedy of certain scenes with improvised background antics. Minnie Driver, Vivica A. Fox, Eric Idle, and Heidi Klum round out the star-studded cast. Fox in particular adds a distinct spark to the adult lineup. The “Kill Bill” actor was a later addition to the cast, replacing what the filmmakers had originally envisioned as a Judi Dench-type role. Watching everyone play off of each other, it’s hard to imagine anyone else as these characters. It’s the kind of cast that many teen comedies could only dream of.
One of the reasons we love Anne Hathaway is her dedication to activism. A longtime ally to the LGBTQIA+ movement, she has also spoken out for women' s rights on the global stage as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. The character of Ella seems to share many of the same core beliefs and passion for helping people. Ella speaks out for the rights of magical creatures, not only in her debate class, but in public demonstrations against the monarchy. Even as a young child, Ella stood by her Ayorthian friend, Areida, defending her against racist bullies. Sure, there are moments that are imperfect when looking at the film from a contemporary perspective, but for a 2000s teen comedy it’s pretty progressive.
Revisiting old comedies can be risky. Far too often, they have jokes that modern audiences would consider inappropriate or outdated. But many “Ella Enchanted” moments have aged well. One recurring gag throughout the film focuses on Prince Char’s fan club, headed by Ella’s cruel stepsister, Hattie. Hattie herself is shown to be in love with Char to the point of absolving his uncle of all his misdeeds, while the club’s members have a more primal approach to fandom. These kinds of rabid fan bases are nothing new. From The Beatles to One Direction and beyond, there have been generations of young people obsessed with attractive celebrity men. But with the rise of the internet and social media, this tongue-in-cheek commentary on fandom has only become more relevant. Who among us doesn’t know someone who wouldn’t hesitate to kiss the ground their idol had just stepped on?
What is your favorite part of “Ella Enchanted?” Let us know in the comments!
While it may not be entirely faithful to Gail Carson Levine’s original text, its unique spin on the story is part of its charm. Director Tommy O’Haver, star Anne Hathaway, and the rest of the film’s cast and crew came together to bring us a teen movie unlike anything audiences had seen before — and likely would ever see again.
Like the novel of the same name, “Ella Enchanted” is based on the classic tale of Cinderella. Ella herself takes on the title role. She’s forced to carry out the bidding of her stepmother and stepsisters after the death of her biological mother. But this version has its twists. Char is a far more developed version of Prince Charming, while Lucinda is more complicated than Cinderella’s typically benevolent fairy godmother. While the “Ella Enchanted” book takes place in a setting similar to that of the original story, the film takes a different approach. With its song and dance numbers, contemporary conveniences, and cheeky background references, the more anachronistic kingdom of Lamia may have been designed to appeal to a generation of tweens growing up alongside characters like Lizzie McGuire and Raven Baxter. We’re definitely talking about a new generation of Disney princesses.
In truth, “Ella Enchanted” didn’t really need any modern flair to appeal to kids and preteens. While it certainly is as an added bonus, the film’s basic narrative does the heavy lifting by telling a relatable story. Ella is “gifted” obedience, meaning she must do everything she’s told — sometimes to a literal extreme. For many kids, this kind of unquestioning compliance can be a daily expectation, both at home and at school. Ella’s defiant streak and unshakeable spirit are all the more admirable because she has to fight so much harder to exercise her free will. In spite of her unfortunate curse, she stands up for herself and others in a way many kids dream they could.
While Ella’s take-charge attitude does exist in Levine’s original novel, it is amped up in the film. It was a good time to be a strong female protagonist in children’s media. Shows like “The Powerpuff Girls” and “Kim Possible” were in the midst of multi-year runs. Ella fits right in with those heroes. Like those shows, the film’s feminist angle doesn’t begin and end with fight scenes. Its plot also challenged the gender dynamics present in “Cinderella” with a compelling ‘enemies to lovers’ romance. The prince is no longer a one-note pretty boy, but a flawed ruler whose uncle’s old-fashioned ideals are challenged by the protagonist. Ella is the one to take charge in the relationship, and even ends up saving the prince at the end of the day. It’s a refreshing break from the typical Disney fairy tale formula.
One cue “Ella Enchanted” does take from Disney is the importance of a good musical moment. The most memorable is Ella’s passionate performance of “Somebody to Love.” The scene was apparently originally written with Cole Porter’s “You Do Something to Me” in mind. We’re thankful they eventually settled on the Queen classic, as the choice would go on to influence the rest of the film’s iconic soundtrack choices. Of course we can’t not mention the finale number, when the cast comes together to sing “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” at Ella and Char’s wedding. Sure, it’s a bit silly, but it’s hard to imagine ending “Ella Enchanted” any other way.
All of these elements come together to create a fun film, but there’s no denying that one of the primary reasons “Ella Enchanted” works as well as it does is its cast. Anne Hathaway was hot off the success of “The Princess Diaries.” And even in 2004, it was clear Hugh Dancy already had the acting chops he would later refine in “Hannibal.” Meanwhile, Cary Elwes went from the dashing hero of “The Princess Bride” to Char’s evil Uncle Edgar, while British comedy legend Joanna Lumley added a dark levity to Dame Olga. Aidan McArdle did his part as Slannen the elf as well, heightening the comedy of certain scenes with improvised background antics. Minnie Driver, Vivica A. Fox, Eric Idle, and Heidi Klum round out the star-studded cast. Fox in particular adds a distinct spark to the adult lineup. The “Kill Bill” actor was a later addition to the cast, replacing what the filmmakers had originally envisioned as a Judi Dench-type role. Watching everyone play off of each other, it’s hard to imagine anyone else as these characters. It’s the kind of cast that many teen comedies could only dream of.
One of the reasons we love Anne Hathaway is her dedication to activism. A longtime ally to the LGBTQIA+ movement, she has also spoken out for women' s rights on the global stage as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. The character of Ella seems to share many of the same core beliefs and passion for helping people. Ella speaks out for the rights of magical creatures, not only in her debate class, but in public demonstrations against the monarchy. Even as a young child, Ella stood by her Ayorthian friend, Areida, defending her against racist bullies. Sure, there are moments that are imperfect when looking at the film from a contemporary perspective, but for a 2000s teen comedy it’s pretty progressive.
Revisiting old comedies can be risky. Far too often, they have jokes that modern audiences would consider inappropriate or outdated. But many “Ella Enchanted” moments have aged well. One recurring gag throughout the film focuses on Prince Char’s fan club, headed by Ella’s cruel stepsister, Hattie. Hattie herself is shown to be in love with Char to the point of absolving his uncle of all his misdeeds, while the club’s members have a more primal approach to fandom. These kinds of rabid fan bases are nothing new. From The Beatles to One Direction and beyond, there have been generations of young people obsessed with attractive celebrity men. But with the rise of the internet and social media, this tongue-in-cheek commentary on fandom has only become more relevant. Who among us doesn’t know someone who wouldn’t hesitate to kiss the ground their idol had just stepped on?
What is your favorite part of “Ella Enchanted?” Let us know in the comments!
