The movie works so hard to be entertaining that it can feel a little hypercharged at times, cluttered with too many talented performers with too little to do. But the production design helps maintain the sense of magic, with storybook castles and forests. And Hathaway (now something of an expert in this genre after The Princess Diaries ) is so radiantly lovable that she could make an ATM withdrawal feel like a fairy tale. When Ella is ordered to entertain the guests at a giant's wedding celebration, she breaks into Queen's "Somebody to Love" and dances across the tabletop with such joyous gusto that even Freddie Mercury would approve. Dancy makes the prince more than the usual arm candy/swordsman and the way they learn to trust and respect each other enough to stop fighting the attraction they feel is unexpectedly tender.
Families who enjoy this movie may also enjoy another modern re-imagining of the Cinderella fairy tale, Ever After with Drew Barrymore. How does that movie handle the problem of explaining why the main character allows herself to be treated so badly? They may also enjoy more traditional versions, including Rodger and Hammerstein's musical Cinderella made for television with Lesley Ann Warren in 1965 and remade as Cinderella in 1997 with Brandy and Whitney Houston. Along with Disney's animated Cinderella all are a treat for families. And every family should see The Princess Bride , with Cary Elwes, who plays Prince Char's uncle in ELLA ENCHANTED as the dashing hero. Families should read Gail Carson Levine's superb book and might also want to try some other modern takes on fairy tales, including a thoughtful literary retelling of Beauty and the Beast called Rose Daughter and the story collections The Outspoken Princess and the Gentle Knight and Tatterhood and Other Tales.
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