Ella Enchanted : 3 of 5

I always enjoy variations of the fairy tale genre, so I had to see this movie. I also really enjoyed Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries, so I knew she would be "enchanting" in this film as well (but I hadn't expected she would look so gorgeous - Anne is one fantastic looking actress!). The story takes place in a fantasy world of castles and kings, ogres, giants, and elves (who all have a beef with the Brothers Grimm), and poor Ella is cursed at birth to always be obedient - meaning she immediately does anything asked of her, no matter how silly it is. She goes through her life trying to find the fairy who cursed her, falling in love with the young prince on the way (of course). There are lots of clever gags in the movie - a wooden escalator cranked by strong men, elves who break out into Broadway numbers for any visitor, and a talking book (with some great special effects of the face in the book). The really bizarre parts are the song and dance routines - Ella does a great version of Queen's Somebody to Love, and the entire cast does Don't Go Breaking My Heart as the closing finale, complete with dancing knights in armor. Definitely a goofy movie, but I really enjoyed all the jokes!