Comments on: Ella Enchanted (2004): Not Too Satirical, Not Too Serious, Just Right

By: Elinor Cackett

Elinor Cackett — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 22:31:00 +0000

Alas I read the book first and was horrified by the changes. The book was so good and there was really no need to make the changes. Though I can enjoy it if I try to think of it as a Shrek-esque kind of film.

By: Amber Topping

Amber Topping — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 01:59:00 +0000

In reply to Jessica. Yeah, the book and film are pretty different. But I don't feel the essence of it has been messed with and I enjoy them as separate entities. This film, for instance, is much more of a Hollywood quest story than the book is. But they're both light-hearted fun! I personally enjoy both. :) And you really couldn't cast better than this movie! Still, it would be interesting to see a closer adaptation one day.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 06:59:00 +0000

In reply to Stephanie. Glad you enjoyed the review and the film, Stephanie! No one's beat me up yet for loving this movie, but I do know how it is to have a favourite story mutilated on film, so I can empathize with the book lovers. Happily, I'm ignorant of the source material here, although I do have plans to check it out sometime...

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 01:37:00 +0000

Yay! I love this underrated film as well though owning up to that can get you beaten up by Dianna Wynne Jones’ fans. I fortunately watched the movie and then later read the book so I can treat them as separate entities and love them both for their unique qualities. Folks who were fans of the book first, mostly loathe this movie. Anyway, as you say – it is delightful, it has a fantastic cast, I love the musical interludes, I like as you mention how it strikes a balance and manages to hit on affectionate satire. Great review!