Ella Enchanted (2004)

Sky Movies Family: Tuesday 10 November, 11.30am

Les Miserables songbird Anne Hathaway as Ella of Frell, given the ‘gift’ of obedience by a stroppy fairy. Ella might do exactly as she’s told, but she has a good heart and knows her own mind. Prince Hugh Dancy, darling of the kingdom’s screaming teens, finds Ella’s obvious disdain charming. Elves, ogres and giants are on the side of the angelic Ella in this romantic fairy tale – and there’s hissable villainy afoot.

Like The Princess Bride – in fact, as Cary Elwes’ presence suggests, very much like The Princess Bride – this is an engaging panto, as colourful as a Bollywood musical. And look, there’s Jimi Mistry as Benny the Book. Sir Edgar’s treacherous snake Heston is given a ripe rendering by Steve Coogan. Also on the turn are Lucy Punch and Jennifer Higham as Ella’s appalling stepsisters.

Hiss! Boo! And the sound of one-hand clapping for the 2007 animation Happily N’Ever After, which follows at 3.15pm. The sub-Shrek shenanigans provide the odd good gag for a classy voice-cast: Sigourney Weaver (wicked), Sarah Michelle Gellar (sweet), Wallace Shawn (from The Princess Bride) and dear old George Carlin, who died the year after this was made.

Certificate: PG

Duration: 92min

IMDB – Ella Enchanted

TMDB – Ella Enchanted

Rotten Tomatoes – Ella Enchanted