Now streaming on Netflix is the animated children’s movie, Spellbound. Directed by Vicky Jenson, and featuring the vocal talents of Rachel Zeglar, John Lithgow, Javier Bardem, Nicole Kidman, Nathan Lane, and Tituss Burgess, the film follows the story of teenage princess whose parents have been turned into monsters.
In the movie, Princess Ellian of Lumbria is on the cusp of her 15th birthday. But while this should be a time for celebration, Ellian has a rather pressing problem, which is taking up all her focus.
A year ago, her parents, the King and Queen, were mysteriously cursed and transformed into monsters. Since their transformation, Ellian has done her best to keep the situation a secret, so not to panic the whole kingdom, but she is struggling to keep things under wraps.
When the secret is finally revealed, Ellian is forced to leave the palace to protect her parents. But can she help mom and dad regain their humanity before it is too late?
OK, so here’s the thing: In an alternate reality, Spellbound is a Disney movie. To be clear, it is NOT a Disney movie – Spellbound is a Skydance/Netflix production – but it certainly plays like one.
The film features a princess, a curse, various cutesy, colourful characters, and a collection of rousing and emotive tunes, composed by Alan Menken. Yes, the same Alan Menken behind the songs for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Tangled, and so many more.
So yeah, while Spellbound is NOT a Disney movie, for all intents and purposes, it feels like it is. This is the sort of thing the Mouse House churns out every year, and if you or yours like movies of this ilk, then you’ll like what’s on offer.
The voice cast is solid, the songs are lively, and the characters are likeable. It’s not as polished as what you would get with Disney, and the animation doesn’t push any boundaries, but it has enough humour and heart to keep things on the right side of fun.
Where Spellbound struggles a bit is largely in the runtime, which at one-hour-fifty-minutes is a touch too long. The film could move more swiftly too, perhaps removing a song here or there.
The scope and scale also feels quite limited. While Spellbound has some decent moments, and a few neat touches in the story department, including a refreshing resolution, at times it feels like it could go bigger.
But these issues aside, there is nothing inherently wrong with Spellbound. This is a perfectly decent, often very enjoyable picture.
Whether you save it for the Christmas holidays, or you and the kids watch it on a wet weekend, Spellbound should more-or-less see you right. It’s not amazing, but it’s not bad either, and will have you tapping your toes at some of the tunes.
Take it for what it is, and enjoy the Disney-style vibe of this non-Disney movie. The kids will find it agreeable.
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