Spellbound is the latest animated musical from Netflix. The film, and its all-star cast, take viewers to an adorable and magical new world. The story follows a young princess named Ellian (Rachel Zegler). When a formidable spell transforms her parents into colossal monsters, she embarks on a wild adventure to break the curse before it’s too late.
Her journey takes her across various realms, aided by the mischievous Oracles. For me, the Oracles steal the show with their charm and wit. This is no surprise since they are voiced by the comedic talents of Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) and Titus Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt). Their presence lights up every scene, and they provide most of the funniest moments. They’re such a joy to watch.
Spellbound is more than just a kids’ movie
At first glance, Spellbound may appear to be a lighthearted tale about breaking a curse. However, it delves much deeper than that. In essence, it’s a film that aids children in navigating the complexities of their parents’ divorce. Through fun and quirky music, adorable characters, and lots of heart viewers get to see Eliian realize that none of this is her fault.
Rachel Zegler (Snow White) lends her voice to the character Ellian. So, it’s no surprise that her singing performance is beautiful. The score is crafted by Disney Legend Alan Menken, who also co-wrote the songs. In addition to his film work, Menken has also composed for Broadway. These include the musicals based on his Disney films, such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin”. His influence on musical storytelling continues to be recognized and celebrated in both theater and film.
Sadly, while I love Menken’s previous work (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and more) I found the music to be forgettable. While each song effectively contributes to storytelling and advancing the plot, I felt that they lacked a distinctive quality.
Overall, Spellbound is a magical musical experience that is sure to charm families everywhere. The tale whisks audiences away on a delightful adventure brimming with wonder and creativity, making it an ideal option for a family viewing.