World English: “Spellbound,” released on November 22, 2024, is a Netflix animated musical directed by Vicky Jenson who previously worked on “Shrek” and “Shark Tale.” Original score is composed by Alan Menken and lyrics written by Glenn Slater. The movie has a number of famous voices including Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardem. The events of the film “Spellbound” take place in the magical kingdom of Lumbria and deal with the issues of family, change and finding oneself.
Synopsis
The plot revolves around fifteen-year-old Princess Ellian (voiced by Rachel Zegler), who is left in complete charge of the kingdom, Lumbria, after her parents King Solon played by Javier Bardem and Queen Ellsmere played by Nicole Kidman, are turned into monsters through a curse. Her determination to help her parents return to their human forms is what compels them to travel into the Dark Forest of Eternal Darkness, where they use their beasts, their parents, and Flink their pet. She also utilizes her parents, trying to find the Oracles of the Sun and Moon, who are the voice actors, Tituss Burgess and Nathan Lane, respectively. She goes through several trials that test her might and strong willpower in the course of the journey. The screen touches on the issues of families and family structures regarding children’s development and how parents separate with specific focus being on inter-parental interaction among others and gives the audiences a lesson about coming to terms with the changes within a household.
Cast & Crew Director: Vicky Jenson. Screenplay: Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin, Julia Miranda. Music: Alan Menken (composer), Glenn Slater (lyricist). Voice Cast: Rachel Zegler as Princess Ellian; Nicole Kidman as Queen Ellsmere; Javier Bardem as King Solon; John Lithgow as Minister Bolinar; Jenifer Lewis as Minister Nazara Prone; Tituss Burgess as Sunny, Oracle of the Sun; Nathan Lane as Luno, Oracle of the Moon; Dee Bradley Baker as Flink. Critical Reception “Spellbound” has garnered unfavorable and mixed reviews from critics. Most of the critics were quite appreciative of the quality and animation of the film and also its musical compositions. Some however have shown discontent with the plot, pointing out that it has grander themes like family and change but in essence the plot is very clichéd and the characters are not developed enough. The same criticism has been addressed about the film’s perspective on parenting divorce conflicts and child development. Spanning across various conflicts, the struggles of Aaron and Eva are also stated to be portrayed in a clichéd manner. “Spellbound”, as such, does provide vivid spectacular imagery and appeasing music although it may not be appreciated in its entirety by everyone.
IMDb Ratings
At the moment, “Spellbound” has an IMDb rating of 6.5 out of 10, according to users’ votes. This is rather decent, and it can explain that the audience liked the animation and music in the film, but some of them are disappointed with the conventional plot and seek a more authentic touch in terms of emotions.
In brief, “Spellbound” brings to the screen a fantasy adventure that combines classic fairytale with current issues such as the importance of family values and personal development. The animation coupled with the music make it appealing for the fans of such animated features, although the story leaves a lot to be desired.
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