As a seasoned gamer and an ardent fan of animated films, I must confess that Spellbound left me with a sense of deja vu, but not in a bad way. The narrative echoes familiar territory, reminding me of beloved classics like Brave and Spirited Away. However, the unique spin on the parent-child relationship and the vivid animation make it worth the watch.
In the heartwarming yet predictable animated musical fantasy film “Spellbound“, produced by Skydance Animation, the accusation of monstrous behavior by Ellian’s (Rachel Zegler) parents isn’t a tired teenage cliché. Instead, it holds a very real meaning. You see, not long ago, while wandering through the forest, her parents were transformed into wild and uncontrollable creatures, effectively turning them into beasts.
In the realm of Lumbria, many are unaware of the transformation taking place, as Princess Ellian, with the assistance of advisors Bolinar and Nazara, has successfully concealed her parents for most of the year. During a casual conversation, Ellian expresses a typical teenager’s wish to spend more, not less, time with her mom and dad when explaining why she can’t hang out with friends. However, maintaining this disguise is becoming increasingly difficult, and on the night before her 15th birthday, Ellian makes a significant step towards lifting the enchantment.
Under the guidance of Vicky Jenson, who co-directed Shrek, the film Spellbound narrates Ellian’s adventure across the realm to rescue her parents. The movie boasts vibrant animation and some striking scenes, artfully framed with close-ups and unconventional angles. However, like Skydance Animation’s first project, Luck, Spellbound evokes a feeling of familiarity. Its storyline revolving around the bond between a child and a parent transformed into an animal mirrors the narratives of Pixar’s Brave and Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
Spellbound sets itself apart right from the start. The screenplay by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin, and Julia Miranda keeps the reason behind the parental transformation a secret until nearly the end – a wise decision that immerses viewers in the action from the very first song, which Zegler sings with her usual flair. This number, composed by Alan Menken and penned by Glenn Slater, swiftly reveals that King Solon (portrayed by Javier Bardem) and Queen Ellsmere (Nicole Kidman) are monstrous beings, and it shows us how Ellian takes on the role of the country’s effective ruler.
Additionally, it delves into the emotional heart of the story – the sense of solitude Ellian experiences as a youth, burdened with caring for her parents and sustaining hope amidst despair. (It necessitates a bit of imaginative acceptance that no one in Lumbria questions the secluded behavior of their monarchs.)
In the opening act of the film Spellbound, mischief unfolds. The character Ellian encounters the Oracle duo, humorously voiced by Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess, who initially propose a resolution to the monster dilemma. However, they turn out to be less helpful than expected, causing widespread suspicion among the citizens about their royal leaders. Consequently, chaos erupts. In an attempt to restore order, Bolinar and Nazar decide to install Ellian as ruler and transport the monster king and queen away from the community.
Simultaneously, driven by a refreshed urgency to shield her misjudged kin, Ellian revisits the Oracle once more for guidance. For a span, the narrative twists and turns, occasionally perplexing, until it eventually adopts a clearer trajectory.
After Ellian, along with her monster parents and pet rat, step out of the court, the storyline of Spellbound generally follows the standard structure of a journey narrative, though it includes some unexpected instances. The most striking aspects are the visuals, which are vividly and emotionally portrayed. Wide shots offer a breathtaking view of the kingdom’s scenic and lush landscape, while close-ups reveal the inner lives of these monsters.
As a gamer, one scene that truly stands out is when Ellian, her parents, and I are deep within a cave. Our voices echo strangely, transforming into radiant orbs that dance around us. Two monstrous creatures mimic my daughter’s sweet voice, filling the dark passage with laughter. This was the first time I heard Kidman and Bardem speak, and it carried an emotional punch as Ellian finally understood that they could comprehend her after a year of unintelligible sounds.
As I delved deeper into Spellbound, the closer Ellian and her parents came to their solution, it began to blur into a forgettable realm for me. When the movie expanded its horizons, shifting focus from the parents, it seemed to falter under the weight of familiarity. The forest, its inhabitants, and the trials posed by the terrain all felt like old grounds. Even the tunes, though well-sung, appeared fleeting.
But revelations about life for Ellian and her parents before they were turned into monsters revive the stakes of the film. The third act, which I won’t spoil here, does offer something truly different in terms of lessons about children, their parents and the chasm of misunderstanding that widens with each conflict. The closer Spellbound sticks this message, the more it packs an emotional punch.
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2024-11-22 11:24