Guilty Pleasure: Ella Enchanted (2004)

Giants, ogres and elves… oh my! I thought I’d outgrown fairy tales, but when Ella Enchanted, the film version of my favorite childhood novel, came to theaters, I was instantly, well, charmed. A hybrid between Shrek and classics like Cinderella, the movie tells a kid’s story with a cast that appeals to adults.

Ella Enchanted stars Anne Hathaway (post-Princess Diaries, pre-Prada) as the eponymous heroine who does what she’s told — always. Ella was given the “gift” of obedience by a fairy named Lucinda (Minnie Driver), and now she has to find this crazy godmother and make her take it back. In the process, she falls head over heels for Prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy), and an adventure-slash-love-story ensues.

There’s nothing like giving in to those childhood instincts once in a while. Everyone loves a good “happily ever after,” and this one features men in tights.

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