2024 was a particularly good year for animated films. from inside out 2 Become a box office giant in the summer wild robot DreamWorks charmed us with its magic and the pressure was on spellboundThe latest collaboration between Netflix and Skydance Animation. Thankfully, the streaming service’s efforts paid off. This movie is a charming twist on fairy tales and happy days. This is unlike any other animation I’ve seen. latest director’s work vicky jenson (shrek, shark story) Princess Elion (voice: Rachel Zegler), a teenage monarch who has been literally feeling the weight of his crown ever since his parents were turned into monsters.
Creature version of Queen Elsmere (nicole kidman) and King Solon (javier bardem) roams the grounds of the castle, entrusting young royals with the responsibility of tending to the needs of the kingdom of Lumbria. All Elian wants for his 15th birthday is to be back to his normal parents who scold him and embrace him as an equal. Hoping to get her parents back, she consults two oracles who tell her that the spell cast on the ruler cannot be broken easily. After the townspeople and the guards learn of the king and queen’s transformation, they fear what will happen if the monarchs-turned-monsters get out of control. While everyone begs to have them locked up, Elian decides to seize the chance to break the curse. Take your father and mother on an adventure through the dark forest of eternal darkness..
Alan Menken and Glenn Slater’s music graces ‘Spellbound’
When Zegler first begins singing, there is an immediate sense of relief. Musicals aren’t just about singing in tune. It’s about the emotion you convey, how the lyrics become a vessel for self-expression, and whether you want to listen to the song beyond the movie’s running time. All these elements are present in this animated musical imprint, and they couldn’t be handled more brilliantly. After all, the music for this project was created by a duo who understand what it takes to create an instantly classic soundtrack. and Alan Menken (beauty and the beast) and glenn slaterMr. Miss(tangled) composition, spellbound‘s lyricism and soothing melodies are reminiscent of Disney’s iconic repertoire.It never feels like starting over. Mencken and Slater have extensive experience in adapting songs for princesses and fairy tales to film, and that’s evident through Elian.
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Skydance Animation’s second feature features a star-studded cast and crew.
After her parents become monsters, the protagonist has to deal with so much change that she often has to keep her feelings to herself. When the burden of managing the kingdom’s affairs becomes too much, Elian, like any teenager, throws a fit and sings his heart out. “The Way It Was Before,” inserted early in the film, makes it clear how intentional the film’s music is. The characters express their sadness as they walk through the gloomy castle, singing about how these shattered halls were once a place full of joy, lavish love, and celebration. It’s a harsh reality compared to what she’s going through now that her parents are no longer human. The emotion Zegler pours into her expressions in this and other musical moments allows the audience to empathize with her character and all of her frustrations. These songs enhance some of the film’s key sequences and help her and the rest of the ensemble express themselves beyond dialogue.
‘Spellbound’ delivers breathtaking animation and worldbuilding
While the music is an important element in telling this story in a compelling way, it’s the animation that draws us in. Stunning visuals and worldview transport viewers to Lumbria And its unique atmosphere. Monsters can be intimidating given their size and greedy nature, but they are also quite gentle as long as they don’t destroy everything in their path. The King and Queen are no longer their former selves and do not understand how they should act or how their actions will affect Elion. As they slowly pick up on social cues, their facial expressions change and their behavior becomes more docile. The other creatures the protagonist comes into contact with along the way are also unique to this film. From a winged, tiger-like creature to a little Elionian fur named Frink, these fantastical animals are amazingly designed.
spellbound It also incorporates references to fairy tales that we are familiar with (e.g. Cinderella carriages with giant red carpets) and modern allusions (like leaving a 5-star review after the ride). These elements help create Lumbria and its enchanting forests. Reminds us of the old and harmonizes with the newthis combination makes this film unique. I feel safe spellboundMagic Kingdom is not easy to run. There are so many memorable anime that it’s easy to compare them. Especially when several of the creators involved are working on Pixar projects such as: toy story and car. But when you look at the unique world-building and storytelling that this film conveys; It can be viewed not through the lens of comparison, but rather as another title that deserves the same level of recognition as its predecessor.. Despite the references here and there, it’s unlike any other animation setting I’ve seen. That’s what makes this animation stand out.
“The real joy of Spellbound is its message about family.”
What also makes this story universally impressive is its depiction of family relationships. film Take the bold step of emphasizing different types of family structure It is different from what we have seen in other animated fairy tales and once again manages to stand out on its own. The horrifying development of Elian’s mother and father is synonymous with parents being cruel to each other, fighting with each other, and never realizing how their relationship is affecting their children. The film’s family trip to the woods is moving and relatable. Whether you’re a child trying to deal with arguments at home or a parent who often forgets how conversations with your spouse can be detrimental to your child, you can relate. spellbound. The ending leaves behind a valuable lesson that is sure to connect with different demographics of viewers.
Overall, spellbound This is a wonderfully fresh look at fairy tales and how happy endings are different from the way they were told by the Brothers Grimm. With a carefully composed original soundtrack and beautiful visuals, spellbound One of the best animations of the year. It blends all-too-familiar elements with modern touches that make the story feel like a silly exploration of real life. With a star-studded cast voicing these characters/creatures and a creative team that brings originality to this material, spellbound Wrapping 2024 like a bow.
spellbound Now available to stream on Netflix in the US
review
Rachel Zegler voices the princess on an incredible journey with a powerful family message.
- The score and musical numbers enhance the quality of the movie.
- Spellbound’s animation is filled with gorgeous visuals and world-building that puts a modern twist on fantasy.
- Netflix’s latest production redefines happy endings in a way that connects with viewers of all ages.
Watch on Netflix
