Nothing un-beguiles a fairy tale more than forced whimsy and labored magic, which is precisely what plagues "Ella Enchanted." The film, designed to add a modern kick to the fairy tale by introducing contemporary references and attitudes along with golden-oldie rock songs, never fully achieves the lighthearted tone it so desperately seeks. The Miramax film, directed by Tommy O'Haver ("Get Over It"), does attain moments of charm largely because of the talented and energetic Anne Hathaway ("The Princess Diaries").

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