Ella Enchanted is a 2004 jukebox musical fantasy comedy film directed by Tommy O'Haver and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, loosely based on Gail Carson Levine's 1997 novel of the same name.

It was heavily criticized for its changes to the source material and addition of new characters, and Levine stated that the film is "so different from the book that it's hard to compare them" and suggested "regarding the movie as a separate creative act".

[4] In the kingdom of Lamia, misguided fairy godmother Lucinda Perriweather bestows the "gift" of obedience on newborn Ella of Frell, causing her to instantly and literally obey any command she is given.

Mandy, the household fairy, lends Ella her boyfriend, Benny, whom she has accidentally transformed into a magic book.

He joins them, intending to avenge the death of his father, and Ella opens his eyes to the cruelty of the laws oppressing elves and giants enacted by Char's paternal uncle, Sir Edgar, the King Regent.

As she is about to stab him, she sees her reflection along with a vision from her late mother and tearfully commands herself to no longer be obedient, freeing herself from the gift.

Benny reveals Ella is in the dungeon, so Slannen sneaks into the castle along with a band of elves, giants, and ogres, and frees her.

The cast performs a final dance number of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" before the newlyweds ride off on their honeymoon.

"[5] Levine states that the film is "so different from the book that it's hard to compare them," noting the addition of new characters such as Sir Edgar and Heston, and suggested "regarding the movie as a separate creative act".

[5][7] Jimi Mistry, a British actor of Indian descent, said that he enjoyed playing a talking book in the film because it offered him the opportunity to do something different from his other roles.

The site's consensus reads: "Hathaway is a charming heroine, but the simple storyline gets overwhelmed by silly gimmickry.