Spellbound 2024 Parents Guide & Age Rating

Director: Vicky Jenson
Writer: Linda Woolverton
Stars: Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Nathan Lane
Release Date: November 22, 2024

Wanting to know how far a man would go to save his family and what it means to take the full responsibility of a whole kingdom on one’s shoulders. And that is precisely the trip Princess Ellian takes in Spellbound – an immensely marvelous animated musical film with lovable characters and an engaging narrative blending humor, romance, and magical fairytales.

Something is not quite right in the enchanting kingdom of Lumbria. King Solon (Javier Bardem) and Queen Ellsmere (Nicole Kidman) have been cursed, transforming them into gigantic and reckless creatures who can hardly stand each other. To maintain order in the kingdom, their spirited and slightly reluctant teenage daughter Ellian (Rachel Zegler) must appear as a calm and poised queen. ellian works hard to convince the public that everything is perfect, but she is alone dealing with an impossible situation. They are separated; her parents are turning into chalk, and she has the responsibility of a kingdom on her tiny shoulders.

When Ellian approaches a pair of spirited oracles, Luno, portrayed by Nathan Lane, and Sunny, played by Tituss Burgess, she expects a simple remedy. Instead, she finds herself in the middle of a fairy-tale adventure of searching for the mythical Lake of Light to break the spell. With her monster parents and a transformed magical advisor in the form of a tiny critter (John Lithgow), Ellian travels to the Dark Forest of Eternal Darkness, a dangerous place filled with peril and a vengeful force known as the anger that feeds off of suffering. In the process, there is the dark magic and the difficult terrain, and the princess must learn to cope with her anger, fear, and self-doubt and define what leadership is all about.

As for perceived quality, Spellbound can be summed up as charming with a whiff of the familiar, yet not dull or predictable: fairy-tale-like and gritty, funny in equal measure though not laugh-out-loud hilarious. Those who were impressed by Frozen or Tangled will be familiar with the best elements such as focus on the family relations, a protagonist who doesn’t initially want to embark on a journey, and magical occurrences.

Still, it is worth noting that the imagining of Spellbound is due to the creation of an engaging universe, modern and mesmerizing animation, and the legendary composer Alan Menken’s beautiful music. Ranging from grand ballads on family and longing to funny songs and dance numbers, the music greatly reinforces the plot and keeps viewers engaged.

The kingdom of Lumbria shines and sparkles with bright colors and small details, the Dark Forest is mysterious and scary but beautiful at the same time. The animation is not only designing a backdrop or environment for the characters to enact but the 840 emotions are also depicted. For example, the monsters are not depicted merely as fearsome creatures; they are also fallible in a charming way, making their actions comical and heartwarming at the same time. On the other hand, the representation of The Anger as a black tornado is a great symbolic representation of the different battles taking place in the story.

The characters add depth to the story with humor and personality. The story about Ellian is familiar and encouraging at the same time – she is shown as the teenager who tries to accept her new role in the family and discover the feelings that come with it. Some of her scenes with her monster parents are particularly memorable, shifting between comedy and pathos as they gradually regain their memories and personalities. Then there is Bolinar and his gay transformation into a small high-pitched creature is very funny especially when he is voiced by John Lithgow. At the same time, Luno and Sunny are funny and bring comic relief, and their lines lighten the mood of Ellian’s quest.

On one hand, Spellbound has a lot of love and magic in its pixels, but on the other, it does not shy away from reusing some familiar cliches from family-friendly adventures that might make some players predict the twist. The pacing occasionally falters, particularly during exposition-heavy sections of the quest, but humor and music mitigate the issue to some extent. Finally, ololo’s passion, excitement, coherence, imagination, and elderly-friendly humor counterbalance the predictable nature of the movie and make it a worthwhile experience for children and elders of all ages.

In conclusion, Spellbound is a perfect watch if you enjoy traveling through the animated world that, at the same time, incorporates real-life episodes and discourses. It is ideal for families, those who adore fairy tales, and for anyone who appreciates songs, easily identifiable characters, and appealing imagery. It may not revolutionize the progression of the genre, but it does offer audiences an experience that is warm and satisfying. Therefore, if you are in the mood for some laughter, to feel sadness, or to be thrilled by wonderful animation, Spellbound will charm viewers, and everyone will go home whistling the music in the movie.

Spellbound 2024 Parents Guide & Age Rating

Spellbound is Rated PG by the Motion Picture Rating (MPA) for thematic elements and some action/peril.

Violence and Peril:

  • The movie contains mild fantasy violence, including scenes of characters being chased by dark forces (a swirling tornado-like entity).
  • The Dark Forest presents moments of suspense and danger, with creatures and obstacles threatening the protagonists.
  • There are a few slapstick action sequences involving the monster parents, which are more humorous than scary.

Language: No strong language. Occasional mild exclamations like “Oh my gosh!” or “What the heck?”

Sexual Content: None. No romantic themes are present.

Substance Use: None.

Overall, Spellbound is family-friendly, with occasional moments of mild intensity that align with its PG rating.

Emily Johnson is a seasoned journalist and author dedicated to helping parents navigate the world of Hollywood entertainment through thoughtful, family-oriented film reviews. With over a decade of experience in writing and a passion for fostering safe, enriching viewing experiences, Stephanie launched movitrailer.com to provide parents with the insights they need to make informed choices for their families. Author Page

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