“Spellbound” is a Netflix animation movie directed by Vicky Jenson.
The latest film from Netflix curiously transports us to a universe that is strikingly reminiscent of Disney’s signature style. This isn’t surprising, considering the songs are composed by none other than Alan Menken, the musical genius behind classics like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Little Mermaid. With such a stellar track record of Disney titles, you can already imagine the standout feature of this movie: the songs.
But it’s not just the songs that give off a Disney vibe; the entire magical, festive, and jovial atmosphere of Disney is captured in this Netflix production. The similarities in essence are so pronounced that it’s impossible not to draw comparisons.
Plot
The story revolves around a princess with a rather unusual problem: her parents are literal monsters. This isn’t the typical teenage issue of feeling misunderstood or unfairly treated by her parents. No, her parents are actually monsters, cursed by an evil spell that the young princess is determined to break in order to save them.
About the movie
The film is fun, fast-paced, and features songs that are incredibly catchy—the highlight of the movie, undoubtedly. Is “Spellbound” an original film? Not exactly. In fact, everything about it seems to be drawn straight from the stylebook of the company founded by Walt Disney.
However, the film holds a little surprise at the end that will surely make everyone laugh and help you understand much of the irony embedded in the movie.
Behind what appears to be an imitation or near-parody of classic animated films, “Spellbound” carries a critical spirit and a very intelligent perspective that almost goes unnoticed by the viewer until the end, when this final surprise ties everything together. You’ll realize that the seemingly random happiness and magic were far from accidental.
You’ll find out soon enough.
On the technical side, “Spellbound” is a traditional animated musical film featuring the most famous and celebrated composer (apart from John Williams, of course). The movie is worth watching for the songs alone, which, while having a familiar touch, innovate with new, modern rhythms and sometimes stray from the traditional to show us another side of Menken that is equally catchy but more unpredictable.
It boasts an engaging script, good dialogues, and a charming protagonist who, as you might have guessed, seems to be pulled from the Disney drawer only to be transformed into something entirely new.
Entertaining, clever, and full of spark.
Another notable contribution from Netflix to the world of animation that stands out amidst a sea of releases.
Where to Watch “Spellbound”
