Ella Enchanted is a 2004 fantasy/comedy movie directed by Kevin Lima and stars Anne Hathaway as the titular Ella, Hugh Dancy, Carey Elwes, Lucy Punch, Joanna Lumley, and Vivica A. Fox. Cursed by her fairy godmother Lucinda (Fox), Ella has been under the spell of “obedience” all her life, which forces her to do everything she’s told. Before Ella’s mother died, she told her to keep the curse a secret, that is, until her father remarries a mean woman (Lumley) with two snobby daughters. One of her daughters, Hattie (Punch), figures out Ella’s curse and uses it against her. Sick of the treatment she faces at home, Ella quests to find Lucinda and make her undo the curse. Despite this tale of magic and whimsy, the soundtrack for the film uses iconic rock and pop tracks that modernize this “Olde English tale.” Why don’t we take a look at some of the best musical moments from Ella Enchanted.
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Anne Hathaway
Hugh Dancy
Cary Elwes
Vivica A. Fox
Joanna Lumley
Jimi Mistry
Steve Coogan
Aidan McArdle
Heidi Klum
Jim Carter
Jennifer Higham
Parminder Nagra
Strange Magic - ELO/Darren Hayes
The film opens with vast kingdoms and fields, narrated by an extremely British-sounding individual (Eric Idle) who shares knowledge about this curious land as if it were a children’s fairytale. Over the towering structures and lush green forests, it eventually lands on Frell, the fictional hometown of Ella. During this sequence, ELO’s “Strange Magic” can be heard in the background performed by Darren Hayes. This cover’s bright, classic rock structure introduces the film so well, letting the audience know it will be a lighthearted story.
Walking On Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves/Jump 5
As Prince Char (Dancy) and his deceptive uncle Edgar (Elwes) touch down in Frell for some royal PR, crowds of young women fill the streets, hoping to see the Prince. However, this is not for Ella and her friend, who are there to protest the civil rights of the neighboring species whom the kingdom has mistreated. The women of Frell, completely overwhelmed by Char’s presence, decide to chase him throughout the kingdom, which signals Katrina and the Wave’s hit “Walking on Sunshine” covered by Jump 5 that plays well with Char being hunted by adoring fans.
Somebody to Love - Queen/Anne Hathaway
In a land full of giants, Ella discovers that Lucinda’s last known location was at a bar. Having just missed her, Ella must continue her quest but is persuaded to stay by Prince Char. Ella, having slowly developed a liking for Char, does remain, but soon, the curse will haunt her as the bar full of giants makes Ella sing and dance with back-to-back commands. Suddenly, she lets out a stellar performance of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” in the film’s most iconic moment, amazingly done by Anne Hathaway.
Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John & Kiki Dee/Anne Hathaway & Jesse McCartney
Towards the film's end, once Ella gets her spell lifted and Char the rightful throne, the two celebrate each other’s victories and get married. The track that perfectly wraps up this whimsical film is “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee, though brilliantly covered by the film’s ensemble in a giant musical number.
Check out the full Ella Enchanted soundtrack here.
