I absolutely ADORED Spellbound on Netflix. It came out this past weekend and it truly is TERRIFIC! From the music, to the beautiful animation, to the plot that takes you on a realistic turn, Spellbound is a movie that should be watched by the whole family. 
ABOUT SPELLBOUND:
DIRECTOR: Vicky Jenson
WRITTEN BY: Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda
PRODUCERS: John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Bruce Anderson for Skydance Animation
PROD. COMPANY: Skydance Animation
SCORE BY: Alan Menken
SONGS BY: Alan Menken and Glenn Slater
CAST: Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Tituss Burgess, Nathan Lane with Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman
SYNOPSIS: Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters. Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) with original score from EGOT-winning composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled). A Netflix Film from Skydance Animation, Spellbound boasts an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, with Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman. Spellbound is written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda and produced by John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bruce Anderson for Skydance Animation.
PRESS JUNKET WITH VICKY JENSON, PRODUCER:
My thoughts:
I personally thought this was one of the best movies of 2024! While the ending goes in a different direction than most fairytale movies, I think that is why I loved the movie so much. In almost every fairytale, there is always a general happy ending. While the ending did end very sweetly, it allowed a realistic story to be told, that many families can relate to. Without spoiling it, it ends in a non traditional way and I was all there for this!
I loved the story and especially loved the music numbers in this. Having Alan Menken involved, added an extra special touch to all the numbers. They were timely, comedic at times, and sentimental at other times. Each song brings the audience on a journey, and sometimes a personal journey at that. My children really enjoyed the characters, animaton, and plot as well. They especially loved the fantasy element involved and thought the animation of the monsters was wonderful.
This movie will bring joy to a lot, especially those who do not have a traditional family. I will warn you to bring tissues to watch it, because there will be many happy and sad tears!
I highly recommend Spellbound. I give it a 4.5/5!
*Thanks to Netflix for inviting me to this press junket. All opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.*