Charming

Charming, a 2018 animated musical-comedy film, became a refreshing addition to the extensive collection of family-friendly fantasy films with its unique twist on classic fairy tales. Directed by Ross Venokur, Charming combined captivating storytelling and modern animation technology to create a delightful experience for both children and adults. The movie features the voice talents of Demi Lovato, Wilmer Valderrama, and Sia, who lent their talents to bring life to the characters, alongside an array of other talents, adding a star-studded touch to the movie.

The story revolves around the life of Prince Philippe Charming (voiced by Wilmer Valderrama), the charming prince we all hear about in numerous fairy tales. However, the movie smartly alters the traditional narrative by introducing a complex backstory for the prince. Instead of being simply charming, the prince is a victim of a hex, placed upon him at birth, which makes every woman he encounters hopelessly fall in love with him. This certainly has its perks, but it also brings its fair share of troubles and complications.

The crux of the plot is revealed when Prince Philippe is challenged to find his one true love before his 21st birthday to break the spell. If he fails, he will lose all his charm and, worse, endanger his kingdom. His quest for love leads to a confusing love triangle with Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, who are all convinced that they are his true love due to the spell's influence.

Intriguingly, the movie introduces Lenore (voiced by Demi Lovato), a smart and independent female character who, due to her own curse, is immune to Prince Charming's spell. Lenore's character brings a refreshing touch to the traditional fairy tale narrative by challenging the stereotypical portrayal of female characters that need rescuing. Prince Charming, hoping Lenore's immunity to his spell could mean she is his true love, recruits her aid to guide him on a dangerous journey to defeat a formidable foe and save his kingdom.

Throughout this adventurous journey, Charming explores themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth as the characters are not just seeking the end of a curse, but also addressing their flaws and learning to be a better version of themselves. Charming explores the notion that true love isn't about being captivated by someone's charm but about understanding and accepting another in their entirety, imperfections and all.

Although the film is filled with dramatic moments, it doesn’t miss out on the laughter. The humor incorporated within the film is light-hearted, clever, and unabashedly joyful, making it a real treat for audiences of all ages. Charming skilfully integrates classic fairy-tale elements with a modern twist, giving the movie a fresh and contemporary feel.

Featuring an impressive original musical score, which reflects the talents of renowned pop artists such as Sia, Charming manages to hit all the right musical chords. The musical numbers are an integral part of the storytelling, beautifully encapsulating the emotional state of the characters and moving the plot forward. Notably, the movie includes Sia's song, "Magical", which perfectly complements the magical world the film presents.

The animation is top notch, with colorful and detailed characters and scenery that are able to draw viewers straight into the fairy tale world. Venokur and his team managed to create superb visual quality with detailed textures, expressive characters, and rich colors, offering a feast for the eyes and a vibrant portrayal of a magical world.

In conclusion, Charming (2018), although a light-hearted animated feature, successfully sends out deep messages about love, self-realization, and bravery. With its enchanting blend of fairy-tale fantasy, twisty love stories, fun-filled adventures, a strong female lead, and catchy musical numbers, the film provides an entertaining viewing experience. It’s perfect for families who enjoy modern takes on classic stories which teach crucial life lessons wrapped in engaging narratives and eye-popping animation.