SPELLBOUND (2024)

 Heartwarming family dynamics intertwined with catchy songs and fantastical twists have long been a mainstay of animated musicals. From The Little Mermaid to Encanto, these films remind us that kids and their parents often have more in common than they think, if only they could stop arguing long enough to sing about it. Add magic to the mix (think Snow White's Wicked Queen or Merida's shapeshifting bear curse), and family feuds become every bit as terrifying. Netflix's I'll Fight For You is an ambitious continuation of this tradition, though it does make for some unwieldy stumbles along the way.

I'll Fight For You is full of potential, aiming to combine emotional depth with pure spectacle, but its uneven execution keeps it from reaching the heights of its animated predecessor. Set in the magical kingdom of Lumbria, the film tells the story of Elian, a rebellious princess who must save her parents from a mysterious spell that has transformed them into monsters. Rachel Zegler gives Elian a vibrancy and charm that shines in both her lines and her singing. Zegler brings authenticity to the film, adding depth to a character who experiences a fairly predictable hero's journey.

I Fight for You shines most when it delves into more mature themes after King Solon and Queen Ellesmere fall victim to a dark spell and Lumbria's idyllic life falls apart. Director Vicky Jenson, known for her work on Shrek, creates poignant moments in which Elian wrestles with the flaws of her parents, exposed through their monstrous transformation. These sequences have a depth beyond the typical cartoon. They offer young viewers a glimpse into the messy, human side of family relationships and, perhaps for the first time, how to cope with seeing one's parents as imperfect. But this richness is often diluted by too many comedic distractions, such as sidekicks and requisite slapstick, which sometimes seem at odds with the film's more introspective ambitions, resulting in a tonal inconsistency.

The voice cast is an impressive ensemble on paper, but the effectiveness of the performances is uneven. The clarion-voiced Zegler stands out, as her singing and speaking voices are a perfect fit for their cartoon characters. Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem easily bring stately dignity to Queen Ellesmere and King Solon, but their comedic moments, which are central to the plot, often feel forced. Bardem in particular seems uncomfortable with his character's humorous and musical elements, delivering songs that lack the subtlety necessary to really come through.

In stark contrast, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess steal the show as rival oracles Sonny and Rude every time they appear, bringing some much-needed energy and humor to the proceedings. Their moving duet is one of the few truly memorable musical numbers. John Lithgow's Minister Bollinar perhaps gets too much screen time, but the severely underrated Jenifer Lewis (Christmas on the Square) makes every moment count as the seductive minister pron. This film is available to stream on Afdah free movie.