“Godmothered” Review

Story posted December 11, 2020 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by Sarah Simpson

Full of magic, fairytales and friendship, “Godmothered” takes a different approach to the Disney stories audiences know and love. The film debuted on Disney+ on Dec. 4, 2020.

“Godmothered” is centered around a young, curious fairy named Eleanor Fay Bloomingbottom, played by Jillian Bell, who is determined to become a fairy godmother. She lives in a magical place called the Motherland, where she trains to someday become a fairy godmother.

When Eleanor learns her school is shutting down because nobody believes in fairy godmothers anymore, she is determined to find one last believer who needs her help in order to save her dream, friends and home.

Eleanor finds solace in a letter from a little girl named Mackenzie Walsh. She travels to the real world to find Mackenzie and help make her dreams come true

She is astonished to find when she arrives that the letter was written years ago and Mackenzie is now an adult, played by Isla Fisher, but regardless Mackenzie still needs her help.

The film was directed by Sharon Maguire, who is also known for directing “Bridget Jones’ Diary.” Maguire was able to put the same funny twist on “Godmothered,” with the help of her hilarious leading lady, Bell.

Justin Springer produced the film, along with production companies Walt Disney Pictures and Secret Machine Entertainment. Kari Granlund and Melissa Stack wrote the film’s screenplay, and Granlund also conceptualized the story for “Godmothered.”

“Godmothered” takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, where it was also filmed around Christmastime. Production began in January 2020 and wrapped by April 2020, luckily as the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning to worsen in the United States.

The cinematography, showing Boston at Christmastime, was just as enchanting as the content of the film itself.

Bell, known for “22 Jump Street,” brings fun and humor to the film. She was able to depict the trope of a character coming to a new world for the first time, not understanding how things worked, similar to Giselle in 2007’s “Enchanted.” However, she puts her own spin on the role by developing dynamic emotions for her character’s chaotic situations throughout the film.

Fisher is also seen in a role unlike any of her previous work. She is known for many of her comedic roles, but in “Godmothered” audiences see a much more wholesome, heartwarming side of the actress.

Other standout performances include Jane Curtin as “Moira” the head mistress of the Motherland, Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Mackenzie’s sister “Paula,” Santiago Cabrera as “Hugh Prince,” Jillian Shea Spaeder and Willa Skye as Mackenzie’s daughters “Jane” and “Mia,” respectively.

“Godmothered” is a heartwarming film, full of quirky, fun moments that the whole family can enjoy. Bell and Fisher have already expressed interest in doing a sequel.

Rating: 4/5

 

Sarah Simpson is a junior majoring in film-video. To contact her, email sus816@psu.edu.