Full Review

“Disappointing Magic” – Despite its promising premise, Spellbound fails to deliver the enchantment it promises. With a star-studded cast and a fantasy world full of potential, it had all the makings of a modern animated classic. Instead, it feels more like a missed opportunity.

Let’s start with the visuals: while the animation isn’t bad, it’s disappointingly generic. The colors are bright, and the magical effects are serviceable, but the overall style lacks the depth or texture that would make Lumbria feel like a truly magical place. The world-building feels flat, almost like a digital paint-by-numbers, rather than an immersive experience. It’s polished, but it doesn’t stand out in a crowded market of animated films.

The story, unfortunately, doesn’t fare much better. Princess Ellian’s quest to break a mysterious curse threatening her kingdom could have been engaging, but the plot leans too heavily on overused tropes, like the sidekick who “accidentally” just looks so cute that it could be a doll you could sell (who guessed). The pacing is a little uneven – some scenes linger far too long, while others skip through emotional or narrative milestones, leaving the story feeling both rushed and drawn out in parts. The story at some points reminded me a little of Inside Out – just not as good.

The music, composed by Alan Menken, is competent but uninspired. While the songs fit the tone of the film, they lack the spark or catchiness you’d expect from a composer of his caliber. None of the musical numbers stand out, and they fail to add the emotional weight that could have lifted the movie.

In the end, Spellbound feels like a generic animated film that doesn’t rise to meet its potential. It’s not terrible – it’s just forgettable. If you’re looking for a magical animated adventure, there are far better choices out there.

Netflix holds all rights to the images.