“Fairytales end with ‘Happily Ever After,’ and that’s where we begin.” Disney+’s Godmothered, puts a different spin on your traditional happily ever after. Does this new perspective hold its own? Is this feature film kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements in my Disney Plus Godmothered Parent Movie Review to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!
Disney+ Godmothered Parent Movie Review
When I first saw the trailer for Godmothered, I was really excited! I’ve always loved fairytales and “happily ever after.” Fun fact: I had a horse and carriage at my wedding! I’m a huge fan of Disney princesses and all their movies. However, I think what I enjoyed most about this film, was that it wasn’t what I was expecting!
Godmothered opens with our narrator, 102 year old spitfire Agnes (June Squibb), telling us the story of Fairy Godmothering. We meet fairy godmother in training, Eleanor (Jillian Bell). Eleanor is vibrant and full of optimism. She’s the youngest in her fairy godmothering class, and sadly seems to be the only one interested in learning. You see, Fairy Godmothers are going to become extinct! Eleanor’s dreams are about to be crushed. In an attempt to prove the world still needs fairy godmothers, she sets off on an assignment to show they’re still very much needed.
Eleanor arrives in Boston
As someone who’s from the New England area, I was thrilled to see this film take place in Boston! I will say that I noticed a few similarities to the movie, Elf, especially with Eleanor’s grand entrance to Boston. For starters, she’s elaborately dressed in a ballgown, and really has no concept on how the real world works. People look at her like she’s a bit crazy, because let’s be honest, she certainly seems out of place.
When she went to meet Mackenzie (Isla Fisher) at her work, the whole scene was like a reimagining of when Buddy meets his dad at the Empire State Building.
I was able to put these similarities aside and still enjoy the movie, but I definitely noticed.
Something that did surprise me was how quickly people seemed to just accept her. I mean, she’s dressed in the SAME ballgown for the entire movie. Her behavior is a bit nutty. Sure she’s fun-loving and a burst of happiness, but it’s hard that they accept her so fast.
Putting that aside, there are so many important messages in this movie. It certainly didn’t go where I expected it to, but that’s what made it even more magical.
Is Disney+ Godmothered Kid-Friendly?
Here we go. The reason you stumbled upon this blog post. Is Disney Plus’ Godmothered appropriate for kids? Godmothered is rated PG for some suggestive comments (which I’ll address). It has a runtime of 1 hour 50 minutes. I think it’s important that although you might think because Godmothered is full of magic and fairytales, it’s a kids film, that is not always necessarily so. I’m going to help you decide if your kids should see this movie in my Godmothered Parents Guide.
Heavy Topics in Godmothered
There are a few topics you might want to be forewarned about. Mackenzie’s husband passed away in a car accident a few years ago. It’s a Disney film, so this isn’t necessarily unexpected, but it is still something kids might be sensitive towards. Our family was in a very serious car accident almost 6 years ago, so I know my oldest son would immediately think of that event.
Another character is divorced, and although they don’t go into that particular storyline in as much depth, it’s still a heavy topic for children.
Godmothered’s PG Rating
I am happy to report there is no profanity in Godmothered. I told you this movie was rated PG for suggestive comments. There’s mention of a wet t-shirt contest. I know my children do not know what that means; I also know there’s a strong chance my 11 year old will ask me what that is. There is also some drinking in the movie and someone asks Eleanor is she’s on drugs. Be prepared for those questions if you’re watching with kids.
Godmothered Age Recommendation
What ages would enjoy this film? While Godmothered is only rated PG, I’d suggest this movie for ages 8 and up. I just don’t see it holding the attention of little ones. I found the middle part a little slow, which doesn’t help its 1 hour 50 minute runtime.
Overall Thoughts
Godmothered was not what I expected, and that is exactly what made it pure magic. As a society, we have preconceived notions on what a fairytale is supposed to be, and what happily ever after means. This film takes a whole new approach, and dare I say I like it even better?! I think it’s especially important for children to see this new meaning.
Disney+’s Godmothered is a Christmas comedy that comes to us at the perfect time. Let’s face it, this has been one heck of a year! I think we could all use a little fairy godmother magic right about now. This movie allows us a joyous escape, at least for almost 2 hours.
Godmothered is a heartfelt movie that makes us remember, “Fairytales come in all different shapes and sizes, just like us.” Godmothered is not your traditional happily ever after, which makes its message even more powerful. Stream it exclusively on Disney+ December 4th!
DISNEY+ GODMOTHERED SYNOPSIS:
Set at Christmas time, “Godmothered” is a comedy about Eleanor, a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training (Jillian Bell) who upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers. Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “Happily Ever After,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not.
I hope you enjoyed my Disney+ Godmothered parent movie review! Will you be streaming on December 4th?
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