A limp and lazy animated retooling of “Cinderella” by way of “Shrek,” “Happily N’Ever After” is an ill-conceived, poorly executed kids’ movie that’s like Jell-O compared to the cherry covered cheesecake of the Disney original.
All the more disheartening is Sigourney Weaver’s participation in the film as the voice of the wicked stepmother.
Freddie Prinze Jr. wilts on the vine as the incessant narrating voice of Max, a servant to the air-headed prince to whom “Ella” (Sarah Michelle Gellar) in infatuated.
Debut director Paul J. Bolger makes last year’s animated “Little Red Riding Hood” spoof “Hoodwinked” look like a masterpiece by comparison.
Rated PG. 87 mins.
