Story
When Prince Philippe Charming (voiced by Wilmer Valderrama) is born, a vengeful dark fairy, Nemeny Neverwish (voiced by Nia Vardalos), puts a curse on him. He’s cursed to be so charming that every woman who sees him falls desperately in love with him. But if he can’t find true love’s kiss by his 21st birthday, all love will disappear from his kingdom.
As Prince Charming’s birthday approaches, he tries to work out which princess to marry – Cinderella (voiced by Ashley Tisdale), Sleeping Beauty (voiced by G.E.M.), or Snow White (voiced by Avril Lavigne). He also runs into escaping treasure thief, Lenore (voiced by Demi Lovato), who seems unaffected by his charms. After being caught, Lenore strikes a deal with the guardians of the three princesses to help the prince survive the challenges he must complete to prove his love for them.
As Lenore (in disguise as ‘Lenny’) and Prince Charming journey together, she realises that she’s falling in love with him. But to break the curse, they must confess their love for each other before it’s too late. This is made more difficult by Nemeny Neverwish’s persistent meddling.
Themes
Love; adventure; friendship
Violence
There is some animated violence in Charming. For example:
- A giant rock monster attacks and tries to crush Prince Charming and Lenore.
- Characters fight with swords and bows and arrows. No-one is hurt.
- The movie uses slapstick violence to get laughs. Characters are hit over the head by pots and pans, fall from great heights, or smack into objects like rocks. A magical vine slaps Prince Charming in the face several times. No-one is hurt.
- Lenore shoots three birds for dinner. The scenes don’t show the arrows hitting the birds.
- Lenore knees Prince Charming in the groin.
Sexual references
Charming has some sexual references. For example, Prince Charming kisses several women on the lips.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Nothing of concern
Nudity and sexual activity
Charming has some suggested nudity. For example, a portrait of Prince Charming is visible, which shows him painted in the style of The Birth of Venus.
Product placement
Nothing of concern
Coarse language
Nothing of concern
Ideas to discuss with your children
Charming is an animated children’s movie that aims to tell a traditional fairytale with a twist.
The movie is suitable for children under eight years, but it won’t interest most children older than this because of its contrived plot and flat comedic moments. In addition, the movie has regular ‘freeze-frames’ for internal monologues from the prince, which slow down the plot. There are also regular musical interludes that feature pop songs without particularly catchy melodies. These are unlikely to appeal to young children.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include:
- friendship
- love, and how it’s more important than material possessions.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the real-life consequences of activities like stealing.