Godmothered proves Disney is thinking bigger about revisiting its past: it’s not all just cynical cash grabs. They eviscerated their princess formula in Enchanted. And now, Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher try to take down the princess helper formula, rethinking the fairy Godmother’s role in these stories. And hopefully making studios rethink sidelining the criminally underused Fisher and Bell in their next movie.
Fairy Godmothers come from a place called the Motherland, run by the strict rulebook writer Moira (Jane Curtin). The perky Eleanor (Jillian Bell) has full on embraced the role, and is excited to go into the field to help someone. When the Motherland is threatened with extinction, the desperate Eleanor, with an assist from her friend Agnes (June Squibb), takes the first Fairy Godmother assignment in ages. Unfortunately its for the jaded, cynical Mackenzie (Isla Fisher), a single parent of two who’s given up on love.
You can sort of guess where Godmothered is going based on the description above. Surprises aren’t this movie’s strength. Simplicity is. The rules of fairy godmothering are easy to follow, and antiquated enough that seeing them play out in modern day leads to at least amusing results. Thank goodness for Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher, who totally commit to the bit: Bell doing the perpetually enthusiastic helper and Fisher the world weary person put in outlandish wardrobe repeatedly. Enthusiasm vs. Cynicism is comedic fish in a barrel, and Bell and Fisher are excellent playing off of one another. There are a few potential pitfalls in the story for Godmothered to undercut its messaging, but fortunately the three headed creative of Sharon McGuire, Kari Granlund, and Melissa Stack keep the story on the tracks, careening towards a totally satisfying ending that may bring a tear to the eye if Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher won you over. Godmothered may not be revelatory, but for a Christmas movie, it’s better than some of the schmaltzy manipulative garbage out there.
Godmothered is a perfect salve for a family holiday watch. It’s got just enough going on to keep butts on couches before everyone switches to the new Mandalorian episode. Now if Disney really wants to wow me, “A Mandalorian Christmas” has a real shot to be truly insane, so naturally, let’s get this done! I’d rather watch that than the “Hunchback” live action film you’ve got in the works.