Ella Enchanted (2004) is the first movie I remember seeing in theaters; Hugh Dancy (as Prince Char) was my first celebrity crush. I cannot BELIEVE it took me this long to read the novel.

I love most fairy tale retellings, but this one is particularly smart. It's so funny, with a kind, clever, daring heroine. Rather than gushy romance with an ultra-masculine prince, Ella and Char's relationship is based on friendship and consent first. They respect each other as people. This is a fairy tale that you can feel good about giving to your kid.