Spellbound

Despite some twists to the usual template about a precocious young princess set to inherit the throne, Spellbound feels more about checking boxes than carving a niche of its own.

This animated adventure is a breezy but largely derivative coming-of-age saga, with spirited songs (composed by Oscar-winner Alan Menken) enhancing an empowerment story that comes off as thinly sketched and simplistic.

Although it boasts an esteemed voice cast, along with colorful and crisply detailed visuals, the film seems to recombine elements from superior animated predecessors without inspiring a deeper sense of wonder.

It’s set in Lumbria, a faraway land where humans and creatures coexist, yet one that has fallen into disarray as King Solon (voiced by Javier Bardem) and Queen Ellsmere (Nicole Kidman) have each been transformed into giant beasts by a mysterious spell.

As they remain sequestered, it’s been up to advisers Bolinar (John Lithgow) and Nazara (Jenifer Lewis) to shield the news about the beloved royal couple from the public while they seek to reverse the curse. With time running out, they devise a succession plan involving mischievous Princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler), who is reluctant.

Instead, she sets out on a last-ditch quest to break the spell, accompanied by Bolinar and two goofy mystics (Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess) whose powers might provide a key. Along the way, Ellian learns secrets about her family that shifts her outlook on her future destiny.

Her unusual dilemma becomes a springboard for exploring childhood innocence, fractured family dynamics, and being forced to grow up before you’re ready.

Still, it’s difficult to be fully transported to this unique fantasy world filled with magic and monsters when the protagonist talks and behaves just like a contemporary suburban teenager. From that standpoint, it feels like a transparent attempt to pander to its target demographic.

Generating some scattered laughs with a kid-friendly mix of sight gags and one-liners, the film from director Vicky Jenson (co-director of Shrek) also benefits from some quirky supporting characters — some more cute and cuddly than others — and lively musical numbers.

While children might identify with Ellian’s resilience and idealistic quest for independence, Spellbound is not clever or sophisticated enough to pull in adults.

Rated PG, 109 minutes.