Chase Hutchinson of The Wrap says Spellbound is plagued by flat animation and a story that never really takes flight or feels magical. This movie can’t emerge from the shadow cast by other, better animated films this year, the critic says:

At least, not until the end.Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek), this animated adventure about a young princess (voiced by West Side Story's Rachel Zegler) trying to free her parents from a spell is an unfortunately formulaic ride for its first two thirds.

Produced by Skydance Animation's John Lasseter and directed by 'Shrek' co-helmer Vicky Jenson, the musical follows a teenage princess trying to undo the curse that turned her parents into monsters.

With all the behind-the-scenes makings of an animated classic, Spellbound features a talented voice cast and a can’t-miss creative team for a family movie with a whole lot of heart. Directed by DreamWorks alum Vicky Jenson (Shrek,

Spellbound takes too long to make its point and underwhelms in other areas in the process, leaving a hole in the heart of the animation's story.