Boston Brings Beauty To New Disney Comedy 'Godmothered'

BOSTON, MA (Dec. 3, 2020) — Boston at Christmastime provides the beautiful backdrop for Disney’s delightful new kids comedy “Godmothered.”

Jillian Bell stars as Eleanor, a fairy godmother-in-training who is determined to make the world believe in magic again. She finds a long-lost letter from a little girl in Boston, so she makes the trek from her magical academy into the city to grant young McKenzie’s wish - only to find that she’s not a little girl at all, but a grown mother of little girls herself.

The genuinely funny film follows Eleanor’s quest to spread happily-ever-after, and in classic Disney fashion, it gives kids credit. Reminiscent of 2007’s “Enchanted,” director Sharon Maguire and a team of talented screenwriters elevate this modern spin on an old fairytale. Bell is consistently hilarious as a godmother-out-of-water, bringing life to the imaginative, fun and heartfelt film that is sure to delight families this holiday season.

Isla Fisher is subtle and human as McKenzie, a woman who is unhappy in her work as a news producer and with life as a single mom. She is the perfect foil for Bell’s eager and earnest character, who mispronounces “Massachusetts” and “pilates.” An old-fashioned film with a fresh new take, the movie wraps up a hopeful message about finding happiness in a fun-filled bow, dismantling the idea that life is a fairytale. "Godmothered" feels like a film 1990s kids will recognize - the kind that told jokes just for them, and gave them credit for their humor, with physical comedy and puns aplenty.

Boston is beautiful in the background, with McKenzie’s family residing in Charlestowne, where the film was shot in January. From the Garden for the Bruins game to the snow-covered Common, "Godmothered" is gorgeous thanks to cinematographer Christopher Norr. Prince Street Market and other familiar exteriors will undoubtedly make viewers long for pre-pandemic days - as most new movies do. But it is also a silly story with a deep message about believing that things will get better. And who couldn’t use that this Christmas?

With a principal cast of women including June Squibb and Jane Curtin as jaded godmothers, along with a female director, writers and producers, “Godmothered” is a women’s film that will make people of all ages, genders and circumstances laugh. At least, if they’re willing to believe.

“Godmothered” begins streaming Friday on Disney+.