If the title of “Strange Magic” casts its spell on you, as it did me, you will enter the theater craving the strangely magical ELO 70’s hit tune. But you will have to wait for that. I rarely tout a movie’s soundtrack in advance of discussing the movie first, but in this case, the eclectic and abundant soundtrack vies for its own attention. Modified versions of assorted pop songs of the decades by artists like the Doors and Heart to Lady Gaga (and of course Electric Light Orchestra) almost serve as narrator to the film. But to enjoy this music, you must appreciate very modified versions. If you don’t, you’re in for a long 99-minute movie.

Click ahead for my family-friendly review of “Strange Magic”

If ever an animated film screamed out to be 3-D, it’s “Strange Magic”, but THANK YOU Disney and Mr. Lucas for resisting. “Strange Magic” is proof that brilliant animation and lively action do not need the trickery of 3-D. This is a visually exciting journey accompanied by odd-looking characters worthy of roles in George Lucas’s Star Wars series.

Marianne (voice of Evan Rachel Wood is serenaded by Roland (voice of Sam Palladio) in “Strange Magic” a madcap fairy tale from Lucasfilm, Ltd.

Marianne (Evan Rachel Wood) is a fairy princess – but quite more like a butterfly – who has been jilted by her fiancée, a cad with an agenda whose only apparent attribute is his finger-curled hair. She wisely chooses independence, declaring, “I’m stronger alone,” which, as the daughter of the king, would serve her well. But as with all fairy tales, good must conquer evil, and here evil resides in the Dark Forest where love is banned and the Sugar Plum fairy (the impish Kristin Chenoweth), with the ability to create love potion, is imprisoned by the truly frightening Bog King (Alan Cumming). A winding, oftentimes meandering, endeavor ensues to recover the love potion and Marianne’s sister, also held captive in the Dark Forest.

Bog King (voice of Alan Cumming) is fiercely opposed to a powerful potion that’s created by the Sugar Plum Fairy (voice of Kristin Chenoweth).

“Strange Magic” takes the long way around to arrive at the ultimate message that everyone deserves to be loved, regardless of looks or personal shortcomings. It’s a belabored “love conquers all” lesson, and while unrealistic in a live-action world, it’s a tidy (and groovy kaleidoscopic) ending, even if the love comes a little quickly.

Dawn (voice of newcomer Meredith Anne Bull) is crazy for love, while her sister Marianne (voice of Evan Rachel Wood) takes a decidedly different stance in “Strange Magic,” a madcap fairy tale told through popular songs from the past six decades.

What I Loved
• Bravo for another female empowerment kids movie (I’m really appreciating this trend)
• Griselda (Maya Rudolph) and Sunny (Elijah Kelley) are utter show stealers!
• Hooray! No 3-D!
• Finally a fairy princess (or princess in general) who does not have long or blonde hair.
• A soundtrack worthy of downloading
• The detail in the animation is fabulous! How often can you notice every freckle on a cartoon movie character?

What I Didn’t Love
• This movie has very scary scenes, particularly when the Bog King gets angry. I recommend young children watch this on a small screen.
• With so many various and strange characters, it’s a lot to ask young viewers to keep them straight. Could confuse the little ones, but won’t detract necessarily from their overall experience.
• It took a long time to discover why the evil Bog King was so evil. I wondered about it more than once before it was revealed.
• Marianne found love too fast at the end. Can’t they start as friends? There must be a song from the 60s about friendship or courtship that could be adapted and sung by a fairy princess and her potential love interest, right?

STRANGE MAGIC opens in theaters Friday!

Bog King (voice of Alan Cumming), Griselda (voice of Maya Rudolph) and Marianne (voice of Evan Rachel Wood) are part of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps in “Strange Magic,” a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

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Check out this cool “Making of Strange Magic” featurette for STRANGE MAGIC

One Sheet for STRANGE MAGIC