I prefer to read the book before I see the movie. Whenever I hear an interesting movie is coming out that’s based on a book, I’ll hie myself to a library and then wait for months for a copy to become available. However, until Malin’s review of Ella Enchanted (1997) by Gail Carson Revine, I had no idea that there even was a book version.
Ella Enchanted is a re-telling of Cinderella. Ella, short for Eleanor, is granted a “gift” of obedience that plagues her as she grows up. When her mother dies and Ella has to contend with a step mother and two step sisters, her problems multiply. Throw into the mix a lovable Prince Charmont, a selfish, distracted father, and a godmother/fairy and there’s your story. Ella spends most of the book trying to rid herself of obedience and falling in love with Char.
Click here for the rest of the review and my quick film/book comparison.
Cannonball Read V 
So glad my review helped you find a book that you enjoy. I too watched the film first, and think it was perfectly entertaining. But the book had a better and much more enjoyable story, to my mind.
I agree with you. The movie was silly and kind of hammy–although I liked it. The book felt a little more serious and meaningful, although I think I would have liked the book even more if the movie hadn’t spoiled the originality of the premise for me.