“Enchanted” can even be seen by guys
I find it hard to believe I’m going to give this a good review. That’s right. I’m a grown man who likes movies like “Sin City” and “Die Hard,” who went to “Enchanted” over Thanksgiving break at the behest of my fiancée, and you know what? It wasn’t half bad. Scratch that – it wasn’t bad at all.
“Enchanted” is a Disney movie spoofing Disney movies. Finally, Disney has learned to laugh at itself. It’s finally figured out that real life doesn’t work out the way it does in Disney’s animated features. True love can’t be determined by one kiss. No. True love takes a lot of kisses, tons of dates, a few fights, a meeting of the parents, a planning of a wedding … well, you get the idea. Things don’t work out like they do in Disney movies, and that’s why “Enchanted” was such a welcome surprise.
The movie stars Amy Adams (“Junebug”) as Giselle, who starts out as a cartoon princess in waiting. She lives in Andalasia, waiting for a hunky prince to come sweep her off her feet. In her cartoon world, she employs the help of the friendly woodland creatures just by sweetly singing to them. Yes, all the animals can talk, dance and even make fine dresses all while singing their merry tune.
But, just when Giselle has finally found her hunky prince, Prince Edward, played by James Marsden (“Superman Returns”), she is pushed down a magical well by his evil Queen Mother, played by Susan Sarandon (“Heartbreakers”), and ends up in the unanimated world of New York City.
Giselle is alone, helpless and clueless. Her cute naivety is what is so essential to this film. Even though Giselle is trapped in this dirty world of mean hobos that steal her crown, she still finds the goodness in life.
Giselle eventually meets up with Robert, played by Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”). Robert is a lawyer that has to deal with divorce cases. A more disheartening job I cannot think of. Giselle is just that spice he needs in his life to show him there really are good things to be had while we’re living.
Even in the real world, Giselle has the power to command the furry creatures with her angelic voice, but instead of woodland creatures, they are cockroaches and rats. She also has the ability to make everyone around her, except Robert, mainly because he’s too skeptical, break out in song and dance at a moment’s notice.
Adams is the key to this movie. She’s so cute and loveable, it’s almost like she has at one time in her life been animated. She embodies the spirits of every Disney princess to perfection.
If it weren’t for the weird climax and the silly pop music montage at the end (which I’m hoping was a spoof of something, but more than likely it was seriously put there to warm people’s hearts), this movie would’ve been perfect.
Grade: B+
-aaron.peck@aggiemail.usu.edu