Movie Description
With a fine cast and fun in-jokes, Disney's ENCHANTED is sure to cast a spell over both children and adults. It begins with a 2-D animation sequence reminiscent of the company's beloved past. Surrounded by dozens of cute animals, Giselle (voiced and later played by Amy Adams) sings about her desire to find her one true love. Meanwhile, a handsome prince (James Marsden) overhears her, and they meet and fall in love. In many Disney movies, this is where the story ends, but ENCHANTED is just starting out on its journey. The prince's wicked stepmother (Susan Sarandon) can't stand to lose her throne, so she pushes Giselle down a well, and the beauty ends up in the real world. Gone is the animated fantasy, and a live-action Giselle lands in the middle of Times Square in New York City. Her optimism and perkiness put her at odds with the New Yorkers she encounters, but she gets help from a cynical divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey) as she waits for her prince to rescue her.
Fans of Disney classics from SLEEPING BEAUTY to BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be glad to see their favorite films referenced in ENCHANTED. Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel in THE LITTLE MERMAID) makes a brief appearance, and the evil queen threatens to kill Giselle with a poisoned apple à la SNOW WHITE. Though it reminds the audience of past favorites, ENCHANTED boasts its own script that is at once intelligent and heartwarming. But the true highlight of the film is the acting by the fairy tale couple. Marsden (HAIRSPRAY) couldn't be funnier as the charming prince, while Adams (an Oscar nominee for 2005's JUNEBUG) gives dimension to the heroine. As a result, ENCHANTED is a film that deserves to sit on a shelf with Disney's classics.
| Credits | | Producer: | Barry Josephson, Barry Sonnenfeld | | Cast: | Idina Menzel, Timothy Spall |
Editorial Reviews
3 stars out of 5 -- "[Adams] prances, dances, witters and warbles with enough energy to outlast a whole warren's worth of Duracell bunnies....[She's] every iota the Disney princess made flesh..."
Total Film - Matthew Leyland (01/01/2008)
"[ENCHANTED has] an unironic affection for classic Disney fairy tales of old, salted with modern smarts....Festooned with extravagant set pieces..." -- Grade: B+
Entertainment Weekly - Lisa Schwarzbaum (11/30/2007)
"[A]n unexpectedly delightful revisionist fairy tale....Ms. Adams proves to be an irresistibly watchable screen presence and a felicitous physical comedian..."
New York Times - Manohla Dargis (11/21/2007)
3 stars out of 4 -- "ENCHANTED is the very definition of charming. The film anchored by an entrancing performance by Amy Adams and a strong ensemble cast, is cleverly written. The situations are funny, and the story feels effortlessly entertaining."
USA Today - Claudia Puig (11/21/2007)
3 stars out of 4 -- "Adams is the wish your heart makes when you want a storybook princess for the ages. She's wicked good."
Rolling Stone - Peter Travers (11/29/2007)
3 stars out of 5 -- "It's a cute idea....Amid the fish-out-of-water gags and big musical numbers, there are nods to Disney movies past....Amy Adams is just wonderful."
Empire - Olly Richards (01/01/2008)
"[A]n affectionate postmodern satire....It displays a sophisticated yet breathless enthusiasm for the old-school fairytale certainties..."
Sight and Sound - Kate Stables (01/01/2008)
"ENCHANTED is as good as its name. An adroit combination of wised-up and happily-ever-after..."
Los Angeles Times - Kenneth Turan (11/21/2007)
3 stars out of 5 -- "Absolutely charming from start to finish....You simply can't help falling under its spell."
Ultimate DVD - Nikki Baughan (05/01/2008)
| See an error? Submit a change request |
All rights reserved.
