Review of Enchanted (2007) by Bentley L — 22 Jul 2011

Enchanted is one of my favorite films. I actually watched it again this morning on DVD. This probably had to be my fourth viewing this year. Enchanted is like Scream or Shrek. It satirizes a specific genre and also contributes to it. The film spoofs as wells as homages those classic Disney films we all grew up on.

The film is the story of a girl named Giselle (Amy Adams) from the animated fairytale world of Andalasia. She then meets her true love, Prince Edward, and two are set to wed despite being together for only ONE DAY! The evil Queen Narissa then throws Giselle down a well that transports her to the bustling, live-action streets of New York City where she meets a single father named Robert who doesn't believe in "Happily Ever Afters". She then begins to charm and annoy people with her wacky, girly-girl, princess-like antics. Then Edward and Pip the Chipmunk from Andalasia drop in. Oh, pooh!

Enchanted lives up to its title with a sharp script, unforgettable performances, and charming animation sequences. The film is hilarious with many memorable and funny quotes. Especially from Amy Adams whose awkward charm is unforgettable. Adams' is just so memorable and has to be my favorite performance from her. She knows how to act like an animated princess in the live-action scenes. she is very charming and beautiful. I happen to have a little crush on her. Patrick Dempsey even knows how to react to the oddity she causes. James Marsden of X-Men fame is very good as the equally awkaward Prince Edward. I wasn't a big fan of his performance as Cyclops in X-Men but roles like this are the ones I like to see him in. Want to see me go on and on about how enjoyable he was in Hairspray? The supporting cast is terrific. Susan Sarandon and Timothy Spall were great. Every time I see a movie with a British powerhouse cast, Spall slithers his way into there. Harry Potter, The King's Speech, Alice in Wonderland, you get the picture.

Its about time I start a new paragraph. Also in the film is Jodi Benson, the voice is probably the hottest Disney Princess, Ariel. I saw a painting of her on sale at Comic-Con that made her look her more mysterious and lusty like Jessica Rabbit. Yummy! Anyways, this is probably the only time you'll ever see her in a live-action role. I find it funny because she also dumbfounded by Giselle and Edward even though se played a princess. That was another good supporting role in the film.

Disney collaborator, Alan Menken, writes some classic tunes for the film including one entitled, "Thats How You Know", which has already become a classic Disney song. I heard it at Disneyland and a Disney On Ice show. The scene is an instant classic with great lyrics and choreography. The other song, "True Love's Kiss", is very memorable. Menken's songs had just enough Cowbell to make Christopher Walken happy!

But what makes Enchanted enchanted are its numerous parodies and homages to many Disney films, mainly the ones with princesses. Here are a few of the many homages:

-An Italian restaurant called BELLA NOTTE is shown.

-Giselle cleans up a house with a whole bunch of critters.

-Giselle forgets her slipper!

-The BEAUTY AND THE BEAST theme is heard on a Soap Opera Edward watches.

So there you have it! All the stuff that make Enchanted a memorable film, a Disney classic, and one of my favorite films. Apart from my numerous DVD viewings, I saw it twice in the theater. The second time was the best because my family and I took a friend who just moved to the U.S. from Africa and it was her first moviegoing experience. Enchanted is just charming, classic, and most of all, ENCHANTED!

"Its like you just escaped from a Hallmark card or something.".