Enchanted
Lissa Coffey
Grade: A
| “Enchanted” will sweep you away into a world of romance and whimsy. It’s over-the-top fun, in a really good way. We start out in the animated land of Andalasia, where Giselle (Amy Adams) sings about finding her true love. And here he comes, Prince Edward (James Marsden)! He sweeps her up and says “We will be married tomorrow!” Not if his evil step-mother (Susan Sarandon) has anything to say about it. She pushes Giselle down a wishing well, where Giselle re-emerges in live-action form through a manhole in Times Square. Our plucky heroine keeps her spirits up, certain that her prince will come for her. Meanwhile, she is rescued from the streets by Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter Morgan. Although Robert suspects Giselle is certifiable, her innocence, and Morgan’s pleading, lets him allow the soon-to-be-Princess to stay.
Giselle wastes no time turning Robert’s world upside down, while Robert grounds Giselle in this “real” world. Mix in the evil Queen’s stooge, Robert’s long-time-with-no-commitment girlfriend and a feisty little chipmunk and you’ve got a charming cast of characters worthy of a Disney classic. Susan Sarandon is marvelous as the Queen – clearly relishing the role. Amy Adams is the new All American romantic comedy girl – you will see a lot of her. James Marsden is sweet and handsome, a real prince! And Patrick Dempsey has quite an arc, going from sad and lonely to smitten and hopeful as he falls for this other-worldly girl he can’t quite understand. Nods all over the place to other Disney Princess films – if you’ve seen them you are sure to appreciate the references. Great movie for moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, princes and princesses! |