This was just a great film, sorry musical, and it has the awards to prove it, including Critic's Choice, Golden Globe, and Oscar in music. I usually do not start by listing a film's awards (and this is a partial list), but it really is "Enchanted", and they are well deserved. It is a rather innovative take on many old themes. Combine that with simply lovable stars, who at once seem completely absorbed in their own characters, and laughing or at least winking along with us at the same time. It all boils down to a marvelous mix that everyone can enjoy. Although there might be a little scary bit at the end, that may not be suitable for children under 4. However this is a class act all the way. The other interesting thing is that although it is a musical, it is not an annoying musical. You won't have one melody from this song used in a jingle to sell you Cocoa Puffs, or Lucky Charms. The songs are enjoyable, and short enough so that the dance numbers are even quite fun.

Another technique employed here is the mix of life characters with animated characters, ala Roger Rabbit. Here they definitely occupy two different worlds, however a strange vortex allows the cartoon characters to fall into the real world. What a metaphor for where we all are today, hugh? The story is not a new one, Princess Giselle somehow falls through the vortex. She is played by Amy Adams, who is really very charming and perfect in this role. She is the perfect mix of unscathed innocence, although you never get the idea that she is stupid. Her character is never treated as the butt of condescension. She only knows her cartoon world, and assumes everything in the real world is exactly the same as it is in Cartoon world. Her reactions to some of the things in the real world get her into a few somewhat awkward situations. A good Samaritan, Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey), believing the woman might be a little confused, offers to bring her home until she can figure things out. He seems to sense that she is a little disoriented and somehow out of place. He has a young daughter Morgan (Rachel Covey), who really seems to have an innate connection to this woman. Of course it helps that she re-designs their home and creates an all new dress out of their curtains, with a song and dance.

Once it is realized that Giselle is missing in Cartoon World, her Prince, Prince Edward (James Mardsen) comes looking for her. Of course there is the evil Step Mother, Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon), and her henchman Nathanial (Timothy Spall). Pip the squirrel, who becomes a real squirrel tries to warn Giselle of the dangers she faces.


It all works towards a fairy tale drama, and fairy tale ending without seeming contrived, or dumbed down. In the end the fairy tale is still a fairy tale, however the more I think about this one there are lessons for us all. Even though we sort of suspect how it will end, it is never really very clear. Actually it does have a an interesting ending and that is some of what makes this so enjoyable for the adult viewer. For that reason I will not give it away, however there are a few lessons we can learn about life, and about believing in what you feel in your heart. In light of the recent survey about happy people and how contagious they are, this is a movie which is actually filled with happy people, and left the viewer feeling that way as well.


It is recommended for the whole family. As an added note, Amy Adams and Rachel Covey could very well be the 21st century Julia Roberts and Dakota Fanning, respectively. Not that either Roberts or Fanning are not out there working, however they have moved passed the stage where they could believably play their signature roles of the 1990's. These new actresses both had that fresh innocence, and wide eyed wonder, coupled with intelligence and a really likable quality.




Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8