This week it will be released. Discuss your likes and dislikes here!
Turning the pages of a storybook
Disney has perfected, the tale of Giselle begins in animation and evolves into real world fantasy. Introducing the immaculate animation Disney possesses over
its animal kingdom, from the birds, deer to a chipmunk named Pip who steals scenes left and right, "Enchanted" is a celebration of all things Magic
Kingdom.
The film begins as any other Disney fantasy tale and then takes it and turns it upside down.
HEROINE AS HERO
Hilariously charming, the hero, Edward, we meet as he is in the midst of a troll capture. In
fitting fairy book fashion, he meets Giselle and within moments they're singing of marriage. "Fear not maiden, I am here," he exclaims.
Any fairy
tale worth its salt has to have a villain mirroring the goodness in our heroine. Susan Sarandon's Queen Narissa is pure evil. Her desire is to prevent
Adams' Giselle "no more happily ever afters."
As the epitome of every classic Disney heroine, Giselle is in dire need of a modern hero. Robert, played with reserved awe by McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey, is immediately taken with Giselle once she bounds into the real world. But he is not sure why. With his six-year-old daughter in tow, Dempsey's Robert is always possessing one eye on the truth and one on the possibility that the fantasy is true.
FAIRY TALE VERSUS REALITY
Robert's daughter is yearning for a fairy tale book herself, only to receive a biography
book of famous women as a gift from her father. Little does she know, but a fairy tale is about to consume both of them.
The songs are another great set from composers Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken. Leading the way is the charming "Happy Working Song" and "That's How You Know."
The choice of New York as the setting was also inspired. Where else but in Manhattan could a guy walk around in prince tights and no one bat an eye. He could be on his way to an audition!
Demspey's character has a great manic sense about him. It's almost as if he's the fish out of water in this tale instead of Giselle who leapt from animation to reality.
TV AS MAGIC MIRROR
James Marsden performance is princely deadpan with such verve, he bounds off the screen. The
way he delivers lines staring at a television for inspiration is pure fairy tale hero gone slapstick, yet debonair.
Adams is, along with the wizards of Disney animation, what puts the magic in this magical tale. And what fairy tale would be complete without the
ball closing the film?
"Enchanted" closes in one possessing the grandeur of "Beauty and the Beast," the majesty of "Sleeping Beauty" without the (crutch) of animation to spawn the (power, euphoria).
"Enchanted" is a celebration of the miracle, however rare, where true love's kiss sets the bonds of life's troubles free.
The theme by Carrie Underwood "Ever, Ever After," is perfect for the princess in modern day America tale.
Towards the end of "Enchanted," Susan Sarandon's evil empress states she will take this tale "to new heights." She is not kidding. Director Kevin Lima has taken the musical gifts of Menken and Schwartz, the innocent wonder of Adams' performance, Marsden's ideal funnyman, and Disney's unmatched library of princess-based classics and crafted pure excellence Walt would be proud to call his own.
DVD EXTRAS AND DISNEY'S DVD DOMINANCE
- Disney's fast play is a superb feature that answers the call of anyone who did not want
to watch previews for the one-hundredth time because you own the DVD.
- Witness the magic of director Kevin Lima's dailies contrasted with the finished product, "Fantasy Comes to Life" is worth the price of admission simply to see how Amy Adams in a room of nothing becomes the most charming scene in the entire film.
- The deleted scenes are captivating in how they show the process of determining of all the scenes shot, who makes the grade.
- Technologically heavenly, the DVD's additional feature of "Pip's Pop Up Predicament," is a terrific way for the magicians behind the film to illustrate their prowess. With Julie Andrews' narration, the bonus storyline in the form of a virtual pop-up book is pure pixilated perfection.
- Don't miss the Bloopers, a tribute to how fantasy can be funny.
