Enchanted

By Nathan Young

Everyone loves a good fairy tale. They always end with the princess falling in love and living happily ever after with her Prince Charming.

Walt Disney's latest movie 'Enchanted' is not your typical fairy tale. It is, however, a funny and entertaining movie for the whole family and I am giving it an enthusiastic 'thumbs up'.

The movie starts out like any other Disney cartoon. The beautiful Giselle (Amy Adams) sings to her animal friends about kissing her true love for the first time. Shortley thereafter, she meets and falls for the brave Prince Edward (James Marsden). After a one day courtship, the couple is set to marry at the castle. Edward's stepmother, the evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon), has other ideas. She sabotages Giselle, pushing her down a dark well to a place where happily ever after doesn't exist.

Giselle finds herself in modern day New York City, and the film shifts to live action. She stumbles through the city and is eventually taken in by single father Robert ('Grey's Anatomy' star Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter. After finding himself in a compromising position with Giselle the next morning as his girlfriend Nancy (Idina Menzel) visits, Robert decides to part company with the princess, much to his daughter's dismay. What follows is a funny and charming tale of courtship and true love.

The film's highlight is a scene where Giselle sings the Oscar worthy song 'That's How You Know' as she tries to convince Robert to tell Nancy how he really feels about her. It is funny and well choreographed. It makes you want to applaud afterwards.

Adams is splendid as Giselle. She brings just the right amount of innocence and spunk to the part. Her bright eyed optimism is perfect for the role without ever being forced or sappy. Adams also has a wonderful singing voice which is on display several times.

Marsden is also very good as the self involved Edward. He is the impetus for several hysterical moments, including one in which he finally figures out from the magic mirror where his beloved Giselle is being held captive (or so he thinks). Marsden, like Adams, completely buys into the fantasy of the role and does not hold anything back to draw a laugh.

In stark contrast to Marsden, Dempsey underplays Robert. He is a good choice for a romantic lead and even draws a few laughs himself. He also has good chemistry with Adams.

Director Kevin Lima, who previously helmed Disney films 'Tarzan' and '102 Dalmatians', does a fine job of transitioning from the cartoon world to the real one. He also gets great performances from the whole cast, especially in the musical numbers.


The ending is a bit overblown (and possibly a tad scary for younger viewers), but that is a minor detail. The movie is funny and entertaining, and that is all you can ask for from a Disney movie. This modern fairy tale with a twist is a must see for kids of all ages.