Hugely Entertaining Fantasy with Love Lessons for All of Us

Rating: 9/10 (16 December 2007)

I have another movie to recommend; it's title, Enchanted, describes how I felt about it.
When I entered the theater, I thought I made a mistake. This was a Disney movie, and many in the audience were kids. The opening scenes further reinforced my mistake, since all I saw were animated, cartoon characters.
But 10 minutes later, a dramatic turn takes place. The cartoon princess-to-be has her storybook romance with Prince Charming (the animated kind) derailed as she's catapulted into New York's Times Square, where she emerges from a manhole and is surrounded by real people. Much later, Prince Charming leaves Fantasyland and comes to New York to claim his bride. Are you still with me? This being a romantic comedy, here's where the complications come in.
Before the Prince arrives in New York, Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) has met a handsome, engaged lawyer (Patrick Dempsey) with an adorable six-year old daughter. Add the lawyer's girlfriend to the mix, and you have your basic story. Let it develop at its own pace, and don't prejudge its uniqueness. I urge you to accept the fantasy premise of animated characters and humans interacting, and just follow the enchanting and refreshing story. (The last films I saw involving human-cartoon interaction were the 1988 Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and last year's Pan's Labyrinth, award winners in several categories.) This is a great "date movie," since all aspects of relationships are discussed: commitment, dating, fidelity, jealousy, infatuation, serendipity, accepting imperfections, and even questioning if Prince Charming is indeed the best candidate for "happily ever after." What stands out most is dialog about relationships and what's meaningful.
One would need to be hard-hearted not to appreciate fantasy Princess Giselle, who is described as a "Hallmark Card brought to life," and her gallant Prince Charming (James Marsden), who is no shoo-in to win her heart. Guys can be reassured that if even Prince Charming has romantic barriers to surmount, it's even harder for us. Women might recognize that someone other than that Prince may be a better choice.
As the story unfolds, the characters switch roles; animated ones develop human qualities, and vice-versa. All four protagonists, or five counting the six-year old, are likable. Trust me on this one. Don't be afraid to shed a tear. This movie has been #1 at the box-office, and received great reviews.
Enchanted features many other audience-pleasing elements like special effects, a Cinderella scene, villains, two songs, waltz dancing at a Ball, elaborate costumes, a King-Kong like rescue from a skyscraper and wonderful scenes from New York City's Central Park, the new Time-Warner Complex and Times Square. There's also a surprise ending.
The best-known cast member is Susan Sarandon, playing the mother witch of the Prince. However, the cast is well suited for their parts. See the film, and give me your feedback.
I did not make a mistake in seeing this after all. It's more than a kid's film, despite the Disney animation. And shouldn't all romances include some stardust?