Lives Up To It's Title

Rating: 9/10 (16 January 2008)

When I saw the trailer for this movie, I thought 'Funny trailer, but not going to work.' Having seen it, I'm more than happy to admit it is fantastic.
Giselle is saved from a troll, by Prince Edward. In true fairy-tale fashion, they decide to marry and live happily ever after. However, Queen Narissa plots to get rid of Giselle, and with the aid of Nathaniel sends her to another world - ours. Can Prince Edward and Pip, a chipmunk(!) save her?
Bill Kelly deserves immense credit for his script. It's packed with subtle references to previous Disney animated movies, but is also very, very funny.Kevin Lima directs well, the highlight being a big musical number in the park done in typical Disney style as Giselle starts singing, leading to everyone joining in. My own favorite scene though is the cleaning of the house. Showing from Giselle's point of view, it's done like a typical Disney scene, a-la Snow White. When Robert Philip, whose house it is enters the room all he can think is his house has been invaded!
The cast enter into the spirit of the movie brilliantly. Susan Sarandon, despite limited screen time, is suitably evil as Narissa, Patrick Dempsey does well as a cynical lawyer slowly changing as Giselle's spirit and attitude wear off on him. James Marsden as Edward is heroic, but best of all is Amy Adams as Giselle. Her performance is funny and charming. I think it deserves an Oscar nomination at least, it is that good.
The animation at the beginning is done in the style of Snow White, Cinderella, etc. which brings back memories of growing up with those movies. The CGI used for Pip in New York is fantastic. The musical numbers are worked well into the movie. Yes it has a typical Disney happy ever after ending, but so what? It is still a fairytale.
This is a movie the whole family can enjoy over and over again and might, in time, become a true classic.