Insipid meets cynical

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2007)

"Enchanted" is a parody in the true sense of the word. Too many parodies these days ruin the fun with either mocking or filth (see "Scary Movie"), but "Enchanted" works because it stays true to the Disney fairy tale genre while exposing said genre's more ridiculous edges to the harsh reality of life in that physically and psychologically roughest of world cities, New York. It tells us that, as any adult knows, real life is nothing like a Disney movie, but even at their most insipidly idyllic moments, they can provide just enough brightness to lift our spirits.
And in maintaining the integrity of the genre it satirizes, "Enchanted" turns out some amazingly strong characters (including, surprisingly, Pip the chipmunk). In a weaker take, a spoofed Disney Princess could easily be some stupid, slutty bimbo, but Amy Adams's Giselle is genuinely deep and good-hearted. Her idyllic nature is tested in a hostile environment, and she never loses her sweetness or musicality. She's an inspiration, and a beautiful thing to behold for single guys like me.
So naturally I sympathized with Patrick Dempsey's Robert. He's straight-laced, hard-working, caring of his daughter Morgan--and rather cynical. He does his best to steer Morgan away from the world of fantasy-princess literature that would give her unrealistic hopes--and just when they needs it the most, this family is jerked out of his bleak pessimism and finds a world of sweetness and light.
"Enchanted" is more than a satire of or tribute to the fairy-tale genre. It is a statement about idealism versus realism, optimism versus pessimism, naïveté versus cynicism. The real world is neither ideal nor hell; the real world is harsh but there is hope for the future; and neither Pollyanna's curiosity nor the pride of knowing too much will move us forward. "Enchanted" is about Giselle and Robert moving from these laughable extremes, so characteristic of most Hollywood cinema, to a happy equilibrium, a much-welcomed respite.
I have scarcely touched on the visuals--computer animation is by now completely non-offensive and the film takes full advantage of this. So, too, do they capture the very best neo-Gothic and Classical architecture in New York City. The whole film is eye candy, an all-around inspiration.