A lovely Disney film, a classic in its method and really enchanting...

Rating: 10/10 (29 December 2007)

It begins with the classic opening of the story book, a decorative book entitled "Enchanted". The opening plot is revealed by narration and the animation begins. You have Gisele, an innocent, fragile Princess who is lovely in almost every way. Sweet singing and helpful animals ensue. But the Queen of the land, who is the Prince's mother, does not want him to marry for fear her crown will be taken from her. To prevent this, on the day of Gisele and her son's wedding, the wicked Queen throws her down a wishing well. And so begins Gisele's transaction from her home land to a strange, strange and scary world - ours. There is a bit of a "Wizard Of Oz" feel to the film in many ways. Gisele, now a turned in a human form (the lovely Amy Adams) finds friendship and kindness in the city of New York. Now, the Prince (Edward) and Gisele's friendly chipmunk friend - Pip, venture down the wishing well also, intent on looking for his bride-to-be. Hilarity ensues as he, like Gisele, is confused about this place and who the people are, referring to many people as noble peasants etc! And all through the film until she decides to finish off Gisele herself, the Queen watches through any liquid form - her face appears in water bottles, pans of water, a glass of martini and a fish tank etc. It is the way her magic can see in to this "realm" etc. And eventually, the Queen does come to our world, flashing with the green energy of her magic and dark power. The film collides the good and evil at a ball. How could it not - this is Disney after all. Their are lots of Snow White similarities in this film, but those who know the classics, and I mean the classics - Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella etc, will see the little touches that make this film a joy to behold. After true love's kiss causes the Queen to fail, in the centre of the ballroom, she casts a spell and in a fiery boom of magic, transforms herself in to a dragon...
I won't give away all of the fun, but a few things about the film though. Amy Adams's energy for the character of Gisele is absolutely captivating and lovely to watch. The dancing, singing and the way she acts as the innocent, poor Princess is lovely. She really looks the part too. James Marsden is classic comedy as the slightly dull, slightly ego-centered Prince Edward. Susan Sarandon makes for a really good Queen, but her role is diminished a bit too much I felt, when watching this. But this film is really lovely and there are some really funny bits in it that really make you stand-up and laugh. Disney have made a great comeback to the film world with this film - it has been a while since such a good film from them has approached us. And the idea and plot of the story is absolutely genius in its design. This must be seen on the big screen! I cannot emphasize that enough - like seeing the very first Star Wars - it had to be on the big screen. So what are you waiting for? If you have just read this review and have not seen then go, hurry! Before the clock strikes midnight :)
Enchanted, enchanting and adorable, you will want to take your loved ones to see this, no matter how old you are...