Traditional Disney Entertainment With A Psychological Spin On It.

Rating: 9/10 (19 April 2010)

As a devoted, long time Disney fan, I really feel that this is probably the best live-action product the studio has made since major production from the original Burbank studio ended. It embodies so much of what Disney films should be like, only with a little couch therapy added for thought.
I've always loved Disney, but let's be realistic. Happiness is a very difficult path to take. Just look at what characters like Pinocchio, Dumbo, or Snow White went through to get there. As a avid Disney fan I have many times had to reconcile the Disney "happy ending" philosophy with the numerous soul crushing disappointments that life often deals some of us. Often the only true happiness I have found is mostly in the Disney films themselves. Real life can be impossible, heart-breaking, even dangerous, and decidedly full of lots of lies and untruths. This film is perfect tonic for anyone who was raised believing in a "happy ending" for themselves and finds life to be, well, rather hard. This film analyzes the "happy" concept, turns it every which way, and sincerely tries to help understand what "happiness" means in the real world.
The real world in the film is New York city, our time, our world, a world that the evil Queen in the film describes as "a place where there are NO happy endings". Ouch. In our world the vermin aren't cute, they're a little un-nerving and a little disgusting. People don't just burst into joyous song(or do they?). And happy endings take some awareness and self insight.
Any generation of Disney fans that doesn't embrace this film is asking for trouble. I promise you. It helps Disney fans understand themselves and come to better terms with Disney vs. the real world. It will put everything in proper perspective. I should know.
"Happy endings" can be elusive for some. But you should try to believe, if not for yourself, for others. But be careful not to be blinded, and be careful that your happiness doesn't infringe on others too much. God Bless. Good luck.