Surprisingly spellbinding...

Rating: 8/10 (16 December 2007)

'Another Disney movie?' Lets be honest, who hasn't yet made this phrase in complete awe as to why Disney still continue to slowly butcher the masterpieces of many years back, with features that are simply substandard in comparison? But on account of Disney's latest venture, it appears as if the animation-dominated company, is finally shifting its gears with the deliverance of the suitably titled: Enchanted.
Living in the fairytale world Andalasia, Giselle (Amy Adams) is filled with thoughts of a dashing prince, later found to be Prince Edward (James Marsden) and the chance to share that one true kiss with him. When both unexpectedly meet, a marriage proposal is suggested and after merely a day of knowing one another, both Giselle and Edward are to be wed. However, Edwards's step-mother, Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon), has no inclination to allow her throne to be given to another, so she decides to be rid of Giselle by sending her to another world which is devoid of the characteristic happy endings of fairy tales. Giselle ends up in the real world, more specifically, New York City. Here the harshness of social life begins to tug at her, but an unlikely friendship with divorce lawyer, Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey), helps her to adjust.
Enchanted portrays a story where some of its main characters are transported from a realm of fantasy into reality. And it's this fantasy/ reality exposé which guides the film along. For Giselle, the real world lacks the sparkle, optimism and goodness which dominated her beloved world. Instead she is presented with self-centeredness and social dismay. This is what makes Enchanted an interesting watch: the contrasts and similarities of two opposing worlds. A noticeable scene involves Giselle attempting to clean an apartment with the aid of animals; however she is presented with rats, fleas and roaches: a complete change from the doves, deer and chipmunks she expected. The film goes about negating negativity by providing reasons as to why the world should be filled with more optimism and hope, but thankfully never to the point of being numbing on happy pills. And this is the films greatest achievement: keeping everything seemingly realistic and thus tangible for the audience.
The film also has its fair share of humour, containing the likes of self-parody, which does a good job of making you chuckle and keeping a smile upon your face.
The film does becomes stated in its meaning, in respect for younger children, but luckily there are drops of symbolism, and references to a few other Disney titles, which help deepen the experience for the older generation. An aspect which must be highlighted is how Enchanted breaks the stereotype of the fairytale maidens. We are presented with females who aren't merely subservient but have self-control and are willing to be assertive. Yet this happens only towards the end and comes out of nowhere. This is my main complaint: the film is a few minutes too short. There is not enough time to sufficiently enhance the characters attitudes and emotions, and the opening animated sequence is far too quick in its aim. The everlasting love between Giselle and Edward in the beginning of the film only comes across as emotionless as it lacks the necessary buildup. Also, I felt the ending was far too predictable. There is a good chance that you will guess the specifics of the ending about three quarters through the film. As well, the ending is far too brief and basically throws out the reality notion the film does well to convey.
Like all Disney animation, the voice acting in the few animated sequences of Enchanted is handled superbly. Best yet, the actors translate nicely into live-action where the acting ability is noticeably strong. Whether it is the carefree innocence of Giselle, simplemindedness of Edward, seriousness of Robert, or even the evilness of Narissa, every actor brings a realistic approach that works within the framework of the films context. The supporting characters of Pip (Jeff Bennet in animation; Kevin Lima in live-action) and Nathaniel (Timothy Spall) prove just as capable as their leads. The film also expectedly sports a musical aspect, with both Giselle and Edward being the forerunners of this department, and they both deliver great performances, with a piece by Adams as a high point in the film.
It is, however, a pity that the love interests of Giselle and Robert, Edward and Nancy(Idina Menzel)respectively, get a bit too little screen time. While their participation within the story is not nearly as important as the characters of Giselle and Robert, by the end of the film they are given a major story arc, but little characterization to support it. Also, while a minor issue, Giselle's character appears as being a hint too childish in her naivety in the live-action segments, while her animated self is aptly suited. It would have also been a nice addition to include a bit more singing but what is provided is, at least, sufficient.
As a Disney film, one can expect content that is appropriate for the whole family. There's no sex, nudity albeit a scene with Adams in a towel after a shower and a nude statue. There is also minimal non-offense language use, and violence only rears itself in a small quantity towards the end of the film.
Enchanted is easily one of the best family films to grace cinema in the last few years. Regardless of your demographic, there is bound to be very little any movie-goer can find wrong with this experience. Yes, it falls short of being ranked amongst the top-tier, but it just makes for such a compelling case study of our world, and is just so fill of love that it almost breaks my heart not to add another point to the overall score. Enchanted will make you feel exactly so, and thank goodness for that.
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