I'm embarrassed to say this ... but it was really good.

Rating: Null/10 (27 November 2008)

I'm kind of an action / sci-fi / thriller movie enthusiast, so movies that sound family-oriented and fluffy usually don't cut it for me.
Well, this one is one few exceptions. It was well-done and innovative ... and very enjoyable. About 12 minutes in, the movie switches from cartoon animation to real-life ... which is an interesting twist for a fairy-tale type movie. Amazingly, the story succeeds on pure acting and story, not on special effects.
The basic setup: A princess is about to be married and become queen. However, the evil reigning queen does not want to give up her title. So, she transports the princess to another reality ... modern day New York City. But all is not lost, her prince charming and others transport there too in an effort to find her ... but not all of them want her back safe and sound.
Yes, there's singing, happy flying birds and the whole nine yards ... but it all works and is somehow "believable". I think the latter is due to the fine acting jobs by Amy Adams (princess) and Patrick Dempsey (the lawyer she meets in New York). She's all about fantasy ideals and he's all about the real world pragmatism - and their interactions are fun to watch. If sounds simplistic, it is ... but it works.
Instead of saying this movie is "great for all members of the family", I'd like to address those who would not ordinarily see a movie like this: take a chance this one time; you'll be glad you did.