Dir. Kevin Lima, US, 2007, 107 mins Cast: Amy Adams, James Marsden, Patrick Dempsey, Timothy Spall, Susan Sarandon, Julie Andrews (narrator)
Review by Michelle Moore
Every young girl has a fairytale fantasy, beginning with falling for Prince Charming and ending with a fairytale ‘happily ever after’. In Enchanted, one young girl has her dream come true. When animated damsel Giselle (Adams) falls (literally) for Prince Edward (Marsden), his evil stepmother doesn’t take too kindly to the relationship and forces the poor girl into a world of hardship and heartache – in other words, New York! As the film switches from the traditional Disney-style animation to oh-so-real life in the modern day Big Apple, the filmmakers deftly pull off a magical trick of their own, the transition appearing both effortless and exciting to the audience, old and young alike. The story then proceeds in a storybook format, but one which meshes traditional and modern storytelling but which is always truly enchanting. The film's charm is rooted in the audience's knowledge of earlier Disney classics. There is the Prince hunting the maidens voice when he hears her singing (The Little Mermaid), poison apples, Grumpy and the awaking from a sleep with true loves kiss (Snow White), the misplaced glass slipper from Cinderella and the most frequent Disney feature, the Ball. And then there are the ever present little animals who serve as these fairytale princesses little helpers, except here there's not just cute little animated woodland creatures, but a New York apartment filled with helpful cockroaches, pigeons and rats! In the new tradition set by Shrek, Enchanted operates on two levels: children will be enthralled by the wonder of the tale itself but the humour - is such that it will appeal to both them and their more knowing parents. There is a little innuendo to suit grown-up tastes but nothing too inciminating. As a good story should, the film takes us on a journey, courting a sea of emotions. It also respects its audience and - as in Snow White, which is often cited as being a cinema lover's first experience of being scared by a movie - it doesn't flinch from depicting something frightening if it's how it should be seen. And when it's connected to a wicked stepmother, you know you are dealing with an integral part of a good old traditional fairytale. Still, any chills will soon turn to shivers of delight with the breathtaking ball sequence, whose combination of costume, music and dance make for one of the most romantic and magical scenes the big screen has ever played. The cast themselves are resplendent, particularly Adams and Marsden in the lead roles, and in all Enchanted could just make your dreams come true this Christmas. |
