Enchanted - A Movie Review

With a little touch of magic, that’s how you know it’s a fairytale.

Enchanted fell into theaters in 2007. Giselle, a young maiden who lives in the fantasy world of Andalasia, is pushed down a well landing in New York City where she meets a lawyer and his daughter. Meanwhile, Prince Edward is on a rescue mission to find her as the evil queen devises a plan.

Enchanted is one of the most creative Disney films ever made. This is a film I wish could go back and watch again for the first time. I have wanted to re-watch Enchanted for the longest time. Enchanted opened the door for new morals, effectively opening a new era for Disney films.

In the role that changed her career, Amy Adams was the best part of Enchanted. Giselle’s quirky, bubbly, and cartoonish personality was conducted marvelously by Adams. She had so much fun in this role. Her singing voice is wonderful. Giselle learns more than she expected in her time in the real world.

James Mardsen was terrific as the charming (and also corny) Prince Edwards. Now, that I watched his role again, Edward is more aloof than I remembered. Not a bright man, Marsden was spectacular in finding the right cartoonish mindset for his role. He is so spry in all of his actions.

The cast did an exceptional job in their performances. I am impressed with their exuberant energy, like Susan Sarandon. She had a ball as the evil queen. Timothy Spall was a standout in his role. And for a first in her career, Idina Menzel did not sing. In a later interview, I agree that it’s a good idea for actors to test new boundaries in acting.

All the characters learn something about themselves. Once he gets used to Giselle’s quirky personality, the interactions between Gisell and Robert (Patrick Dempsey) are sweet. Don’t be afraid to have an imagination even when you’re an adult.

I was surprised to learn that this was Rachel Covey’s (Morgan) first and only acting role. She was a natural. I enjoyed all her interactions with Giselle. And I always get a kick out of how Covey remembers a line that Adams kept flubbing in a blooper.

Ensemble members had the best time working on this film, whether reacting, dancing, or singing. Some of the chimney sweep dancers from Mary Poppins are in this film.

Enchanted is a fun fairytale. It’s entertaining and has catchy songs. I will never get tired of her ‘That’s How You Know’ musical number. ‘The song number took 17 days to film in New York due to the weather. Speaking of New York, some of the background players were not extras and actual people who just happened to watch the scene.

Kevin Lima instilled a new moral that changed the dynamics of Disney films. He worked well with all the actors getting them into the cartoonish tone of the film. Switching between cartoon animation and live-action, the animation was spectacular. I also like how he tossed in multiple references to other Disney films.

The wardrobe plays an immense part in the film. Shoutout goes to the costume designer, Mona May for designing gorgeous dresses and fantasy-like outfits. Did you know that Adams sustained a hip injury from walking around in her signature 45-pound wedding dress? A stunt double had to show her how to walk in it.

I cannot wait to watch the sequel, Disenchanted when it’s released. I recommend Enchanted for all audiences, especially children. They’ll love it. It’s a movie that makes you smile.