The Tripod

Some might be embarrassed to review a film of this, well, nature, but I can unabashedly say that I have been looking forward to Enchanted for months now. A diehard Disney fan since my terrible twos and threes, the latest Disney flick - which features a cross between live action and old-school animation - seemed like it would be an enjoyable and super-successful blockbuster.

And it sure was. The film soared to the top of the box office over the Thanksgiving holiday, making $50.5 million since its opening on Wednesday. Starring Amy Adams as Giselle - a princess in the making - and Patrick Dempsey as the sensible New York City lawyer who takes her in, the film's message is one of individualism and girl power, a guaranteed hit in today's marketing world.

The film opens with an animated (that's actual 2D hand-drawn animation for all you Disney Pixar fans) shot of a storybook on a flower-covered podium. The book opens and we are treated to glimpses of the story we are about to see, narrated by the wonderful Julie Andrews (of The Sound of Music fame). A panoramic shot through a fairy tale forest follows, and the camera settles on a quaint cottage where Giselle, our heroine, is singing a song about "True Love's Kiss" to her forest friends. The song hits every cliché in the Disney book, especially when Prince Edward (James Marsden) joins in on the song, discovering the beautiful Giselle, instantly falling in love with her.

Just as Giselle and Edward are about to have their "happily ever after," Edward's evil stepmother, Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) throws a wrench in their plans. Determined not to give up her throne, she tricks Giselle, pushing her down a magical world that has no happily ever afters -- New York City.

A live-action and confused Giselle emerges from a pothole in Times Square, where she wanders frantically through the city until she meets Robert Philip (Dempsey) and his six-year-old daughter Morgan (Rachel Covey). Robert and Morgan take Giselle into their home, where she gradually gets used to her new noisy, choreographed song and dance-free world.

In a supporting role, Timothy Spall (as the morally-ambivalent squire Nathaniel) was a good addition. Though his part felt forced and stereotypical, it is, after all, a Disney film. Also entertaining was the obligatory furry sidekick -- in this case, a chipmunk by the name of Pip, who will cause endless giggle with the kids.

Idina Menzel (from Rent and Wicked on Broadway) also had a minor supporting role as Nancy, Robert's no-nonsense fiancee. Menzel, known for her fantastic voice, did not get a chance to sing in the film, which was quite disappointing.

Adams, Dempsey, and Marsden shine in the lead roles, and Adams' enthusiasm really makes the movie. An Oscar-nominee (for Junebug), this role will catapult her into the pop culture spotlight.

Visually, the film was marvelous. The colors and costumes were just as vivid and attention-grabbing in the live action part of the film as in the animated. I would advise, however, that those not fond of musicals steer clear, as, like all Disney movies, the film features more than one cringe-worthy (and yet deliciously tacky) musical number.

What was most enjoyable about the film, though, was the way Disney poked fun at itself. There were innumerable references to past Princess movies such as Cinderella and Little Mermaid, and the avid Disney viewer will notice the many subtle allusions. Also interesting was the fact that three Disney voice stars have cameos: Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel), Paige O'Hara (Belle), and Judy Kuhn (the singing voice of Pocahontas).

Enchanted will undoubtedly continue to dominate at the box office, especially throughout the holiday season. It's a film that all families, Disney devotees, and even adults who want to act like kids again will enjoy.

Like all Disney films, Enchanted ends happily ever after, but you will be pleasantly surprised by the new twist on the classic ending. Disney's return to animation has proved to be a smart decision, and fans can look forward to the 2009 release of the hand-drawn The Princess and the Frog, starring Disney's first ever black princess.

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