Enchanted Review

"Enchanted" is the first film in ages that just about anyone can go to and find something to enjoy.  For moviephiles, there are excellent performances by Amy Adams (Giselle, the princess) and James Marsden (as her rather dense Prince), and vocally by Susan Sarandon (as the Evil Stepmother/Queen), though her actual screen appearance is a bit campy.  The supporting cast is also good, especially Timothy Spall as Sarandon's bumbling henchman who comes to doubt his actions.  Only Patrick Dempsey, unremarkable as a cynical New York divorce attorney and Idina Menzel, wooden as Dempsey's girlfriend are less than stellar.  For those how like stories, this is a clever twist on the classic Disney animated movies.  I won't go into details, but everything from the Princess' dress to the songs to the talking animals comes in for amusing (and gentle) ribbing.  The writing is very strong and there are a whole buch of belly-laugh inducing scenes.  Then there are the songs, which include the classic Disney animation opener, several brilliantly done parodies (including the wonderful "How Will She Know?"), and the required pop star contributions.  Alan Menken once again conjures up a brilliant score for Disney, this time in collaberation with Steven Schwartz. 

For all the technical excellence, however, movies come down to whether you enjoy them or not.  My wife and I decided to see this as a "date" movie, and our only regret when it was over was that we hadn't brought our daughters.  "Enchanted" is that good.  We will be going back to see it again, this time with our girls, and it will be a sure addition to our DVD collection in 6 months or so.  Highly recommended.