by Karyn L. Beach

Talk about an unexpected surprise. I walked into Enchanted not really knowing what to expect and left thoroughly enchanted with this film.

Giselle (Amy Adams) lives in the animated world of Andalasia surrounded by a wonderful band of woodland animals who also serve as friends. In this fairy tale land, she waits for her prince. He arrives in the form of Prince Edward (James Marsden). They fall immediately in love and plan to marry the next day, but as most fairy tales will tell you, happily ever after isn’t always that easy. Edward’s wicked stepmother (Susan Sarandon) doesn’t want to give up her hold on the throne and vows to get rid of Giselle. Disguising herself as an old lady, she pushes Giselle down a well. The well takes her straight to the middle of Times Square in New York – not necessarily a land of enchantment.

Here she meets Robert (Patrick Dempsey), a lawyer and single-dad who has abandoned romance for realism. His daughter Morgan (Rachel Covey) still believes in fairy tales though, and immediately notices something special about Giselle. She convinces her dad to take her in. Of course his girlfriend Nancy (Idina Menzel) isn’t thrilled with that. Giselle believes that her prince will come to save her and he is on the way. Edward’s made the transition into the real world along with her friend, Pip, the chipmunk, and Edward’s manservant, Nathaniel (Timothy Spall) who’s really working on behalf of the evil stepmother. As Giselle gets to know the ‘real’ world, she begins to learn more about herself and her prince charming.

This movie is truly engaging. It could have gone the cynical and sarcastic note and possibly come across as bitter and jaded. It could have also gone in the other direction becoming too sugary sweet and superficial. It is a sweet film but it’s a sweet film with heart.

Amy Adams is terrific as Giselle. She starts out as the typical one-dimensional Disney heroine – always happy and blissful in her simple life. Yet, as her ‘real life’ experience continues, she becomes more real as well. Getting angry, having doubts, and actually thinking for herself for the first time. But at the same time, she brings a little bit of her magic to the city. One of the film’s best scenes involves an impromptu musical scene in Central Park. As Giselle moves through the park, the jaded New Yorkers join her in song.

The supporting cast was game as well. You can see Robert’s transformation as he gets taken in by Giselle. In a small but potent role, Susan Sarandon obviously enjoyed her wicked role and was equally enjoyable to watch. Pip, the chipmunk, was also a scene-stealer, forced to mime his way through New York after losing his voice in the transitions (after all, chipmunks don’t speak in the real world!).

The audience laughed in all the right places and seemed to be carried away by the film as well … even applauding at the end. It’s a terrific spin on the classic fairy tale. Give Enchanted a chance to entrance you.