Enchanted [Blu-ray]

"Enchanted" (2007) has to be one of my favorite Disney movies in years; it is a return to the type of classic movies that were produced under Walt's supervision, but it also acknowledges the times we live in without being too negative. Right off the bat, I was amazed to be able to watch a film that had no profanity and other than the topic of divorce, hardly any adult situations. Of course, there is some 'wink-wink' adult humor that will go over the head of children, but even that is pretty tame. How refreshing to know that an excellent movie can be made without looking like the 10pm news or a tawdry reality show. PLENTY of fun references to vintage Disney films, and a number of cameos by some Disney favorites.The film begins as a typical classic Disney animated film would; Julie Andrews narrates the story of Prince Edward (James Marsden) from Andalasia, who must find his true love to marry, and his evil stepmother Narissa (Susan Sarandon), who does not want to step down from her throne and will do whatever she can to thwart Edward's search. Enter Giselle (Amy Adams), a maiden of the forest with plenty of animal friends. She too is searching for her true love, and through song and fate, Edward & Giselle meet, fall in love, but are separated by Narissa, who sends Giselle out of the toon world and into the harsh reality of present day New York City. While Edward and Giselle attempt to reunite, a hardened divorce attorney, Robert (Patrick Dempsey) & his daughter attempt to help her along the way. Giselle's positive attitude and belief in true love has a profound effect on Robert, who has apparently been embittered by his own divorce (what actually happened to his first wife is somewhat nebulous, and basically left open for interpretation). Robert is already seeing someone; Nancy (Idina Menzel) is the romantic girl he has been dating for the last five years. No plot spoilers here; you will have to see how it all comes together.This film rests on the able shoulders of Amy Adams; in the role of Princess Giselle, she could have easily done a parody of Snow White, Cinderella, and the other Disney Princesses. However, she brings warmth, charm, humor, and great emotion to her character; she is totally believeable. James Marsden again shows off his tremendous vocal talent, and as a toon Prince, he gives a letter perfect performance. Although he is a little one-dimensional at times, it works perfectly with the plot and how the movie progresses. Dempsey also does a wonderful job in his role, with just the right amount of bitterness; it is very apparent that he underneath he believes in romance but what happened with #1 has forced him to change. The only weak link in the cast is Sarandon, which is a shame. She is one of our finest actresses, and yet her characterization just misses the mark for me; she lacks the power and evil that we expect from a Disney Villain; in the climax of the film, she almost appears to be yawning through her part. It is the power and force of a Disney Villain that makes their "fall" so enjoyable; evil must be very evil for the triumph of good to be truly satisfying. Still, it hardly detracts from the overall product. The songs in this film will stay with you after you watch the movie...in a good way. Rarely have I immediately been overcome with the desire to purchase the soundtrack from a film in recent years. Overall, a definite 5 stars for this movie.The DVD is a different story; although there are extras, it does seem like Disney skimped on them. The highlight is the behind-the-scenes look, "FANTASY COMES TO LIVE," at 3 sequences: "Happy Working Song," "That's How You Know," and the Ballroom finale sequence. Seeing the layering of the CGI effects and Amy Adams having to "act" to nothing ("Happy Working Song") gives an even greater appreciation of her talent. You will also learn that one of the dancers from "Mary Poppins" has a cameo in the "That's How You Know" number. There is also an "extra," PIP'S PREDICAMENT: A POP-UP ADVENTURE, that tells the tale of Pip's alerting Edward that Giselle was no longer in Andalasia. MAYBE very young children will find this amusing, but personally, it was a little on the lame side. There is also a "Hidden Mickey" that is basically a promotion for the Bluray version of "Enchanted." The deleted scenes are fun to watch, as is the blooper reel. Neither are very long though. The Carrie Underwood music video for "Ever Ever After" is also included.I am sure (or at least I hope) there will be a 2-disc special edition in the near future. So, for this 2008 Widescreen edition, I give it 4 stars instead of 5 due to the lack of extras. The movie itself still packs a wallop!

Surprised & delighted. Dry & genuine.

This movie is upbeat, enlivening, wholesome, and entertaining - with awesome musical talent and joyful dancing. The entire family - all ages - loved it. Definitely a Disney classic.

Giselle (Amy Adams) is a princess waiting on Prince Edward (James Marsden). It is time for them to meet at a ball, so she does a sing-song call to all the mice and pigeons in the area to come to her aid. She must get ready for her big night! But Edward’s stepmother, Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) won’t let that happen. She doesn’t want Giselle to have her Happily Ever After. Why? Envy, I guess? That seems to be the narrative in all of those old-fashioned Disney fairytales. So Queen Narissa sends Giselle into modern-day New York City, where nothing looks like a cartoon anymore. These are real people, and they seem unimpressed with real-life Giselle’s charm, even in her huge sparkling gown. Even divorce lawyer and single dad Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey) is unimpressed. Giselle seems weird. She’s always sweet and happy, and she makes dresses out of his bed sheets and curtains — and what’s with all the mice, rats and pigeons in his apartment? But — to his surprise — he falls for Giselle, perky voice and bizarre musical numbers and all. There’s one problem though: he has a girlfriend (Indina Menzel), who he’d planned to marry. What’s worse? Queen Narissa is still after Giselle, and she won’t stop until Giselle bites into one of her poisoned apples.I just love this movie. I picture myself as Giselle whenever I go to a foreign land, or dive into my rich inner world, and I just love this kind of movie. This is a satire that mixes tropes from old Disney movies and modern-day rom-coms. Giselle is a combination of various Disney princesses. She’s Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Aurora, and Ariel (minus the mermaid thing) all in one! Amy Adams is one of the most beautiful actresses of today, and from all times, with amazing acting chops to boot. She was the perfect choice for this role — though Isla Fisher would’ve been great in it too (hee-hee!). James Marsden is hilarious here. He does a perfect portrayal of a one-dimensional prince, whose sole purpose in the story is to rescue the princess. Most of these Disney princes don’t have much of a personality, do they? It’s fun to see Disney poke fun at its own productions. Sarandon is awesome as the stereotypical evil stepmother. I do believe that Disney movies are the reason kids see stepmothers as evil. Even Giselle points this out in a scene (”I’m sure there are some wonderful stepmothers out there!” Or something to that effect.) And what can I say about Patrick Dempsey? Yum. Just yum. McDreamy at his McDreamiest. On what planet is Dempsey the “ordinary dude”? Sheesh! You’ll love this movie. It’s clean fun, and it’ll make you laugh. Downsides? Robert fell for Giselle a little too fast. Twenty-four hours together and they were in love? Oh, well, it’s great nonetheless. Disney+ should add this movie to their streaming service! This is binge-watching material, for sure! Four out of five Cinnamon and Vanilla Swirl lattes, with creamy oat milk.

I enjoyed Enchanted when I first saw it on TV during Christmas so had to own a copy. It's a predictable storyline; female falling for her Prince Charming only she ends up in modern day Manhattan City being sent their by her wicked stepmother (Susan Surrandon). The songs are joyful to listen to I didn't know actress Amy Adams could sing! She plays Giselle really sweetly and you can't help but like the main song 'How do you know' kind of like Frozens 'Let it go'.The cast is good too and I equally notice that the ending song Ever Ever After is sung by country singer Carrie Underwood. Yes it's for kids, but I am a grown up and like it too!! The chipmunk character of Pip has some comical scenes as does the rather charming but immature Prince Edward.

I have had the sheer delight to watch this film a few times now and it still holds me completely captive every time! It's a true fairytale for all us die hard romantics.Amy Adams plays Giselle, a hapless romantic who is looking for her one true love, Prince Edward, (James Marsden). Said Prince is also searching and when they meet it's love at first sight. This is all done in animation. But alas, Edward's evil stepmother has other plans for Giselle and tricks her by disguising herself as an old woman who only wishes the couple happiness. The old woman pushes Giselle into a wishing well and she, ( with us in tow!), is thrust into the very real world of Manhattan.Enter dreamy Patrick Dempsey as a cynical divorce lawyer. He rescues Giselle from the dangers of the city and takes her home to help her out. This is where the story really kicks in, and I won't go into any more detail, I don't want to spoil it for you. Susan Sarandon is on top form as the evil stepmother and Timothy Spall is great as the sleazy henchman. But top marks must go to Amy Adams and James Marsden. They are fantastic!All in all then, this is a great film to watch if you like a good love story with a twist. Watch it if you enjoy any Disney film. Happy viewing people!

This is Disney weaving some real magic, as they fondly send up the fairytale genre they are so strongly associated with.Both in cartoon form and in real life the characters in this film have a charm and real loveability about them. All the real-life actors clearly threw themselves wholeheartedly into their roles.There's not a mis-step in this charming tale of a would-be princess banished to the wilds of New York, only to be rescued by a cynical human rather than her enthusiastic prince charming.This story will have even the most hardened hearts melting, and the most doubting believing in true love and fairy tales.It works particularly well because of the utterly charming Amy Adams' wide-eyed innocence as Giselle. And she's so ably assisted by the rest of this fantastic cast, with James Marsden wonderful as the rather barmy prince, and Dr McDreamy himself as the human who captures her heart. Susan Sarandon does evil fantastically, and Timothy Spall is brilliant as her side-kick. And I defy anyone not to fall completely under the spell of Pip the chipmunk. He's beyond cute.This is a perfect family film, likely to beguile the guys as well as the girls. Highly recommended.

Disney hitting the mark again!I know that Disney tend to aim their films at kids but lets be honest, we adults could do with a simple tale, well told and with plenty of humour too and once again, in this quirky offering, all those box's get well and truly ticked!One of the more fun aspects of the film as a whole is the way in which it draws on so many previous Disney films and happily, if gently, sends them up with witty digs and references.It also has some great music and songs and some brilliant dance scenes that manage to link various parts of the story but without getting in the way or seeming to be separate to the tale.All in all, a very clever and funny film that will leave you feeling glad that you took the time out to make yourself happy.

We loaned our copy of this film to someone and didn't get it back! ...but we'd enjoyed it so much we felt we just had to replace it in our collection...a truly enchanting mixture of animation and 'real' characters this appeals to children and adults alike. The Disney princess, through magic, winds up on the streets of New York, encountering life in the raw; her sweet innocence goes from touchingly amusing, when she appeals to a tramp for help, to hysterically funny, with a reanactment of Disney's Snow White scene with the woodland animals. Baddies and goodies are easily identified as our Princess brings a little magic to real-life New York, touching the lives of all those she encounters. Not too difficult to foresee the happy ending! A real must-watch film for all.