When I originally heard about this film during production, I admit, I was not excited at all. There have been so many Shrek-esque films lately, with pop culture jokes put in to fairy tale worlds that they’re getting rather tiresome. Not to mention how disappointed I was in ‘Ella Enchanted’ which was a beautiful book and got turned in to a shocking parody of a movie (read the book, its completely different!) However, after Enchanted was released it received so many glowing accolades from my friends I decided to be a little more open minded.
Unfortunately I missed the film while it was in the Cinemas, during school holiday time here which does not make for enjoyable viewings, but I finally got to see it on DVD today! I really enjoyed it after all!
Enchanted is the tale of Giselle, a girl from an animated fairy-tale world called Andalasia who meets her Prince in true Disney style and is rushing off to her wedding when the evil Queen Narissa, disguised as an old woman, pushes her down a well. This well, as it turns out, is a portal to our world and the poor girl, still in her wedding dress, comes out a man-hole in to New York. A land, as the story says, where there are no ‘Happy Endings.’
The plot isn’t terribly inspired, though it is sweet, but what really makes this a lovely film is Giselle. I had fully expected an over-the-top parody performance of the silliest aspects of the Disney Princesses, and that’s exactly what she is however she manages somehow to make it seem sincere and charming. There were still points where I cringed, like the fish tank scene, but as the movie progresses she gets deeper while still keeping that joy and innocence. Her dresses (which she makes from curtains in a miracle of efficient sewing) are gorgeous and worth watching the film for alone! I doubt I’m the only princess sighing over the turquoise and pink gown she wears for the big dance number.
I really liked the soundtrack as well, there were some subtle jokes slipped in to the lyrics but the music was still well orchestrated and both Amy Adams and James Marsden had good voices for the musical style. One of my favourite features was how they managed to merge parts of different fairytales together in the storyline, there’s Sleeping Beauty’s Dragon, Cinderella’s Ball, Snow White’s Apples and they even play music from the Little Mermaid in the background of the fish tank scene. A very sweet film with a true touch of Disney magic. Now I’m even more excited about Rapunzel!
March 20th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I love this movie SO MUCH. I am glad you finely got to see it and enjoyed it.
There is a huge huge list of all the Lil tributes to Disney films in the movie. It’s packed with them! And some of them are so subtle.
I’m still going to make myself a copy of the “curtain dress” one of these days. Just gotta find the fabric!
March 20th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I’m suprised you’re writing of this movie so late! I went to see it in the cinema and ADORED it. I especially like the whole animal-sidekick thing.
P.S. His name is James Marsden, not John. :D
March 20th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Thanks! Fixed it :)
March 20th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
This was a great film. Dont forget that before Rapunzel is the Frog Princess ^_^
March 21st, 2008 at 12:37 am
Ah! I’m glad i’m not the only one who loved the Ella enchanted book. It was my favorite when I was a child, but the movie previews looked so horrible, I never even bothered to see it.
I will definitely check out this movie though, thank you!
March 21st, 2008 at 3:08 am
I’m going to buy it today, the commercials look so funny and cute!
March 21st, 2008 at 5:35 am
I really enjoyed Enchanted myself. I, like you, was very apprehensive before watching it. I wasn’t happy, at first, with the actress they picked to portray a Disney princess, but after watching the movie twice, I love Amy Adams!
You mentioned cringing during the fish tank scene. Maybe knowing a little secret will make you like it a little more? The secretary in that scene was played by Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid!
Also, and I’m not sure if you remember this part of the movie, but when the Prince is watching T.V. in the hotel room, a soap opera comes on. The actress in the soap opera was played by Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle from Beauty and the Beast! Neat, right? :)
March 21st, 2008 at 6:10 am
I have not seen this movie yet, but I do plan on renting it. I was afraid that it would mainly be a bunch of pop culture references in attempts of being “cool” and modern and just one insult towards the classic disney princess style after another. I didn’t want to see a message portrayed that this was dumb or that they were..i don’t know..admitting to a mistake almost, if that makes any sense. i’m not sure how to describe it properly… but anyway you’ve encouraged me to go into it with a slightly more open mind.
also, i find amy adams to be adorable.
March 21st, 2008 at 6:19 am
I loved this flim too! At first it was so cheesy, and I cringed at the roaches and stuff, but it really was sweet. I loved how Giselle matured from a ‘love at first sight’ to a nice woman who took the time to know someone to really find her true love. The animated part at the end was funny and really broke the fairy tail wedding norm.
March 21st, 2008 at 9:19 pm
The movie was great, can´t wait to buy it on DVD.
March 22nd, 2008 at 1:40 am
Gah, Enchanted is my favourite movie! I wish you’d have come see it with me at the cinema. I had nobody to go with second time around!
March 22nd, 2008 at 6:30 am
Anousenka LOVES Enchanted! It’s so cute how you matched your Poupée Girl to Giselle’s Turquoise dress ^_^ How do you manage to find so many outfit options for her? Anousenka can only find a few pieces of clothing for her own Poupée Girl account :S
♥ Anousenka ♥
March 27th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
I loved Ella Enchanted ;_; (and hated the book :P )
March 28th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
I was quite sceptical at first too! I’m very picky with films and I thought “oh no, not another Disney flop”, but it was really good! Me and my prince charming had a blast watching it :D Thanks for the tips~~
April 17th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
wow! that film was amazing^^
and I really enjoyed reading your opinion(; every thing you recommend is lovely*-*