Since the dawn of computer-animated feature films more than a decade ago, the Walt Disney Corporation has been a big, juicy target for upstart animation studios looking to eschew the tradition of fairytale cartoons. No irony is lost on the fact that it was Disney’s partnership with the fledgling Pixar group that launched such films into the stratosphere. It seems oddly appropriate, then, that Disney’s latest foray into film amination, the charming Enchanted, perfects the send-up to their own tried and true stories.

Beginning as a traditional cartoon (drawn by non-Disney employees) in the faraway land of Andalasia, Enchanted follows the misadventures of the lovesick, idealistic Gisele (Amy Adams). Her dreams to find true love in a prince are realized when she literally falls into the arms of the charmingly dunderheaded Edward (James Marsden), and it’s love at first blush. Right before they wed, though, his evil stepmother (Susan Sarandon) banishes her to the scariest place imaginable…modern-day New York City. In her quest to return home, Gisele meets Robert (Patrick Dempsey), a jaded divorce lawyer whose wife left him and their daughter. Because the daughter is smitten with the idea of having a princess around, Robert must help her find home but can’t help trying to educate her on how love works in the real world.

It’s no wonder that the daughter character takes an immediate shine to Gisele: Adams is brilliant in the role, her wide-eyed enthusiasm and belief in true, uncomplicated love remains unphased in the face of a world of cynics. She’s a delight to watch and quickly asserts herself as a true Disney princess and a rising star.

Though the film is light on musical numbers, it makes up for quantity with quality. Bereft of woodland creatures with which to communicate all Snow White-like in NYC, Gisele calls on the help of all kinds of urban vermin to clean Robert’s apartment in the standout “Happy Working Song.” And through the showstopping “That’s How You Know,” we see a baffled Robert wondering how everyone so readily joins in with the ditsy princess who can’t stop herself from singing. With a team like Alan Menken and Steven Schwartz, it’s no surprise that the soundtrack sparkles.

With clever nods to Disney classics and a cast that shines from its leading lady to the expressive animated chipmunk who helps Edward find her, Enchanted is one of the best Disney films in years and one of the most pleasant surprises of the season.

Rating: * * * * of 5

Subscribe to the comments through RSS Feed