Some ‘Enchanted’ Film

Clarissa Gabriel

Leaving childhood includes giving up many things – no more naptimes, snack times, story times and every other “time” imaginable.

Fairytale worlds where Prince Charming kills the dragon and rescues the fair maiden/damsel-in-distress seem to fade as fast as the idea of one’s parents being flawless superheroes.

Sometimes people don’t like to let this fantasy go because it gives them hope for a world that is black-and-white, rose-tinted and simplistic.

Perhaps this is why Disney released “Enchanted” this holiday season.

The premise is simple and modern: a soon-to-be-princess Giselle (Amy Adams) of the idealistic Disney movies enters today’s Manhattan through the evil intentions of the always-scheming and jealous stepmother, Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon).

While waiting for her Prince Edward (James Marsden) to save her, she meets the apprehensive divorce attorney Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey) and his wide-eyed daughter, Morgan Philip (Rachel Covey).

Dempsey comes with his own baggage; girlfriend-waiting-to-become-fiancée Nancy (musical-legend Idina Menzel).

This theatrical musical/live-action/cartoon/romantic-comedy fills the holiday “warm and fuzzy” requirement necessary for all Disney movies.

Adams’s performance of a na’ve, pure-of-heart and melodic princess is for the most part completely believable. Dempsey does exactly the job required of him to play the jaded and affluent NYC attorney. Marsden does an incredible imitation of the perfect image of Prince Charming (puffy sleeves and tights included).

The musical numbers, such as “That’s How You Know,” are just as colorful and over the top as “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” of “The Lion King” with the added sweetness of “Kiss the Girl” of “The Little Mermaid.”

Disney does very well in mocking its past 75 years of fairytale cinema without winking at the audience to make sure they get it.

Additionally, numerous nods to past Disney movies are made throughout the film.

Although the plot can be easily recognized by anyone brought up viewing the Disney classics, the outcome is satisfying.

If you are stressed this holiday season and in the mood to take a trip down memory lane to a childhood fantasy, “Enchanted” surely fulfils this cinematic and physiological need.

“Enchanted” is now in theaters everywhere.

After all, who doesn’t want a happily ever after?