Many Disney Princess movies have come and gone, with some leaving a greater impact than others. However, there is one animated/live-action hybrid film that cleverly uses the classic princess movie formula to deliver a funny and romantic story while also poking fun at and honoring the stereotypes that have traditionally made Disney princess tales successful. I’m referring to the 2007 hit "Enchanted." This movie features an all-star cast and a talented team that created something familiar and unique. I’ve watched this film countless times and cannot emphasize its excellence. So, what is it about this Disney film that evokes feelings of joy and whimsy, making it a modern classic?
In an animated cartoony land of Andalasia, Giselle (Amy Adams) finds herself rescued from danger by a prince named Edward (James Marsden). They both decide to get married the following day. This comes to the dismay of Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon), who does not want to lose her throne to her stepson’s marriage, so she disguises herself as an old hag and banishes Gisselle to live-action modern-day New York City. Meanwhile, a divorce lawyer named Robert (Patrick Dempsy) and her daughter Morgon bump into Gisselle while roaming the streets in her princess dress. They take pity on her for being so clueless and reluctantly allow her to stay the night at their home. Robert attempts to help Giselle get home, but Giselle’s outlook on her cartoony world might make things even crazier as she tries to get used to her new environment and even learn something about true love. Meanwhile, Edward and Giselle's chipmunk friend Pip arrive in New York City to try to find Giselle and bring her home to Andalasia. However, Queen Narissa has many tricks up her sleeve, including seducing Nathaniel (Timothy Spall) into making sure Edward and Pip fail in finding Giselle.
The Story takes the classic Disney princess formula found in movies like *Snow White* and *Sleeping Beauty*. It gives it a fresh, modern twist that honors the Disney legacy while preserving the magic of the animated films that inspired it. Although the premise of cartoon characters interacting with the real world has been explored in films such as *Roger Rabbit* and *Space Jam* Enchanted manages to present this narrative in a way that feels new and engaging. While some plot elements, like the workaholic dad learning to appreciate family life, are overused in many live-action family movies, Enchanted's storytelling makes it feel like you are hearing this type of narrative for the first time, which isn’t an easy feat. The film is filled with references and nods to past and present Disney tropes, creating a sense of reverence for Disney's history. Unlike DreamWorks's *Shrek*, which outright rejects traditional Disney tropes, Enchanted playfully acknowledges them. It seems to say, "Yes, we know these tropes may not have aged the best, but they shaped who we are today, and in some ways, they are just as effective now as they were then." This attitude, combined with strong performances and genuine emotion, elevates the film beyond a mere cash grab aimed at modern pop culture. Instead of relying on unneeded product placement or clichéd references, Enchanted offers a story filled with heart, humor, and timelessness, even if most of its live-action setting is New York in 2007.
The Characters are perfectly cast, and I can't imagine anyone else playing these well-defined and brilliantly acted roles. This movie features many big names, most from other successful films and shows. The standout star is Amy Adams, who portrays a character reminiscent of Snow White and Ariel. She effectively transitions from a naive fairytale princess to a grounded human being as she learns about true love. Patrick Dempsey is fantastic as Robert. His interactions with Giselle's fairytale princess persona with his own down-to-earth and somewhat pessimistic point of view lead to hilarious and romantic moments. Idina Menzel also makes an appearance, and while one might expect her to sing, her character, Nancy, is surprisingly entertaining and engaging despite having limited material to work with. The film isn't just about the main characters; the supporting cast is equally enjoyable and charming. James Marsden plays Edward, a witty yet dimwitted prince who can sing beautifully. Timothy Spall shines as Nathaniel, the clumsy but endearing assistant. Giselle's chipmunk friend, Pip, loses his ability to speak in the real world, providing some of the most physical comedy in the film. Susan Sarandon delivers a memorable performance as Queen Narissa, embodying traits of past female Disney villains. These talented actors are given rich characters to portray, and each one shines brilliantly whenever they're on screen.
The Cinematography and Classical 2D Animation work harmoniously together, as both mediums are utilized to their fullest potential to bring a vision to life. Although the animation in this movie is brief, it is stunning, featuring rich colored backgrounds and beautiful fairytale scenery. Walt Disney Animation Studios did not produce the actual 2D hand-drawn animation; instead, it was created by a smaller company called James Baxter Animation, which aimed to mimic the style of Disney classics. Director Kevin Lima described the animation as an effort to incorporate as much classic Disney fairytale imagery as possible, and it succeeds, even if the animation style is somewhat different from what one would expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios in the past. The short-lived animation makes me wish Disney would consider producing a full-length 2D animated feature. Once we transition to the live-action cinematography, we see iconic New York City locations like Times Square and Central Park in the daytime. Even though most of the film is live-action, it is shot to evoke the feel of an animated Disney movie, especially during the extravagant and wonderfully choreographed musical numbers. One of my favorite scenes is the ballroom sequence, which beautifully combines a lovely musical number with an epic battle scene involving Narissa in the Woolworth Building. This sequence incorporates many elements from Disney’s past fairytales, freshly and engagingly. I will admit that the CGI effects could have blended better with the live-action setting. Still, I can overlook this shortcoming due to their creative utilization and the integration of plenty of practical effects. This is what a tremendous hybrid movie should strive for, taking advantage of animation and live-action meduims to create a captivating experience for the audience. "Enchanted" is a prime example of a successful blend of the best of both worlds.
The Music and Songs in the film are absolutely incredible. Alan Menken, a frequent collaborator with Disney, composed the score and is best known for his work on classics like *The Little Mermaid* and *Beauty and the Beast*. The songs were written by Stephen Schwartz, with contributions from Menken. Schwartz is renowned for creating memorable songs for films such as *The Hunchback of Notre Dame* and *The Prince of Egypt*. Everything about the music complements the film perfectly, whether it’s the background score or the extravagant, catchy musical numbers. The songs especially pay homage to classic Disney tunes while adding a modern touch that makes them feel fresh and new. My favorite tracks include “That’s How You Know,” “So Close,” and the Carrie Underwood-covered “Ever Ever After.” This may be some of the best music I've heard in any Disney movie since *Tarzan*, which is quite a statement considering the number of memorable tunes produced by Disney over the years.
This movie remains just as captivating now as it did when it was first released. It would have been easy to turn it into a modern cash grab filled with excessive product placement and a lack of respect for the audience's intelligence. Instead, we received a fresh and charming take on the Disney Princess formula, infused with a lot of heart and humor. The animation and cinematography are masterful, and the soundtrack features memorable songs and beautiful compositions. This hybrid Disney film honors the company's past successes while delivering a new story that appeals to everyone. I absolutely love this movie and have watched it many times over the years. It truly demonstrates how far Disney has come in storytelling. In many ways, it was ahead of its time, making it an excellent choice for any die-hard Disney fan, whether young, old, or young at heart.
(Final Grade: A+)