Enchanted

I saw this film a couple of weeks ago and just hadn't thought about doing a review, but the more I think about it, the more I think it deserves some critical acclaim. A lighthearted piece blending fairy tale with the harsh stereotype of the tough city of New York. Genre-bending, yet comical, this movie excels at self-deprecating humor. The actors for the most part do a fine job, and the cartoon intro really lightens the mood and makes for an enjoyable journey.

Amy Adams and James Marsden are the Cinderella/Snow White and Prince Valiant characters, and their naivetés and strange customs make them stick out like a sore thumb in the otherwise "normal" New York City. Patrick Dempsey is the cliche wealthy single father divorce lawyer who is in a moderately unhappy relationship. Kudos to Adams for convincingly playing the princess, singing to birds and making dresses out of window treatments while always maintaining an optimistic and ignorant smile. She makes the movie what it is, and without her, it would just be average fare.

The story lacks any real creativity except for the untraditional take on mixing media, which it does successfully. There is something refreshing about the cartoon sequences, they are done almost with excessive mocking of the fairy tale existence, and it makes the film work. The song and dance routines are not my cup of tea, but they are cute, and get the point across. The storyline doesn't stray far from what would be expected, and everyone of course lives happily ever after.

Adams deserves a nomination for this one, and I would say that it is a great family-friendly film worthy of checking out. 6/10.