Chipmunks Don't Talk in Manhattan: Enchanted

During Easter break, The Child wanted to do something special. What she really, truly wanted to do was go to a place called "Family Fun Center" where there are go carts and skee ball and other assorted amusements. Except, and this is where I really am the worst mother in the world, I loathe and abominate such places. They bore me out of my mind and worse than that, I actually have a visceral response to them. I must have once had a really bad experience that I've repressed for years. I'm fine with that. I just hate, hate, hate those sorts of places.

Enough about me. We agreed to see a movie. Except there really aren't any movies out at the moment that we were interested in. "Juno" is still playing; seen it. "Horton Hears a Who" is at the neighborhood cinema - Jim Carrey? I'd rather stick hot needles in my eyes.

I suggested that we get some Red Vines, pick up a sub sandwich and make our own theater experience at home. Fortunately, the offer of Red Vines worked and The Child agreed. So we cozied up with our snacks and had our own afternoon screening of "Enchanted".

We own it, so this wasn't the first viewing. But it is entirely re-watchable.

The genius, and the fun, of this movie is that Disney spends 107 minutes taking potshots at themselves and their franchise. Not only do they mock their catalog (looking for the references would make an excellent drinking game) but they also tease with the whole "waiting for Prince Charming" crap that has messed up generations of little girls. It's a take that is damn near redemptive.

The premise is simple: cartoon characters find their way into a place "where there are no happily ever afters". The movie begins in full-on old-fashioned Disney mode. (And I mean 'full-on' - the animation, the graphics, the narration (by the inimitable Julie Andrews, no less) plus the full swell of a chorale...classic stuff, I'm telling you). Giselle lives in the forest and has a had a dream about the prince with whom she'll share "true love's kiss". But the evil queen has other plans and Giselle finds herself climbing out of a manhole in Times Square, suddenly very real and very far from the world, and principles, with which she's familiar.

"It" girl Amy Adams ("Junebug", "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day) is Giselle and she is absolutely delightful. She initially plays Giselle like a cartoon character, with lilting voice, perky manner and elegantly extended fingers. She encounters Robert (played by the always yummy Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter (Rachael Covey), who take her in. Robert is a no-nonsense divorce attorney, with a very pragmatic view of relationships. He's cynical, Giselle is the embodiment of romantic. Do the math.

If ever the word "romp" is appropriate, it's now. This movie is fun. It's funny. Adams is perfection, plus she does her own singing and dancing. Susan Sarandon, as the evil queen, doesn't leave a bit of scenery unchewed. Sure, it's over the top. But "Enchanted" also manages to be a story about self-discovery (the way Adams gently sheds her cartoonish character is brilliant) and the true meaning of "true love".

The film had 3 songs nominated for an Oscar. The team of Stephen Swartz and Alan Menken were famously upset for a mathematical win by those Irish upstarts from "Once" but that doesn't mean the music isn't fine. It's actually pretty terrific. In fact, I can't keep from sharing this "big number" from the show, one of the nominated songs.



"How Does She Know"

See? Adorable.

If on principle you want to avoid "yet another" Disney musical, you'll live without this. But if you have a little time of a weekend afternoon to be thoroughly entertained, "Enchanted" makes an excellent matinee.

The Film Czarina gives "Enchanted" 3 ¾ out of 5 Koihead.