Saturday, December 08, 2007

Simply Enchanting


"I've been dreaming of my true love's kiss."
I've been singing that all morning, and I suspect the line has become one of those brain-worms that just won't let go. But that's cool, because last night I saw ENCHANTED with the hubby. What a great flick! I sat through the whole thing with a big smile on my face, and in the end when the villain asked if we were 'sitting at the edges of our seats' I wanted to shout "Yes! Here I am at the edge of my seat!". I was initially worried, while watching the animated beginning, that this film might not be angled toward adults, but fear not, it's for both young and old. And Disney's gentle mockery of the princess-genre animation blockbusters it basically created is a joy to watch.

This is one movie that almost every starring role seemed spot-on, such a perfect fit. From Amy Adams amazing portrayal of the innocent starry-eyed princess, even down to those overwrought Disney-esque hand gestures that every good cartoon princess utilizes (Do those chicks ever just stand still?). And James Marsden, as Prince Edward played vain and macho prince-in-need-of-a-princess to perfection, when he could have easily went over the top. Patrick Dempsey as the 'real' man in the story, a divorcee with young daughter, is reluctant to allow his life to even consider the fairy tale wonders that he could have. And of course there's Pip, the chipmunk, who acted his furry little heart out even after discovering that he couldn't talk in the real world. (Of course, as we all know from Disney World, cartoon people characters can talk in the real world, but too bad for those animal characters.)

The whole premise, does a fairy tale romance have a chance in the real world, was simple, and I loved the way it was resolved. Everyone ended up exactly where they belonged. The only tiff I had with it (without trying to use spoilers) was the dragon. That was over the top and really unnecessary after the queen's purpose had already been acheived (though the foreshadowing at the beginning with the chipmunk defeating the troll was echoed nicely with the dragon).

I am such a romantic at heart. While my hubby sat grumbling about once again being tricked into coming to another fluffy movie, I sniffed away as true love's kiss saved the day in the tradition of all good Disney romances. And shouldn't it be that way with romance novels as well?

So who's your favorite Disney princess? Who do you relate to, or have you dreamed to be?

I've always been a Little Mermaid fan. I've probably dreamed of living 'under the sea' since well before the movie came out. Don't we all have a little bit of princess somewhere inside us?

10 comments:

Jane said...

My favorite is Cinderella. I love how she goes from rags to a princess. It's an old fashioned fairy tale that never gets tired or boring. Almost every young girl dreams of becoming a princess. I'm waiting for Prince William to come find me.

Unknown said...

I've always loved Cinderella, but I really envied Sleeping Beauty her three fairy godmothers. They were great. Snow White was a good story but somehow not as appealing as the other two.

I ADORED the movie "Enchanted!" I'd urge any and everyone to go and enjoy the simple pleasure of "believing" again.

Keri Ford said...

Enchanted was WONDERFUL! Several moments had me laughing out loud.

I like different things about each of the princesses. Except Snow White. There's something about her that I just don't like and have never been able to figure out what that something is.

Dev said...

I loved Enchanted! I recommend it everywhere.

My favorite ~ Briar Rose, Ariel, Cinderella, and Belle.

Michele Hauf said...

Oh, Keri, there's always been something about Snow WHite for me, too. I thought it was the ugly old witch, but I'm wondering if it's more that she keeps company with seven short guys who all have a wealth of problems? And the coffin scene might have freaked me as a kid. I was always fearful of being buried alive, and to see Snow White in a glass coffin...?

Okay, too many weird childhood memories.

I also wanted to be Mary Poppins, because I wanted to be able to draw a picture and step into my own fantasy world. Sigh...

Cindy Gerard said...

I loved ENCHANTED too!! What really tickled me was how they worked in not only Cinderella and Snow white but Sleeping beauty too. They threw in every fairy tale fantasy they could get their hands on. Kind of like mixing metaphors. Too clever.

Dara Edmondson said...

Now I can't wait to see Enchanted! My favorite princess has to be Sleeping Beauty. I'm with you, Betina - 3 fairy God mothers? What else could a girl want?

Anonymous said...

I love Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Her kindness & sacrificing herself for her father.......

ENCHANTED was one of the best Disney movies ever! My teenaged son enjoyed it as much as I did :-)

Virginia Lady said...

I haven't seen Enchanted yet, but it sounds fun. I'm a Little Mermaid fan as well. Arielle is the coolest as far as I'm concerned. She's strong and independent, but still has her own little faults. And I would love to be a mermaid. Live under the ocean? Oh yeah, sounds romantic!

Helen Brenna said...

Enchanted was wonderful. Loved every darned second of it!

Belle has been my favorite since Beauty and the Beast came out. She's strong, yet vulnerable. Smart, loving.

No one does princesses better than Disney!