ENCHANTED 🤩

When I was a little girl living in New York, my mom took me to see CINDERELLA playing at Radio City Music Hall. It was a huge moment not only to take the subway from the Bronx into the city, but it was a day just for the two of us. I must have been five or six. I remember walking into the theatre holding my mom’s hand. The usher handed me a program and a tiny glass slipper as a souvenir. I was enthralled and captivated by all the Princess stories. I held tightly to that delicate slipper throughout the movie and later placed it in my treasure box. I took it to school for “show and tell” many times throughout my childhood. The slipper became mystical for me over the years growing up. I thought of it as a symbol for finding your perfect match…your soulmate. I wish I still had that slipper, but alas, it was almost seventy years ago. There have been too many moves across the country from apartments to numerous houses. I remember feeling sad when it finally broke. Life happens. I thought I was over all the princess stories after having watched them with my children. Then in 2007, a magical, fantasy, musical, and comedy movie premiered. I was ENCHANTED all over again. And to my delight, there was another glass slipper moment at the ball. I was, for a few seconds, a little girl once again smiling and remembering a day long ago and, in my heart, I believe my mom was sitting next to me holding my hand once more as I was swept away into the magic of film. 

ENCHANTED is a wonderful combination of animation and live-action. Sweet bunnies, birds, mice, chipmunks, and people cross those creative boundaries of a sewer cover. It is a hilarious way to make an entrance. (No wonder New Yorkers avoid them every day.) 

ENCHANTED was a huge success monetarily. It only cost 85 million to make and grossed close to $400 million. It was nominated for three Oscars all for three special musical songs. (HAPPY WORKING, SO CLOSE, and THAT’S HOW YOU KNOW) It took 77 days to film in New York and another almost two years in the animation studio to complete. 

Amy Adams was the perfect Giselle. She epitomized the beautiful and very confused princess. The woman can sing, dance, act your socks off, and has a smile that shines as bright as a star. She made her role seem effortless even when she had to wear that ginormous 45-pound wedding dress all around the city. She said it would often make her hips hurt. I can’t even imagine. Her big production number THAT’S HOW YOU KNOW took 15 days to film. It was only five minutes long in the finished movie. 

Robert  (Patrick Dempsey) and Edward (James Marsdan) were her two princes. This was perfect casting. Robert and Edward couldn’t be more different and intriguing characters. There was so much chemistry all around, but my favorite scene was when Amy and Patrick were waltzing at the ball. The choreography and lighting took my breath away. It was a spectacular moment. And I loved how they both were costumed. Edward was wearing a copy of Giselle’s imaginary stick prince from Andalasia while she was finally dressed more modern. This was a brilliant touch. 

The entire ensemble was amazing. Casting two-time Tony Award-winning Idina Menzel in a non-singing role was fabulous and daring. Susan Sarandon as the wicked, jealous Queen was sheer perfection. And kudos to the makeup artist who transformed her into an old hag. Her tongue had a mind of its own when offering those apples to Giselle. I must also mention “rat-like” Nathanial (Timothy Spall) and as adorable Morgan (Rachel Covey). They were simply irresistible for opposite reasons. 

ENCHANTED is a delightful classic bursting with allusions and tributes to the world of DISNEY. It is a joyous, family feast for children of all ages. It is the perfect “happily ever after” treat for Valentine’s Day. Hold your loved ones’ hand or  “kiss your true love”. May all of us have an ENCHANTED day. 

ENCHANTED is available on Disney+.