Enchanted (2007): Disney’s Fairy Tale Still Enchants Ten Years Later

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Though vague, memories of seeing this Disney charmer is fondly  wrapped up with a bow. The idea of a contemporary fairy tale appealed to teen me (let’s be real, it still does). This is part of the reason why Enchanted is, and shall continue to be, one of my favorite feel-good films.

Enchanted (2007) Disney Film Review

The Kingdom of Andalasia is celebrating. It’s an important day for the idyllic kingdom and in particular for its prince. You see, he has found the one with whom he’ll share “True Love’s Kiss.” Only trouble is, his stepmother isn’t about to have any girl compete for her crown. Threatened by the prince’s would-be bride, she sends the beautiful girl to a place where there are no “happily ever afters,” a scary place called New York City.

Over ten years later, and this #Disney classic still has it. Enchanted (2007): Disney’s Fairy Tale Still Enchants Ten Years Later Share on X

Giselle (Amy Adams) steps into New York alone and unsure of what to do. No one in this big, frightening place shows her any kindness. Desperate to find the castle and reunite with her prince, Edward (James Marsden), she wanders the harsh streets of this loud place alone. Until Robert (Patrick Dempsey) quite literally, catches her.

A divorce lawyer who’s widowed with a small daughter, Morgan (Rachel Covey), Robert isn’t interested in the fairy tale. He’d rather find a sensible relationship. What he does not expect is the entrance of Giselle, and her tales of magic and prince’s, into his life.

When trying to think of words to describe Enchanted, words fail. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe my adoration of this little film. It’s one of those stories I don’t think I’ll ever tire of no matter my age, flaws someone may point out or I may spy myself. Aside from the intentional magical elements of the story, there’s something about this script that is timeless.

For those of you who also flocked to the theater to see this film, you might not believe this, but this year it turns ten years old. (To say this feels like a form of owning up to my age, and I’m really not sure I want to.) I recently sat down to re-watch Enchanted, and realized something. One is this important anniversary and two I’m reminded how true my earlier statement is, and this one lives up to its title.

Romantic Movie Scene Spotlight | Enchanted, Ten Years Later

Everything (from little details to the big over-the-top performances) works seamlessly together. Though I have to be in the right mood for big-production musicals, I do enjoy the scenes that go “all out.” Granted the park scene could have benefited from less fuss, but I understand its purpose and the contrast of its display. From the music (by award-winning composer Alan Menken) to the costumes and cast, everything in this quality performance is intricate.

I knew it was you. – Enchanted

Amy Adams has been one of my favorite actresses since first I saw her in a starring role. In the role of Giselle, she’s at ease. Similarly, she and Patrick Dempsey play off one another in an easy-going manner. Their respective character’s evolution is one of the best parts of the film; it makes the love story all the sweeter. Additionally, familiar faces include Timothy Spall, Susan Sarandon, Idina Menzel (who would later become a Disney princess herself in Frozen), and in cameo roles, the Little Mermaid, Jodi Benson and Belle, Paige O’ Hara. Plus, there’s countless nods to classic Disney fairy tale animation.

No matter how old I get, this story continues to enchant. Maybe it’s the branding. Or perhaps more basic than this, it’s the fact that the “girl” in me loves the romanticism. There’s nostalgia attached to each and every frame (animation sequence included). Whether it’s the pop light songs or the traditional fairy tale that turns upside down, Enchanted is something I don’t foresee becoming weary of. It might not be something I watch with frequency, but each time I do, it sweeps me into its world of make-believe and magic. Perhaps its greatest attribute is that the romance has an uncanny ability to be genuine and still weave fairy tale elements into a love story that is timeless.