Watch Video Review
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this mostly live-action Disney fairy tale will appeal to kids -- even very young ones -- who have seen the many trailers and TV ads. Like most Disney flicks, the romance is chaste (a few kisses), the violence is mild (though the climactic battle with a dragon at the end could scare some sensitive little ones), and the language isn't an issue. That said, there are quite a few product placements (not to mention the tie-ins to the whole Disney Princess juggernaut) and one scene of a character getting drunk at bar.
Families can talk about what made kids want to see this movie -- the story or the advertising and Disney Princess marketing? Why are Disney Princess products so popular? Families can also discuss how this movie fits into the fairy tale genre. What other stories does it make references to? How is the story different from other princess movies? Kids: Do you think Giselle made the right decision?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sandie Angulo Chen
It's refreshing to see Disney poke a little fun at its classic fairy tales in its latest princess film, ENCHANTED. Narrated by the inimitable Julie Andrews, the story starts out as a formulaic animated flick about Giselle (Amy Adams), a damsel in fair Andalasia who's waiting for her one and only to sweep her off her feet one day, marry her the next, and start living happily ever after ASAP. But it quickly turns into an unconventional fish-out-of-water romantic comedy with infectious musical numbers.
You see, Giselle's true love, Prince Edward (James Marsden), has a stereotypical witch of a stepmother (Susan Sarandon) who'd rather dispatch Giselle to a land where no one is happy for too long (aka New York City) than deal with her usurping the throne. But what Giselle discovers in Manhattan is that there's a little magic everywhere, mostly in the form of Robert (McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey), the single-father divorce attorney who takes Giselle in to please his 6-year-old daughter (Rachel Covey).
Adams is charming and lovely and obviously destined to be a leading lady. As she beckons rats, pigeons, and bugs to clean Robert's Upper West Side pad, it's clear she has the sparkle to make her guileless character enchanting instead of annoying. Giselle's even willing to help Robert woo his girlfriend Nancy (Idina Menzel of Rent and Wicked, who sadly doesn't break into song despite her killer voice), even though she's starting to crush on him, too -- and who wouldn't?
Naturally, Edward finds his way to Giselle -- partially thanks to the "magic mirror" of a motel television -- but by that point no one in the audience will be rooting for them to hook up back in Andalasia. That's what's so spectacularly sweet about Enchanted: Even dashing princes aren't a match for damaged single fathers.
And even kids who can't recognize all of the movie's various princess archetypes and tongue-in-cheek jokes will fall for this winning love story -- as will their parents.
Families who enjoy live-action fairy tales may also like The Princess Bride, Ella Enchanted, The Princess Diaries, and (for slightly older kids) Stardust, in addition to all of the animated Disney classics referenced in the film.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentA few kisses, including "true love's kiss," and a scene of Giselle modestly coming out of the shower and getting wrapped in a towel. She also flirts/dances with Robert. Some dating/relationship innuendo that will go over kids' head. |
 |
|
|
|
ViolenceA wicked witch tries to poison Giselle; Edward wields his sword against a troll and out and about in New York City (no one is hurt). Nathaniel takes out his frustrations on Pip, mostly to humorous effect. The queen transforms into a big, threatening dragon and tries to kill Giselle and Robert (after doing her best to do Giselle in via other means). |
 |
|
|
|
Language |
|
|
|
|
Message |
|
|
|
|
Social BehaviorSends the message that even though true love doesn't always come in a predictable "Prince Charming" package, your dreams can still come true. Despite Giselle's differences, her enthusiasm and positive outlook are ultimately appreciated. |
 |
 |
|
|
CommercialismCoke, I Love NY souvenir items, Mac laptop, Blackberry PDAs, Vipp traschan, Calypso, Prada, Elie Tahari, etc. (Giselle indulges in some prime retail therapy at one point). Plus, lots of tie-ins to the Disney Princess marketing machine. |
 |
|
|
|
Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoGiselle is served an apple martini but doesn't drink it. A character gets sloshed at a bar. |
|
|
|
|
