Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming sequel will please fans; mild scares, romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
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Disenchanted
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say the sequel offers a more family-friendly experience compared to its predecessor, providing a mix of entertainment with music and humor, though some found the messaging to be lacking and the plot derivative. While it appeals to parents looking for a kid-friendly movie, criticisms about the writing, character development, and excessive musical numbers have led some to feel it's not as strong as the original.
- 1. Family-friendly themes
- 2. Derived plot elements
- 3. Mixed character development
- 4. Excessive musical numbers
- 5. Fun entertainment value
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say the sequel fails to capture the magic of the original, with many finding the plot boring, music uninspired, and overall execution disappointing, despite some enjoyable moments. Others appreciate returning characters and the film's themes, but the mixed reviews highlight major concerns over character development and storyline coherence, leading to a divided audience reaction.
- disappointing plot
- poor music
- character issues
- mixed reviews
- fun moments
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Giselle (Amy Adams) and husband Robert (Patrick Dempsey) are moving their two daughters, Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino) and baby Sofia, to the suburbs at the start of DISENCHANTED. Giselle has finally had enough of grimy New York and has found a castle-looking home in a fairytale-like suburb. Things get off to a rough start: teenage Morgan is angry about being moved, the house isn't quite move-in ready, Robert has a soul-sucking commute, and the other school moms, reigned over by Malvina (Maya Rudolph), are unwelcoming, to say the least. When Giselle is gifted a magic wand, she makes a wish that her new life becomes a fairytale, and suddenly the world around her transforms. But what she doesn't count on, and cannot control, is the effect the changes will have on everyone around her, and on the beings of Andalasia back home.
Is It Any Good?
Featuring another tour-de-force performance by Adams, starring as the charming ingenue turned wicked stepmother, this sequel will please fans. Disenchanted reverses the roles of its predecessor: Instead of a cartoon princess landing in real-world New York, the princess turns her new home in the suburbs into a fairytale world and, in the process, becomes evil and risks sucking the life out of the actual magical kingdom of Andalasia. It's a clever premise -- what suburb couldn't use a little excitement? -- that allows the actors to play against character and the characters to further parody Disney tropes. By far the film's highlight is a showstopping villain sing-off between Adams and Rudolph -- two evil divas dressed to the nines and fighting over who's "badder" and should be queen. They bring PTA-mom rivalry to a whole new level.
The film has some funny lyrics about the family's move to the "magic kingdom of suburbia" and what constitutes a fairytale life. But the set-up of the story and presentation of character updates (cute little Morgan is now a sullen teen) takes a bit too long and the intro section lulls. It's only once Giselle starts to feel evil that the film picks up and the real fun begins. Her chipmunk turns into an amusingly evil fat cat ("I feel so superior!"), and Adams appears to be having a blast arguing with herself as good and bad Giselle fight over her spirit. Dempsey also looks to be enjoying himself, failing at slaying dragons and giants. But Enchanted, and now Disenchanted, is Amy Adams' show, and not even Idina Menzel's spectacular singing or Rudolph's droll eyebrow lifts can steal her limelight.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Disenchanted uses material from its prequel, Enchanted, but evolves the characters. What's different, and what's the same?
The film combines live-action and animation. How do films do this? Do the animated characters look like the real ones? What other films have you seen that use this technique?
What role do memories play in the climax of this film? Why do you think memories are given such importance?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 18, 2022
- Cast : Amy Adams , Patrick Dempsey , Maya Rudolph
- Director : Adam Shankman
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild peril and language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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