Originally Posted By BlueOhanaTerror Well, I was definitely skeptical as much as just a month or two ago... but I gotta say, it's great to be wrong here. The movie was wonderful, joyful, and so darn refreshingly NON-cynical. I agree about the design for the Dragon, though. Kind of underwhelming. The Dragon could have had some cooler investment... kind of went "eh" there. But otherwise... wow. What a great film. And very much like Mary Poppins is about George Banks, this movie is very much about Robert. I still consider it "Giselle's" story, but Robert's whole story is so strong and full of pathos... My favorite thing about this? The script was genuinely SMART. This is a very difficult movie to do WELL, and they did it very, very well. Kudos. They deserve all the money they make and then some.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd The movie clips of Happy Working Song and That's How You Know are on the Enchanted MySpace page. Yes this is a spoiler if you haven't seen the movie yet. <a href="http://myspace.com/enchantedmovie" target="_blank">http://myspace.com/enchantedmo vie</a> Go down to movie clips.
Originally Posted By Dlmusic <<The script was genuinely SMART.>> People keep saying this but I did not feel that the movie I saw was particularly smart. Enchanted came across very one-trick to me, and far short of brilliant comedic writing. Are there any particular scenes people could point out to me so I can understand why this film is getting the acclaims?
Originally Posted By jdub "Enchanted" could have gone very much the route of "George of the Jungle 2," in its self-referentialosityaciousness, or "Shrek" in its makefunofDisneytoptobottomposity, but it did neither. It contains a ton of obvious and subtle references to the animated Disney films, but it also works as a straightforward, suprisingly NOT all that overly-goofy story.
Originally Posted By threeundertwo >>Are there any particular scenes people could point out to me so I can understand why this film is getting the acclaims?>> *****Spoiler***** My jaw dropped when she reached out and touched his bare chest while he was wearing a bathrobe. Disney princesses just don't *do* that sort of thing! There was a lot of tension there reflected in both characters. Very well done.
Originally Posted By BlueOhanaTerror >>>People keep saying this but I did not feel that the movie I saw was particularly smart. Enchanted came across very one-trick to me, and far short of brilliant comedic writing. Are there any particular scenes people could point out to me so I can understand why this film is getting the acclaims?<<< Yeah, DL, we could have quite a lengthy conversation about that, but I don't feel it's appropriate 3 days after the film opened. In general, however, I'll say this: 1) The film brilliantly sets up several essential "triggers" that are paid off at strategic and important moments in the film. These are not merely important for pure humor or pleasure's sake, but to enhance to authenticity of the central character and central conceit - that a "fantasy" character has been transformed into the weighty world of flesh and blood. If we don't buy into THAT, nothing else works. The contrivances used (and they are that, because this is fantasy) are SMART and economically deployed - not too much, not too willy-nilly. 2) The complete abandon and sincerity with which each character inhabits their roles - in films like this, we've often seen actors phoning it in, or just playing it all camp. The only actor who comes close to this is Sarandon, and (thankfully) she's not on screen very much. When she is there, she works, but given just HOW "melodramatic" (to use her own character's word) her part comes off, it's good that we only get her in small doses. NOT overusing her is also "smart." A lesser film/filmmaker would have relied on her as an easy crutch to ramp up dramatic tension, RATHER than wring that tension and conflict out of the interpersonal relationships (always harder to accomplish). 3) Building on that point, though the film IS "grounded" in fantasy, it relishes REAL human relationship issues, and wrests its greatest emotional oomph from these moments. Giselle's evolving awareness, Robert's very complex path (which I don't want to detail for spoiler's sake - but it's VERY complex - he's dealing with not one, two, but THREE big changes in his life, all colliding at once, and the "C" plot, if you will, of the COMMUNITY influenced for good through the "wandering angel" that Giselle represents. She makes her world BETTER, and it's not easy, in a postmodern filmmaking sensibility, to represent that. We could go on for a long time, with specific instances. But I found it very, very smart that this film is, like Mary Poppins being about Mr. Banks and not the title character, more really about ROBERT and his path toward "enchantment." It could have been much, much sillier, stupider, duller, and witless. I fully expected it to be, given the huge studio budget and 8 or 9 years of script revisions. But that 93% on Rottentomatoes shows that in the last three years, the film came into good custodial stewardship. In the end, we have ONE writer credited, and one director who shepherded it and oversaw every last detail, to the extent of convincing Dick Cook to authorize a few extra days' shooting to add some final, detailed touches. Smart movie. Probably most of all, because somehow, in OUR TIME, this time full of dreary cynicism, fully justified by the events swirling about us, in OUR TIME, this film actually works - and enchants. No small feat.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd Possible spoilers... There is huge development in EVERY character in this movie. The Princess, placed in a world where if she falls, there just might not be someone there to catch her anymore learns her own power. The Prince, there is a lot of development in him that I don't think people are catching as they focus on Giselle and Robert, going from being the center of attention and perfect, to a place that is awkward and painful for him and he has to adapt and becomes the better person for it. The Henchman who is forced to come to terms with his self esteem issues that allow another to push him around. All these, converting the fantasy character to a real world character. And then on the other side. Robert: hurt in the past and cynical toward love, discovers the magic of true loves kiss. Nancy: going through the motions, discovering the joy of romance and letting go. But they don't slap you in the face with these transformations, like many movies do; "Hey stupid audience, let's force this plot on you." It develops subtlely in the background of the story which is wonderful and entertaining story. The only one who doesn't adapt is the queen, and well we know what happens to her. I will agree that I was thrown off a little by the dragon. It could of been a incredible beast and it came off as cartoony in the real world setting. The only other thing that bugged me was when Giselle reappeared and took off with the daughter and the American Express card. Who the heck was watching the kid???
Originally Posted By Dlmusic <<My jaw dropped when she reached out and touched his bare chest while he was wearing a bathrobe. Disney princesses just don't *do* that sort of thing! There was a lot of tension there reflected in both characters. Very well done.>> I thought presenting sexual tension in such an obvious way was like getting smacked with a 2x4, and I also felt it came from left field. I totally understand why he goes for her, but I really don't understand why she is interested in him. I guess it's because he helps he broaden her horizons? But then why does she end up as a dress maker? She really doesn't evolve that much. <<The Princess, placed in a world where if she falls, there just might not be someone there to catch her anymore learns her own power.>> Once again, her power to sew dresses. Not help people with counseling, not promoting world peace, not teaching kids in school. But sewing dresses. Why? <The Prince, there is a lot of development in him that I don't think people are catching as they focus on Giselle and Robert, going from being the center of attention and perfect, to a place that is awkward and painful for him and he has to adapt and becomes the better person for it.> I don't understand how this exemplified, except possibly at the end where he decides that Robert being Giselle's true love is ok. But the audience laughed at that moment so I thought it was supposed to be a sign of the Prince's shallowness. That's how I took it anwyay. <<The Henchman who is forced to come to terms with his self esteem issues that allow another to push him around.>> This character change was far from subtle but it was rather nice. The character was quite boringly written though IMO. <<Robert: hurt in the past and cynical toward love, discovers the magic of true loves kiss.>> So was the woman he was with not his true love? Why did he get it wrong? The movie seems to imply that you can "just know" when it's the right person, but then on the other hand the whole dating thing and getting to know somebody becomes important, but then on the other hand the whole idea of you could have everything lined up and the woman be wrong for you. So is it do the best you can and hope for the best? Or what? <<Nancy: going through the motions, discovering the joy of romance and letting go.>> Nancy gets her dream man doesn't she? I thought her arc was exceptable but it seemed that her role was only for logistical purposes. She was give tension for Giselle and Robert at the beginning, and was able to give the Prince someone to marry at the end. Beyond that, I didn't see anything else coming from her. I think in the end the problem I had with the movie wasn't that it was bad, it was just I was confused by what the filmmakers were trying to convey. I also did not find most of the humor that amusing so without that to fall back on I found it just an emotionless animated tale. I didn't get any rush of emotions as I had with any of the Disney animated classics.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd In honesty, if the movie didn't work for you, then it just didn't work for you. There's nobody who's going to convince you otherwise. I was listing the reasons that I liked the movie, not trying to convice you to like something that you don't. There's nothing wrong with not liking something. We are all different people here. What I am not understanding is why designing clothes and being a business owner is a bad thing for a woman to be? Why is being a marriage counseler better then a designer? Believe me I'm a pretty liberated woman, but I guess I'm missing that?
Originally Posted By BlueOhanaTerror The audience I was with laughed a LOT, but they didn't laugh when the Prince told Robert to kiss her. You did hear a few go "awww..." with that hurt lump in the throat sort of feel. And I have to agree with Sherry... why is being a dressmaker a shallow evolution? Fashion designers love what they do, they are heralded for their work, and she's bringing joy to children... she's designing fashions for kids, primarily, I think. SPOILER Essentially she's informing her world with joy and beauty, and that's a very noble calling. It's almost a Divine calling, actually, so to me, far from a minor evolution of her character. Had she just stayed in Andalasia, she would've been a princess with servants. Now she's an entrepreneur.
Originally Posted By Dlmusic <<And I have to agree with Sherry... why is being a dressmaker a shallow evolution? Fashion designers love what they do, they are heralded for their work, and she's bringing joy to children... she's designing fashions for kids, primarily, I think.>> I guess my problem with it is that the movie never protrayed fashion as an important element of Giselle's life. Sure she made her clothes out of curtains but the movie didn't seem to highlight that more than as a gag so the idea that her ulitmate goal would be in fashion was a little disappointing. Especially considering the movie showed how much she seemed to want to help people enjoy their lives more. Don't get me wrong I'm undermining anyone in the fashion industry as shallow and I certainly think that artistry is an important industry and being a clothing entrepreneur is a pretty good career, I just thought the movie would been more rewarding for me if she would have been given a more meaty and less typical female role. If anything it would have been better that instead of showing her flittering around her workspace if they showed something a bit more substanial. For example they could have had her figuring out the next line based on what children were telling her, or simply deciding that black is too depressing and people need color in their life and getting success out of that. Just a line or two would have given her success as a manager based on intelligence and personality more than just relying on the skills of animal labor. Again I'm not trying to convince anyone that the movie is bad, but I do appreciate hearing the comments in favor of the movie. I do feel that when I see the film for a second time (which I'm sure I will) I will enjoy it a lot more now that I can view it from another's perspective.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd I think what they were going for in that scene was one, to show that she became successful and two, to connect back to the classic Disney princess cute animal helpers line as they were primarily showing the people working along side the animals. There were many things that were done in the movie to specifically refer to previous animated features and the cute forest creature helpers is a big theme in just about any Disney fairy tale.
Originally Posted By brotherdave I found the movie fun, humorous, and, touching. Amy Adams is OUTSTANDING as Giselle, and the rest of the cast was equally impressive. I think this film may possibly become a Disney classic. **** POSSIBLE SPOILERS ***** Personally, I would have liked to seen a little bit more of life in Andalasia at the beginning of the film. A little more plot development between Narissa and Edward on how she became queen. (Edward revealed that she was his stepmother. How did this happen? etc. Possible more evil plots by Narissa?) I would have liked to have seen a little more interaction between Giselle and the little girl, too. Some of the more 'adult' awkward moments could have been easily removed and I feel were unnecessary. (i.e., "Men are after only one thing.") Also, how did Giselle know about vaccuum cleaners and toilets in her "Happy Little Work Song"??? Most of my gripes are little, since I thoroughly enjoyed the film. But, these little things somehow (minorly) annoyed me while watching the movie. I don't ever recall that feeling watching some of the other classics like Mary Poppins. Overall, it's a great film despite it's small flaws. One that I eagerly anticipate viewing again! I'm sure that we'll see much more of Miss Adams in future projects!!!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub The ending with the dress design studio... Why didn't they just call it Bibbidy Bobbidy Bootique,Inc.So we would all get the subtle message to leave the movie immediately and buy Disney gowns for everyone on our Xmas list.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I didn't view the bare chest/bathrobe scene in the same way others here did. Yes, it was momentarily unsettling for a Disney Princess (or Princess to be) to do this, but then I considered that she was simply intrigued by the sight of his chest (since, in the films the Prince is always buried under layers of elaborate clothes), and that she simply was touching his heart. That the film makers chose to handle the scene so delicately helped immensely, of course.
Originally Posted By BlueOhanaTerror >>>Sure she made her clothes out of curtains but the movie didn't seem to highlight that more than as a gag so the idea that her ulitmate goal would be in fashion was a little disappointing.<<< But you're forgetting something: 1) She didn't merely make clothes out of curtains - she made BEAUTIFUL GOWNS out of curtains. She did something extraordinary with something common. That's kind of magical, but also goes to her exceptional skills/talent. 2) It seemed as if she was designing fanciful fashions for children - which brings special "magic" to little girls, and helps her bring joy into their lives in a way unique to her. It's very true to her character, she ends up being an entrepreneur, which shows growth and adaptation to our world, and no betrayal of her innate gifts.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: I'm still crying over this movie. It touched the heart of my big ol' cauldron more than I can say. ORDDU: Can Alan Menken ever do anything wrong when it comes to writing beautiful songs?! I think not! ORGOCH: Yeah, it was okay--'spec'ly after all them bellowin' brats Shrek 'n Fiona foisted on us in that last dang movie we conjured up inside the ol' crystal. ORWEN: All I know is I wanna' be enchanted, too--just like my newest best friend, Giselle! ORDDU: And I want a man like Robert or Prince Edward--but only until Tarzan finally decides to lose the plain Jane he's been hanging around with lately...
Originally Posted By chickendumpling Oh my goodness but how I LOOOOOOVED this movie!!! Eight of us went last night, only 4 of us Disney fans but everyone just raved about it afterwards. Such a great quotable film! I can't wait to see it again. I will totally buy this movie. One of my many favorite parts? The big production number in the park. FanTAStic! That is PRECISELY what goes on in my head on a daily basis and how I think the real world should be. *sigh* I just loved this movie.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd <<<That is PRECISELY what goes on in my head on a daily basis and how I think the real world should be.>>> I'm so glad to know I'm not the only person who would rather see the world as a big musical production.
Originally Posted By Ursula We saw it last night at the El Capitan. LOVED IT!!! Our party of five left singing and wanting the soundtrack. I only wish that others would be able to experience the Enchanted event that the El had following the movie. I had my picture taken with Giselle and she loved that I liked her story. They also had the other princesses in attendance in different settings for great pictures, a display of costumes from the movie, video games to play, a small store so that we could buy things, street performers in the New York section, make-up artists to glitter us up. and green-screen photo ops that placed us in scenes from the movie. Well done, Disney!!!
