Enchanted

Kevin Lima, USA, 2007, 107 minutes

Enchanted will take you on a magical journey as soon-to-be-princess Giselle is pushed down a well by an evil queen, leaving behind her perfect animated land and emerging into modern day New York. She befriends Robert, a rather jaded and pessimistic divorce lawyer who no longer believes in true love and happily-ever-afters. As Giselle waits for her prince to come and rescue her she brings, albeit slightly manic, chirpiness to the world around her.

One of the most wonderful moments is when Giselle decides to tidy up Robert’s flat and sings out the window as she always does, expecting cute birds and fluffy squirrels to come to her aid. Instead rats, pigeons and cockroaches hear her call. Knowing that it is “always nice to make new friends”, Giselle soon has them all cleaning along in time to the music. She sings 'Happy Working Song' - a joyful piece featuring such lines as “we adore each filthy chore that we determine, so friends, even though you’re vermin, we’re a happy working song”.

Another delightful segment is when Giselle spontaneously bursts into song with 'that’s how you know' in Central Park. Everyone joins in from Broadway stars (now pensioners) to acrobats and break-dancers. A massive cast comes alive in a way reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood musicals.

And it is not just one for the soppy girlies. My Fellini-loving father, my suspicious brother and my film buff flat mate all enjoyed it. It is both funny and heartwarming and it would be pretty difficult not to be swept away with this lovely film.

Enchanted makes me want to sing 'a happy working song' whenever I tidy up, be a better person and of course become a Disney princess.

Review by Katherine Sellar
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2007