Disenchanted movie review: Amy Adams takes us on a magical ride
By Ricky Valero
We have had one heck of a year for legacy sequels, and it continues this weekend with the release of the sequel of the 2007 film Enchanted streaming on Disney+, Disenchanted. Does the film live up to the original? I share my review of the film and an interview with one of the stars of the film Ingrid Werner below.
Disenchanted is set fifteen years after happily ever after, and Giselle begins to question her happiness which turns the lives around her upside down. Adam Shankman directs the movie, with Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, and James Marsden reprising their roles. Maya Rudolph and Ingrid Werner also star.
The movie starts with a bit of background on what has happened over the last fifteen years since the happily ever after of the original film. However, we hear that “happily ever after” wasn’t what it lived up to. Giselle and Robert had a baby, which caused their lives to change forever. However, as Morgan (their kid) started to get older and become a “teenager,” Giselle saw a sign one day that made her realize maybe where they were wasn’t their happily ever after, after all.
So the family heads to Monroeville, where Giselle thinks the family can find their mojo again. As they enter the city, part of the suburbs (no suburbs I’ve ever seen) reminds Giselle of her childhood. Finally, they arrive at their castle, where the house they are moving into is not even close to being complete. Morgan is baffled by the place, like any teenager would be if we’re being honest. But her mom reassures her that this place is going to be wonderful.
Amy Adams shines in Disenchanted even with run of the mill plot elements
The entire film has this battle between Giselle and Morgan, with the latter not happy they left New York for Monroeville. The emotional beats tend to be the same from these types of films that highlight them going back and forth, which sees an ultimate Disney conclusion. It’s not a bad thing, but those type of plots are run of the mill and take away from the overall potential.
Of course, the biggest reason to watch Disenchanted is our shining star at the top, Amy Adams. Nobody, and I mean nobody, radiates the energy that Adams does on the big screen. She is a ray of sunshine that brightens the screen to make you invested even in a story we’ve seen before. I just love her work and what she brings to the table. In addition, her chemistry with Patrick Dempsey (who doesn’t age) is a delight on-screen.
"Speaking of Dempsey, it was great to hear co-star Ingrid Werner talk about how courteous and pleasant he was on set when she worked with him. In my interview with Werner, you can hear about that, the audition process, and what it was like working on a film of that nature. Take a listen here."
Another standout was the villainous performance of Maya Rudolph in the role of Malvina. She was perfectly playing opposite Adams, and her sarcasm, wit, and delightful one-liners made for a great time. The rest of the ensemble, from Idina Menzel, Gabriella Baldacchino, and Ingrid Werner, all play their parts in making this movie fun. In addition, I love the costumes and production design. The team deserves a huge pat on the back for making the viewers feel like they are part of this world.
Overall, Disenchanted might have some redundant pieces, but I found myself enjoying the cast enough to make it worth a watch. I say go into the movie with moderated expectations, and you can have a good time with it. Also, I think kids will eat this one up.
Disenchanted is streaming on Disney+ now.