Disenchanted

Disenchanted is a magical musical fairytale that continues the story of Giselle, the ever-optimistic princess from the land of Andalasia, who first enchanted audiences in the 2007 film Enchanted. Released in 2022, this whimsical sequel charmed fans with its blend of live-action and animation, catchy tunes, and heartwarming narrative, all centered around the themes of love, family, and finding one’s place in the world.

The story picks up several years after the events of the first film with Giselle (played by Amy Adams), who is now married to the charming and dapper Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey). Together with their growing family, they navigate the challenges of their blended fairy-tale life in the bustling city of New York. As their family's needs change, Giselle and Robert decide that it’s time for a fresh start. They make the bold move to the suburb of Monroeville, hoping for a more peaceful and idyllic life that is reminiscent of Giselle's animated homeland.

However, Giselle soon discovers that suburban living is not the storybook experience she had hoped for. Faced with the reality of nosy neighbors, school politics, and the daunting task of creating a new home, she begins to question her happily ever after. Life in Monroeville becomes more complicated with the arrival of Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), the town’s undisputed queen bee who takes an immediate interest in the new family on the block. As Giselle attempts to find her footing, her Andalasian optimism clashes with the everyday eccentricities of modern suburbia.

In a bid to bring back the magic and cement her family’s happiness, Giselle takes a drastic step that unintentionally turns their lives — and the entire town of Monroeville — upside down. The film explores Giselle's journey as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and what it truly means to be "disenchanted." Her idealistic views on life are put to the test, and she must dig deep to understand the complexities of love, family bonds, and personal fulfillment beyond the simplicity of "happily ever after."

Throughout the film, familiar faces from the original movie return, along with new enchanting characters from both the real world and the animated realm of Andalasia. The casting of Amy Adams as the ever-optimistic Giselle brings back the charm and vivacity that made the character beloved in the first place. Patrick Dempsey's portrayal of Robert Philip offers depth and steadiness to the story, grounding the fantastical elements with his more pragmatic and caring approach to life's hiccups.

Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of the sly and ambitious Malvina Monroe adds a sparkling new antagonistic element to the story, injecting humor and conflict as she interacts with Giselle. Rudolph's performance is balanced with warmth and wit, giving life to a villain who is both relatable and larger than life.

The film dazzles with its musical numbers, choreographed set pieces, and visually stunning animation that pays homage to classic Disney fairy tales. The sequel stays true to the spirit of Enchanted by interlacing witty nods to the Disney canon while also carving its unique identity. The juxtaposition of traditional animation with the real world underscores the contrast between Giselle's dream of a perfect fairy-tale life and the more complex, messy reality she must embrace.

Director Adam Shankman helms Disenchanted, bringing his touch to the seamless integration of live-action and animation. His previous work in other well-known musical films sets the stage for an engaging and visually delightful experience. Complementing Shankman's vision is the return of acclaimed composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, who once again collaborate to create memorable new songs that resonate with the themes of the movie and drive the story forward.

Disenchanted explores the transition from naivety to understanding and from the simplicity of storybook solutions to facing real-life challenges. It's an enchanting tale that adults and children alike can appreciate for its humor, heart, and the valuable lesson that the true magic of life is found not in perfection, but in embracing the imperfections and unexpected turns our stories take. Audiences who adored the first film are treated to not only a nostalgic revisitation of its magical atmosphere but also an evolved narrative that speaks to growth and change. This sequel stands as a celebration and critique of fairy-tale tropes, engaging viewers with its self-awareness, charm, and enchanting storytelling.