Disenchanted

Image credit: paperwriter.ca

There is always a risk with sequels. More often than not they are never as good as their predecessors, especially if those predecessors take the world by storm, as Disney’s Enchanted did. Remember that saccharinely sweet, absolutely over-the-top production that launched Amy Adams into the stratosphere and had us all singing? Admittedly the film is not all that amazing in hindsight, but what made it so huge was the clever way in which it played to that romantic part of us that really adores the idea of love at first sight and happily ever afters. When I discovered that there was a sequel, I didn’t know how to feel about it. How do you write another story when the lovers kiss and ride into the sunset that signals The End?

Giselle has had her happily ever after for a while. She has found her true love, gained a daughter, and even brought a new addition to the family. But when stress of parenthood and being stepmother to a teenager begin to wear her down, she wonders if there are new happily ever afters out there. So she and Robert decide to move to suburbia. Upon moving to Monroeville, the family is visited by King Edward and Queen Nancy of Andalasia, who bring with them a magic wishing wand for their baby goddaughter Sofia. After a fight with Morgan, Giselle uses the wand and makes a wish that turns Monroeville into a fairytale village complete with an evil queen. But her wish takes a turn when she starts to adopt behaviours befitting a wicked stepmother.

This movie was really surprising. As a sequel, it’s actually really good. All of the original cast reprise their roles and it has that same over-the-top, fairytale splendour that so violently coloured the original. The story is a lot more complex, as it explores the intricacies of changing identities, growing up, and the dynamic social roles in both the family and community. The driving force for all the characters is trying to adapt to a world that is getting older with them and mourning the loss of better days. Morgan is going through adolescence, Robert is close to hitting a mid-life crisis, and Giselle struggles to find happiness in a world where there is no magic. It’s actually hard to verbalise all the stuff that is going on.

image credit: movieweb.com

The performances are all great and the soundtrack features some bangers that will absolutely be making it into my Favourite Musicals playlist. And every visual aspect of this movie is absolutely gorgeous from the costumes, to the set design, to the choreography, and the computer wizardry that sees some truly amazing scenes.

I’ll admit that I was sceptical and not sure about it for the first half, but the film turned itself around and became something that I really enjoyed and was surprised by. If you liked Enchanted, then I think you’ll enjoy Disenchanted.

Director: Adam Shankman, 2022

Cast: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Maya Rudolph, Gabriella Baldacchino, Idina Menzel, Jayma Mays, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alan Tudyk & James Marsden