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(Trailer can be downloaded as QT and MPG)

I could use a lot of clever little phrases to sum up Enchanted. I could say things like "Enchanted is enchanting" or "Enchanted is magical" or so on and so forth; but rather than get overly clever, I'll just simply say that Enchanted is a fun, clever movie that you and your whole family shouldn't miss.

Amy Adams and James Marsden steal every scene they're in during this delightful film. They truly bring to life everything that has made Disney princesses and princes so charming during Disney's long reign of the animated fairy tale. In fact, the little Oscar buzz Ms. Adams has generated with this role is entirely worthwhile. She may not win, but I hope she's at least recognized for the wonderful performance she gives in Enchanted (video: Singing in the Park). As for James Marsden, well, he turns out to be a truly charming prince, something lacking in his other heroic roles. This film wouldn't be nearly as much fun or as enjoyable if these two key parts weren't played to perfection. Fortunately they are, and it makes the rest of the film work wonderfully. Add in some well used special effects, beautifully animated sections that harken back to Disney's golden age, and catchy musical numbers that may seem a bit cheesy but are still delightful, and you have a film that's truly... enchanting (sorry; I had to do it at least once).

The true magic of Enchanted is the fact that Disney has finally recaptured what made its fairy tales so special in the years when Disney was alive (video featurette: The Legacy). The optimism and hope of the characters that dreams really can come true, that happily ever after should be the fate of all, and that true love really does conquer all are once again not just flightful fancies, but the true beliefs of the Prince and Princess. How refreshing, especially in light of today's cynicism. In fact, it's the juxtaposition of real-world cynicism and fairy-tale optimism that's at the core of what makes this movie so much fun. The question of whether or not we really can have a happily ever after in the "real" world is one we'd all like answered.

I'd have to agree with Princess Giselle in her belief that it is possible and we should expect it, though not for the same reason. You see, I believe in a happily ever after because the Bible promises it, not because I believe in fairy tales. Some may not see a difference between the two, but I've yet to see the Bible disproven as fact, so I think it's worth taking at face value. In fact, the story of the Bible is a fairy tale for our lives, for the real world. It tells a true story of true love. More importantly, it promises that someday our prince will come and take us home to a happily ever after in eternity with Christ, a promise that's easy to doubt in light of the harshness and despair of the "real" world.

Amy Adams -Photo Credit: BARRY WETCHER

That's where faith comes in. Disney princesses know it better as wishing on a star or believing with all your heart, but it's essentially the same: knowing that what we see doesn't always indicate what is true. That's faith. Some may see it as foolish optimism, but after watching a movie like Enchanted I'm reminded that's a far preferable way to live than the rest of the world. Why wouldn't you want to live with joy instead of doubt, delight instead of despair? While Christians don't live magical lives where nothing ever goes wrong, they do live joyful lives where they know things will get better no matter how dark the days may get. That's a rare hope that more people need to experience outside of fairy tales, and perhaps a film like Enchanted, which stirs up that desire in one's heart, will help more people realize their need for what the Bible promises.

There's only one thing about Enchanted that I'd have to say I didn't enjoy, and while to some it may seem so small as to be nitpicking, it seems rather glaring considering what Enchanted is supposed to be about. The belief of Princess Giselle in true love's first kiss is so refreshing in a world where we don't know love from lust; but the purity of her belief is tainted at the end of the film. While Prince Edward finds his happily ever after and gets married, we don't see any such resolution for Giselle. Granted she's dancing around with her love, but I don't believe the implication of marriage is enough. If we can be explicitly told in the fantasy world that happily ever after is to be married, why can't that be the case in the real world? The lack of a clear indication that Giselle and Robert do indeed get married, and the possibility that they merely live happily ever after together without getting married is an out-of-place concession to the values of today's culture. I would have been much happier if, even in the real world, the story ended with a wedding rather than letting the audience decide how their happily ever after came about.

Patrick Dempsey and James Marsden -Photo Credit: BARRY WETCHER

I could gush on and on about the delights of Enchanted, but this is really one film that you have to see for yourself. While cynical adults may write it off as just another Disney princess film for tweens, it's so much more than that. In fact, adults at the screening I attended were just as delighted and entertained as the kids. When's the last time you've heard of a film that could do that: entertain children and bring out the child in adults? That's what makes Enchanted so special. You leave feeling... well, happy and hopeful. It's a good feeling, but like most fairy tales, eventually that feeling fades. Fortunately, the Bible tells us about hope that doesn't disappoint and a feeling that can last for all eternity; so I guess happy endings really do come true after all.